If you are looking for a picnic spot near Pune, there is no better place to visit than Lonavala. It is one of the most popular places to visit for Mumbaikers and foreigners alike. Lonavala is a landscaped hill station right in the heart of Maharashtra. This quaint hill resort, located at a road distance of three hours from Mumbai, is renowned for unparalleled serenity and a wide variety of activities.
Lonavala holds a special attraction for people seeking a comfortable weekend getaway near Pune. If you are looking for a one day destination away from the hustle and bustle of city life and want to enjoy the splendid green hills and natural beauty, Lonavala is the place to go.
There are several popular places to visit in Lonavala. You can get to take in the exquisitely old heritage and culture as well as its rich historical impact. It is also a nice picnic spot near Pune. And its spectacular landscaped beauty, as well as its blissful blend of history and culture, makes Lonavala a place to visit.
Here are some of the most popular places to visit in Lonavala, arranged in no particular order:
Tiger Point :-
Tiger’s Leap, which is located approximately 8 kilometers away from Lonavala, tops this list of the most popular places to visit in Lonavala due to its breathtaking and unparalleled beauty. This clifftop – with a sheer drop of more than 650 meters – serves as a vantage point for visitors to get the best views of the greenery, the hills, as well as the frothing cascades or the Western Ghats.
The steep hill collects the waterfalls as a stream, which makes it perfect for water adventures such as river rafting, kayaking, etc. Visitors can also enjoy the exciting and exhilarating views of the valley below, which is a short distance from INS Shivaji.
The echo point on Tiger's Leap is fascinating, and it is highly recommended for you to enjoy the views from a safe spot instead of the top of the precarious cliff.
Bhushi Dam :-
Bhushi Dam is a fantastic masonry dam constructed on the Indrayani River and one of the fascinating places to visit during the monsoons. It is surrounded by rocky terrain and lush, green forests.
The water that overflows the steps of Bhushi Dam and through the rocky terrain makes it a hit among tourists and locals. During monsoons on weekends, lots of people throng the dam so much that finding a decent standing spot becomes a challenge.
Swimming in the dam is prohibited because the flow of the water is somewhat inconsistent. But visitors can enjoy the steps of the Bhushi Dam and entertain yourself at the several kiosks or stalls selling savory and hot snacks.
Adlabs Imagica :-
Imagica Adlabs opened in April 2013, and it is a one-of-a-kind, world-class entertainment park and an excellent one-day destination for tourists. It has an abundance of entertainment options, and since it is located on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway near Khopoli, the theme park is a perfect picnic spot near Pune.
Imagica is divided into three entertainment zones: Snow Park, Theme Park, and Water Park. Each of these zones has myriads o entertainment options, including roller coasters, live shows, themed entertainment shows, and a highly refreshing water park.
Imagica was established by Adlabs Entertainment Limited, which is owned by Manmohan Shetty, a film producer, and entrepreneur. The leisure and amusement activities at Imagica are suitable for every age group that visits the spot.
The theme park also has shopping and dining options as well as luxurious accommodation. If you are looking for magic shows, hip-hop dancing, and live performances of acrobats along with other captivating performances, Imagica is the place to go.
Rajmachi Fort :-
One of the most popular places to visit in Lonavala is Rajmachi Fort. This highly famous attraction is well known for its magnificent architectural ideas that belonged to the old centuries. Its strategic location allows users to enjoy a faultless serenity that protects the fort like a live canopy.
Rajmachi Fort is one of the most visited historic forts even as it is perched on a rugged hill that lies in the Sahyadri Mountain. It is located at least 15 kilometers from the hill stations of Lonavala ad Khandala. The fort comprises two well-worn fortresses known as Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, which are surrounded by an immense plateau. From the vast plateau, you can spot the Bor Ghat, a significant trade route between Pune and Mumbai.
Rajmachi Fort – also called by another local name, ‘Bale Killa’ – is built on top of the Shrivardhan Peak at an incredible height of 3,000 feet. This was a deliberate action as it allowed the users of the fort to easily monitor the activities that took place in the Konkan Area.
However, tourists at this height can enjoy a comprehensive view of the entire area. It has always been – and will continue to be – a popular one day destination for trekking among tourists and nature lovers.
The pathway between Khandala and Khopoli, which is popularly known as ‘Borghat,’ was at one time, an important trade route. You may have to trek in order to have access to the fort.
A small village named Udhewadi accommodates up to 22 houses at the southern foot of Manaranjan Balekilla. So, if you are a nature lover, camper, adventure junky, or offbeat tourist, you can visit Rajmachi in order to arrive at the unique state of bliss, thanks to the aura of nature that surrounds the fort.
The region in which Racjmachi sits is usually fully covered by silvery waterfalls, lush green forests, mist, etc. during the monsoons as raindrops shower every second on all sides.
Lonavala Lake :-
Lonavala Lake is a mesmerizing and picturesque lake that attracts visitors who would love a hangout place near Pune, especially during the monsoons. What makes the place a go-to place is the several species of animals and beauties flocking the banks of this enchanting lake, thereby adding beauty to the region.
The rainy season is the best period to visit this one-day destination as the lake will be filled with rainwater. This will give you the opportunity to enjoy more than a few water activities. You will also find a few stalls sitting around the lake, selling piping hot ginger tea, vada-pav – which is Mumbai’s signature street food – and other snacks as well. Lonavala Lake is accessible for free at any time of the day.
