For those who love to get drenched in the rains and then lie back and feel the freshness of the wet soil without having a care in the world, monsoon in Lonavala should be on your bucket list. This lovely hill town wears a cloak of magic and is covered with mist throughout the monsoons. Run away from the madness of the world this monsoon with your soul mate or with your own self.
Or are you an adventure enthusiast whose true self comes alive during a monsoon trek? No matter what your calling is, experience the Lonavala monsoon tourism and make memories of a lifetime.
There are many ways to reach Lonavala and feel the romance amidst the lashing rains on the Western Ghats. In Lonavala too, there are many beautiful spots which will make you want to stay there forever. Lonavala can be reached from Pune or from Mumbai and is in the lap of the Sahyadri Mountains. Lonavala has something to offer to travel enthusiasts all throughout the year. Those who love to feel the raindrops dance on their face will relish the monsoon months of June to September when it can rain for even 24 hours at a stretch. The waterfalls gushing with water slide down the mountains with full vigour. The dams too are full to the brim and the weather is so dreamy that you feel like losing yourself to nature.
October to February is the best time to visit Lonavala to go for sightseeing and short treks . The next few weeks after the monsoon has drifted from Lonavala, the weather is just perfect post the showers. The breathtaking view and the greenery is a sure treat for the sore eyes of those who live in the hot plains. With the absence of incessant rains, it is now easier and comfortable to travel in the town. With swarms of tourists and honeymooning couples making the best of the romantic weather in Lonavala, careful pre-planning and booking of hotels should be done.
The Bhushi Dam is one of the best places to visit in Lonavala amidst the lashing rains. The gush of water running down the dam gives a very vivacious feel to the tourists. Imagine sitting with your partner on the steps or doing a rain dance holding each other very close. If you haven’t felt love before, this experience will draw you closer. For those going with families, children are seen splashing in the waters and laughing away. Old couples too reminisce their youth by holding hands and feeling the rainwater kiss their wrinkled souls. So be it sixteen or sixty , the monsoon in Lonavala will make you laugh like a six year old child being allowed to dance in the rains for the first time.
I will never forget the family outing I had in the Pawna Dam in a beautiful boat amidst the lakes. Monsoon truly enhances the beauty and the freshness of this beautiful place. Encircled by the forests of Lohagad, Tikona and Visapur, the serene Pawna Dam and lake after a brief spell of rains is like a pretty maiden drenched in rain. A day with no plans except for leisurely strolls, hiking and boating is the perfect way to rejuvenate. For those who love the adrenaline gush, go ahead for parasailing, jet skiing and other exciting water sports.
Tungarli Lake is where beauty meets tranquility and is a must-visit for tired souls seeking few moments of peace. The lake attracts hordes of nature lovers and backpackers who find this as the perfect place to camp after a beautiful trek. The sparkling water energizes your tired feet and the raindrops against your eyelashes make you feel that you are in wonderland. This romantic place is frequented by photographers as well as couples.
For that most awesome cliff top view, Tiger’s Leap is just not to be missed. The cliff gets this name as it resembles a tiger jumping from a cliff. After a hike, when we reached the top of the cliff, we were simply awestruck by the beauty of Mother Nature. I can still feel the cool breeze of that misty morning.
A mesmeric sunset point is the Lion’s Point. Holding hands while perched on a cliff with your sweetheart, this place offers amazing views. It is also famous for night trekking. So, the list of places that you must visit while the rains beat upon the tin sheds in Lonavala must include Lion’s Point. This is the place for adventure seekers, nature lovers, mountaineers and photographers. Guess what? My first camel ride was at this place.
A very popular place to visit in Lonavala during the rains is the Rajmachi Fort. The surroundings which are otherwise rustic wear a luscious green coat during the monsoons. Adventure freaks take their bikes up to the fort as it rains and breathe in the lovely view of the Western Ghats and Shirota Dam.
For the wanderers, the Tikona Fort with its high fortifications and large doorways as well as water tanks coupled with the ecstatic view is definitely one of the best places to visit near Lonavala during the monsoons. It is best to visit during daytime and carry home memories of the heritage temple, caves and the stone wheel on top of the fort. Lonavala monsoon tourism is not complete without gastronomical delights that include Vada pav with a cup of hot tea. It is fun to munch the moong dal pakoras and samosas while the raindrops keep falling.
Bidding farewell to the romance of rains is not going to be easy. But then again, you will be carrying a backpack filled with memories. The surreal locations and the magic of monsoon will refresh your thirsty soul and give you fresh oxygen for the next few months. Come again next monsoon, the pitter patter of the raindrops will make you yearn for Lonavala once again. Till then enjoy the rhythm of the falling rains during monsoon in Lonavala!
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