TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN LONAVALA-KHANDALA: MONSOON WEEKEND BREAK FROM MUMBAI & PUNE

Last Updated on January 16, 2020 by asoulwindow

What makes Lonavala and Khandala an easy weekend break from Mumbai and Pune (India) is its proximity, immense beauty and of course the ease in reaching. No wonder it is quite a popular destination amongst Mumbaikars and Punekars.

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Tiger’s Point. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!

When I lived in Sanpada (near Vashi, Navi Mumbai) for 7 years, I used to make an annual trip every monsoon. The fact that it was just 1 hour away from my home made it an obvious choice.

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Me gazing at the city beneath. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!

Now that I have visited Lonavala and Khandala in all seasons, I cherish the monsoon visits the most. Lonavala and Khandala is pleasant in all seasons. However, monsoon exposes their real beauty. The monsoon in Lonavala and Khandala is rejuvenating, what with clouds filling your face, water gushing from every corner, verdant landscapes welcoming you cheerfully.

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When I visited Lonavala and Khandala with my parents. This is Tiger’s Hill. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!

Below are some of my favourite destinations in Lonavala and Khandala.

  1. Tiger Point:

A winding road upwards takes you to this touristy spot. A flat ground next to the tarred road faces valleys. Monkeys goof around on the iron railings. Tourists hang out for chai and hot vadapaos, especially in monsoon. Some food vans sell the special maggi pakoda and cheese pakoda (fritters). Tiger point is also the mistiest point. On clear weather one can see amazing sunsets from here.

Tip: I advise against the camel ride. It’s a tourist trap and exploitative.

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When I visited Lonavala and Khandala with my parents. This is Tiger’s Hill. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!
  1. Rajmachi Point:

A touristy ticketed garden faces mist laden valleys and mountains. There are benches and lotus ponds in the landscaped garden. A flute (baasuri) vendor who sells flutes that can imitate a koyal (cuckoo) is unmissable. After 15 minutes of practise we were successful in making the sound of a koyal. Touristy but fun nonetheless. “Hawa de kar Tuu-huuu bolne ka” said the flute wala.

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Views as seen from garden of Rajmachi point. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!

We stood at the viewing point inside the garden, sometimes staring at the serpentine roads, at times observing the mist clouding colourful houses in far distance.

Once done with the park, we moved to the adjoining restaurant and indulged in poori bhaji (Fried Indian bread with potato and tomato curry) and chai. It was cheap and delicious and much recommended.

Once out, we tried to spot some famous ‘Points’ but failed thanks to the thick fog!

Tip: Toilet is available in the park. Get out and enjoy sweet corn in the street overlooking the valley.

  1. Shooting Point:

Many of our film stars have thrusted their pelvis, fooled around trees and ran in slow motion to hug each other at this famous shooting point. We tried to ape them with limited success.

Its proximity to Mumbai and boundless beauty makes it a preferred shooting destination for Indian film and TV industry. Some places here are even known by the names where a particular ad series was shot such as Liril point, Amrutanjan point etc! The view from shooting point is breath-taking, what with huge waterfalls cascading voluptuously as if in a hurry to form temporary rivers snaking its way through the green valley. Awe – inspiring indeed! All this for free!

Tip: Observe the small flowers and mushrooms in the bushes. Go for long leisurely walks. It is perfect for picnic as well.

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Me, somewhere in he verdant pathways. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!
  1. Celebrity Wax Museum:

If you don’t expect a Madame Tussads here, you will enjoy the celebrity Wax Museum of Lonavala. Why Indians will enjoy the wax museum in Lonavala is because it has the wax statues of many prominent Indian celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan, Kapil Dev, Mahatma Gandhi etc. I found Anna Hazare’s statue the most realistic. A quick stop here can be easily included in your trip. It is ticketed.

Tip: Clean toilet available.

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Wax Statue of Chtrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Celebrity Wax Museum. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!
  1. Aamby Valley: If luxury and adventure sports are what you are looking for then Aamby Valley is the place. You can do myriad activities here. Some of the things you can do at Aamby Valley include water fountains shows, stroll in green hills, golf, broadway shows, adventure and water sports, spa sessions and even sky diving. What’s more? It is also emerging as the destination for wedding and corporate meets.
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The famous Maganlal Chikki is available in huge varieties. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!
  1. Bushy Dam:

People enjoy sitting on the steps which lead to the dam. The water from the dam falls on the steps. The water falls from many directions into huge gaps in the rock, which makes the biggest one look like a huge bath-tub carved by nature. Most tourists vie for this spot, bracing themselves to struggle with the forces of chilled (in monsoon) water rushing from all directions. I noticed some even relishing hot chai and vada-pao while sitting in the ‘bath-tub’. Changing room for men and women is available. During the peak of monsoon, the route from the main road to the dam can be inundated with water, often till knee.

