Lonavala Itinerary: Best Places to Visit & Things to do in Lonavala in 3 Days

Plan a scenic retreat away from the chaos of the city to Lonavala, an enchanting tourist spot in Maharashtra. Often nicknamed as Jewel of Sahyadri, this quaint hill station features breathtaking surroundings, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, azure lakes, and old caves. It might seem challenging to cover the sightseeing spots, historical sites, and local eateries in one trip; that is why we made it easier for you! Here is a 3-Day Itinerary covering all the best places to visit and things to do in Lonavala:

Travelling to Lonavala

By Air: For those looking to get to Lonavala by air, the nearest airstrip is Lohegaon Airport in Pune. Once you land in Pune, hire a taxi to reach Lonavala.

By Train: Lonavala railway station has good connectivity with cities all across the country. Board an express train to reach Mumbai or Pune and take a connecting train to reach Lonavala.

By Road: If you are looking to travel to Lonavala via roads, plan a road trip via NH4 Mumbai Pune road or the Mumbai Pune Expressway while enjoying the scenery and surrounding landscapes.

Alternatively, if you wish to travel by bus, book a seat in private and state-operated buses to Lonavala.

Day 1:

Breakfast at Cafe 24

For an energetic start to your Lonavala trip, head to Cafe 24 for a scrumptious and filling breakfast. Enjoy your choice of eggs, sausages, hash browns, pancakes, danish, blueberry muffins with fresh orange juice. After a delicious meal, slow down and enjoy the ambiance over a cup of freshly brewed coffee and croissant.

Tiger’s Leap

Nestled in Sahyadri at an elevation of 650 meters, Tiger’s Leap is a top tourist attraction in Lonavala. Pack some energy bars, beverages and embark on an adventure trek to scale the heights of the Tiger’s Leap. As you hike along the scenic trails, you will spot a trickling mountain stream meandering through the rocky cliffs and terrain. For a fun day out, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy it while basking in the tranquil surroundings.

Bhushi Dam

To enjoy a late afternoon picnic amidst serene surroundings, head to Bhushi Dam. Pack some sandwiches and fresh juices and enjoy some quality time with your family and friends by the Bhushi Lake. Take a break and ease into a laid-back afternoon while soaking in the warm sunshine and stunning views. There are steps to sit and enjoy the views on this masonry dam on the Indrayani River. If you are visiting during the monsoon season, go there early to get a good spot on the steps as it tends to get overcrowded. Do not attempt swimming in Bhushi Lake because of the inconsistent water flow.

After a memorable day, head to your hotel to catch up on some rest and wake up refreshed for day two of the Lonavala itinerary.

Day 2:

Visit the historic Lohagad Fort

Explore the historic Lohagad Fort perched at 1050 metres, which is a masterpiece of the Marathas. Be fascinated as you explore the Lohagad Fort that features the Nizam, Maratha, and Mughal dynasties. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, plan a day hiking and trekking around the Lohagad Fort.

Another nearby fort to explore is Rajmachi Fort, perched at 3000 feet on the Sahyadri mountains. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the magnificent surroundings from the top of the Lohagad Fort. Explore the nearby Tikona Fort perched at 1066 metres overlooking serene surroundings. As you enter the fort through a small cave, you will be mesmerized to explore a cluster of five caves in the Tikona Fort.

Pawna Lake

After all the activities, pack a picnic lunch and head to Pawna Lake to bask in the spectacular surroundings. This artificial lake is formed by the excess water of Pawna Dam that provides a perfect escapade in Lonavala. Treat your eyes to soak the natural beauty of this place with distant views of Lohagad Fort and Tunga Fort. The scenic lake with the dramatic background of the historical forts makes for the perfect stage for some memorable photos. If you want to enjoy a barbeque lunch by the lake reserve a spot for the same. Take a boat and go rowing in the calm waters of Pawna Lake while basking in the enchanting surroundings.

Evening Stroll at Ryewood Park

On your way back to the hotel, stop by at Ryewood Park for an evening stroll. Breathe in the cool air as you walk by the landscaped lawns, lush gardens in Ryewood Park. As you walk across the park spanning over 25 acres, explore the fascinating flora and fauna of this region. If you are travelling with children, let them play and enjoy themselves at the children’s park.

Dinner at Parsi Dhaba

No trip to Lonavala is complete without exploring the authentic Parsi cuisine. Treat your taste buds with a scrumptious dinner at the Parsi Dhaba with dishes like Parsi Akuri, Kheema Pav, Berry Pulao, and Dhansak. For the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, don’t forget to order Lagan Nu custard.

After an eventful day of trekking and exploring, it’s time to head back to the hotel to get a good night’s rest and wake up for day three of the Lonavala itinerary.

Day 3:

Breakfast at Mapro Garden

For a delicious breakfast, head to Mapro Garden in the morning. Order a cheese sandwich with some freshly brewed coffee. For a filling brunch, order a pizza, pasta, along refreshing beverages.

Trek to Rajmachi Fort

For the perfect wrap to a memorable trip to Lonavala, go trekking to Rajmachi Fort in Lonavala. This historical site comprises two fortresses – Shrivardhan and Manaranjan and was built by Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji. Bask in the panoramic views from this fort perched at a height of 3000 feet in the Sahyadri Range. Explore the ancient caves and enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of the Rajmachi Fort. The best time to visit this fort is between 9 am to 6 pm.