Celebrity Wax Museum :-
The Celebrity Wax Museum was founded by Sunil Kandaloor, a highly reputed 38-year-old wax artist or sculptor that hails from Kerala. The museum is home to several beautifully-sculptured wax figures of numerous celebrities including the following:
Michael Jackson
Benazir Bhutto
Kapil Dev
Adolf Hitler
Narendra Modi (the Prime Minister)
Rajiv Gandhi
The Dalai Lama
Chhatrapati Shivaji
Albert Einstein
Sunil Gavaskar
AR Rahman, etc.
The Wax Museum is the first of its kind, and tourists can take selfies with all these celebrities. It remains a fascinating tourist destination in Lonavala and the perfect destination for a weekend getaway near Pune.
The Celebrity Wax Museum is open to the public from the hours of 9 am to 9:30 pm.
Karla Caves :-
Karla Caves are among the oldest Buddhist cave shrines carved from a rocky hillside in India. You can find it on the Pune-Mumbai highway at Karla. According to unconfirmed sources, Karla Caves are part of a large number of other caves unearthed in Sahyadri Hills.
Karla Caves were carved out nearly 2,000 years ago and constitute a comprehensive collection of lovely Viharas (monasteries) and Chaityas (halls) as they reflect upon the long journey of the past. You will also come across a recently built temple constructed with pillars during the Buddhist period sitting at the entrance of the caves.
The caves are also named Karli Caves, Karla Cells, or Karle Caves. According to some recent sources, the caves were highly revered by the Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism right before they became incredibly relevant to Hinduism.
The caves, which houses a Buddhist monastery, is believed to have been constructed around 2nd century BC. You will even be able to spot an ancient trade route situated near the caves, running from the Arabian Sea towards the east into the Deccan.
At the time, the early Buddhists used to build monasteries close to major trading routes so that they can provide lodgings to traveling traders.
Ambey Valley :-
Ambey Valley is touted as the unbeatable one when it comes to considering a list of the most popular places to visit in Lonavala. The township is frequented by visitors who desire a weekend getaway near Pune or a one day destination since it is a one-stop-shop for a full day of entertainment.
Ambey Valley rests in a region that is untouched by the sophistication of western life and pop culture. However, it has somehow been sculpted into an artificial environment, the urban lavishness, which makes it exotic and unique.
Duke's Nose :-
Duke’s Nose is a well-known landmark situated approximately 7 kilometers from Lonavala. The name of this landmark was coined from the Duke of Wellington, whose nose was said to resemble the shape of the cliff. It is located between Khandala and Lonavala at is approximately 3,200 feet high.
But locals call it the Cobra’s Hood or Naagphani, and this is also due to the shape of the cliff. This region is enormously famous for its picturesque location, rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, and trekking trails.
There is a small temple atop Duke's Nose, which significantly enhances the overall beauty of the place. The views from that vantage point are nothing short of breathtaking while the surrounding landscape is strikingly expressive.
Ryewood Park :-
Ryewood Park, a remarkably spacious park, is located right in the heart of the city. Once upon a time, this stunning one-day destination was a botanical garden but has now been converted into an attractive park.
You can stroll through the Park and enjoy the crisp, fresh air at the Park. The Park also has a dedicated children's area where slides, swings, and other children-related activities have been set up.
Ryewood Park is home to a wide species of trees and flowers that surround the parcel of land for the delight of visitors and locals. A temple sits within the grounds of this Park, and tourists can sit and meditate. It is one of the popular destinations in Lonavala, where you can enjoy some quality quiet time.
Ryewood Park is situated along National Highway 4 and is usually open from 8 am to 5 pm.
Pawna Lake :-
Pawna Lake is one of the popular places to visit in Lonavala. It is located near Lohagad and is considered a crucial development as regards the prominence of the agric products from the land.
The best time to visit Pawna Lake and the Dam is the monsoons. You will get to catch breathtaking sights of the cloud as it reaches down to kiss the backwaters and embankments. It is one of the easiest places to reach for those looking for a weekend getaway near Pune.
You can drive in from Mumbai and Pune via the town of Kamshet, and you will be at Pawna Lake. The route to this picnic spot near Pune is presently in a rough condition, but the drive is picturesque and filled with beautiful sights, making it worthwhile.
The waters of the dam and river are good enough for speed boating, water jet rides, boating, and water skiing. What makes this hangout place near Pune remarkable and unique is its pure air and calm, utterly unsoiled from pollution.
Pawna Lake is a perfect one-day destination for anyone looking for a weekend getaway near Pune.
Valvan Reservoir :-
Valvan Reservoir is constructed over the renowned Kundali River and serves as a barrage of artificial obstruction that contributes to the provision of energy for the Khopoli Power Station. The latter is under the care of Tata Power.
Valvan Reservoir originates from the Western Ghats and is one of the most popular places to visit in Lonavala. It is peaceful, calm, and the backwaters of the dam make up the Valvan Reservoir. The backwaters are also a famous tourist spot.
Valvan Reservoir has an emerald green garden situated right next to the artificial lake. This refreshing plot of ground is a popular picnic spot near Pune for both locals and tourists. There is no better place to get these in significant quantities for anyone looking for inner peace and solitude than at Valvan Reservoir.
The artificial lake is approximately 2 kilometers away from Lonavala.
Other attractive and popular places to visit in Lonavala include:
Tungarli Dam
Narayani Dham
Visapur Fort
Bhaja Caves
Bhairavnath Temple
Bhimashankar Trek
Korigad Fort
Tikona fort
There you have it: some of these popular places to visit in Lonavala can serve as a weekend getaway near Pune for those who love nature and want to explore. And if you are looking for a hangout place near Pune or a picnic spot near Pune, there are more than a few places in Lonavala that are perfect for such activities.