Tips:

  1. Do relish the food on various stalls here. I still remember the taste of hot missal pao and boiled groundnuts.
  2. Carry extra clothes. You will most likely be wet here.
  3. Be cautious of slippery rocks. I almost fell twice.
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Me in Bushy Dam. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!
  1. Karla and Bhaja caves:

Not many tourists go here. However, for those who are interested in ancient history will find it difficult to tear themselves away from the 22 rock cut caves. Dating back to 2nd century B.C., these caves transport one to a bygone era.

  1. Duke’s nose:

Duke’s nose is an easy day trek in Khandala. Interestingly, the ‘point’ resembles Duke of Wellington’s nose, hence the name. The trekking trail starts from the Khandala Railway station. It is an easy trek and therefore ideal for beginners. The misty trail is quite popular with adventure enthusiasts in monsoon.

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Avoid weekends. Bushy Dam. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!
  1. Rajmachi Fort:

Maharashtra is famous for its ancient forts. Rajmachi Fort is near Lonavala and Khandala and a day trip here is easy. An easy trek acquaints travellers to the rich history of the place. Due to the shortage of facilities, most people do it as a day trip from Lonavala and Khandala. The locals are friendly and sell food and shelter for throw away prices.

  1. Lonavala Lake:

Not much to write home about but you will pass Lonavala Lake at least once while hopping from one place to another in Lonavala and Khandala. It’s mostly barricaded by ugly wires and hence not much popular with tourists.

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Wax Statue of Anna Hazare. Celebrity Wax Museum. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!

How to reach Lonavala and Khandala:

Train:

Indrayani Express Lonavala station to Mumbai

Koyna Express from Thane to Lonavala

Road: So many times, we have driven from Mumbai to Khandala. The ride is smooth, pleasant and short.

Bus: Many buses to Lonavala and Khandala are available from Pune and Mumbai.

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When I visited Lonavala and Khandala with my parents. This is Tiger’s Hill. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!

Where To Stay in Lonavala and Khandala:

Lonavala and Khandala has plethora of stay options for all kind of travellers. Check out these Lonavala Hotels for some great deals on luxury hotels and resorts. Some of the hotels are in the middle of all the action, while some are tucked away in quaint locations. Most point of attractions are nearby and it is convenient to travel from one point to another.

Tip: You can hire a rickshaw/cab who will drive you to the places of tourist interest in Lonavala and Khandala. Best is that you drive down and travel at your own pace.

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Me at Bushy Dam. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!

Responsible Tourism Alert in Lonavala and Khandala:

  1. Lonavala and Khandala at times can become the playground for hooligans. Don’t encourage them, don’t be one of them. (A visit on a weekday is much better than a visit on weekend)
  2. Say no to animal rides.
  3. Don’t litter just because every-one else is.
  4. Buy from locals.
  5. Don’t drink on roads and smash beer bottles on road. DON’T!

Shopping Tips:

How can you not pack multi flavoured chikkis (Peanuts and jaggery cakes) from countless shops on the main road?

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Poori Bhaji at Rajmachi point. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!

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Shooting point. Monsoon in Lonavala – Khandala. Incredible India!

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24 thoughts on “TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN LONAVALA-KHANDALA: MONSOON WEEKEND BREAK FROM MUMBAI & PUNE”

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  5. Looks like a great guide to some off-the-beaten-path places! I love the idea of making a point of traveling during the monsoon season. The heavy rains can make areas very beautiful, even if they are constantly damp.

  6. I love your unique perspective on travel. Most travelers would do their best to avoid visiting a place during monsoon season, but you’re unique in that you seek after it. Kudos to you for seeing the beauty of a place at a time wherein most people dread it.

  7. This post revived my memories of weekend visits to these places in monsoon. All the places are so relaxing and peaceful after a long drive from busy life of Mumbai. Amby Valley is my favorite in all of them and even staying there for couple of days is enjoyable. Wax museum is really lovely stopover in between as many statutes are carved so realistic. Not only monsoon, these places are worth visiting all year round. Truly INCREDIBLE INDIA.

  8. Bushy Dam looks like fun! But totally will avoid the weekend because I am not so good with the crowds. I think it’s wonderful that you can appreciate this place even during the monsoon season. This would be the time that most people would avoid traveling. I am sure it would be so lush and green during this time of the year.

  9. Hope you had visited the place recently. How is the climate?
    well written blog and for travel freaks it provides wealth of information prior to anyone’s visit.

  10. This was such an interesting post as I had no idea how much there was to do in Lonavala-Khandala. The whole area looks so green and lush (no doubt due to plenty of rainfall and the monsoon) and the scenery is just so lovely. Thank you also for including all the tips there for others that will definitely want to follow.

  11. I love western Ghats in Monsoon. They look so lush and beautiful in monsoon. And it’s so wonderful to see you enjoying them with your parents. I had not been able to see all the places you mentioned above. Just few of them. I would love to visit all.

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