Mumbai to Lonavala Road Trip: A Quick Refreshing Break

Mumbai to Lonavala is the perfect quick escape from the city’s traffic. Just a short drive and you’ll find yourself surrounded by peaceful nature, misty hills, forests, and calm lakes. Whether it’s a weekend break or a sudden day off, the trip is easy, scenic, and refreshing.

Mumbai to Lonavala Road Trip 

• Starting Point: Mumbai

• Destination: Lonavala

• Distance: 83 km

• Estimated Drive Time: 2 to 3 hours (depending on traffic)

• Best Route: Mumbai Expressway (NH48) - Lonavala

• Best Season: Monsoon and winter for good weather

• Recommended Start Time: Early morning in order to stay away from traffic

Routes to Travel from Mumbai to Lonavala

Mumbai-Pune Expressway (NH48)

This is the shortest and most used route. The six-lane highway is a smooth and comfortable ride. It's a toll road, but it's worth every rupee for the convenience, speed, and scenery of the Western Ghats.

Distance: 83 km

Drive Duration: Approx. 2 hours

Places of Interest Along This Route:

• Pawna Lake: A peaceful artificial lake that is perfect for camping, photography, and water sports.

• Karla Caves: Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves are famous for their elaborate architecture.

• Bhushi Dam: A monsoon hit where everyone comes to enjoy the gushing water. 

• Lion's Point & Tiger's Leap: Two of the finest viewpoints with stunning views.

• Mumbai Snow World (Kurla): Good for family and kids before you take the highway.

• Lohagad Fort: An ancient hill fort ideal for trekking and history-trekking.

Must-Eat Stops on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway:

• Rama Krishna - South Indian favorites and fast food.

• Rudra's Kailash Parbat Restaurant - Variety of snacks and fast food.

• Golden Wada Pav Food Stall - Street-style Maharashtrian snack.

• Joshi's Sanatorium - Seafood and homestyle meals.

• Sheetal Da Dhaba - Chicken biryani and gajar ka halwa must be tried.

• Sunny Da Dhaba - Mughlai, Chinese, and Indian comfort food.

• Kinara Village Dhaba - Homey atmosphere and traditional Indian food.

• La Boulangerie Bakery - Baked items and coffee time.

• Maval Maratha Homely Food Dhabha - Local homestyle food.

• Papa's Village - Drive-through with varied menu items.

Through Old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH48 through Murbad)

This is a longer route but more scenic for those who appreciate an unhurried drive through small towns and countryside. Fewer cars and more nature.

Distance: 95–100 km

Drive Duration: Approx. 2.5 to 3 hours

Places to visit along this route:

• Murbad Waterfalls: A Perfect monsoon stopover amidst greenery.

• Kune Falls: A picturesque three-tiered fall, perfect for a serene stop.

• Rajmachi Fort: A trekking spot with great views and historical remains.

Must-Eat Spots Along This Route:

• Chai Coffee Charcha – Multi-cuisine cafe for foodies and tea enthusiasts.

• Sunny Da Dhaba – Once more, a favorite haunt on both routes.

• Mapro Garden – Perfect for sweets, milkshakes, and homestyle cuisine.

• Hotel Ramakrishna – Good quality and a local favorite.

• Papa's Village – Ambience and cuisine together.

• Maval Maratha Dhaba – Maratha food in a traditional setup.

• Samudra Manthan – A Seafood restaurant suitable for families.

• Aryan Food Plaza – Large menu and efficient service.

• Mulaqaat Restaurant – Suitable for groups and parties.

• Chandralok Restaurant – Good for hygiene and diversity of menu.

Via Vasai-Virar - Lonavala Route

A lesser-traveled route, ideal for the adventurous tourist or a local looking to take the road less traveled. The drive takes a bit longer but offers great stops along the way.

Distance: ~110 km

Drive Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

Must-Visit Places Along This Route:

• Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary: An excellent place to trek and sight wildlife.

• Vasai Fort: An old Portuguese fort along the sea, perfect for history enthusiasts.

Must-Eat Places Along This Route:

• Farmhouse Sea N Sand – Popular for seafood and Indian food.

• Farmhouse Global Cuisine – Excellent family restaurant with a variety.

• Kinara Bar and Restaurant – Good food and relaxed atmosphere.

• The Post Office Bistro & Bar – Casual dining and fusion food.

• Desi Chaskka – Traditional Indian street-style food.

• Parsi Dhaba – Delicious Parsi food.

• Rama Krishna – Consistently reliable and delicious.

• Kinara Village Dhaba – Classic dishes and traditional atmosphere.

• Neelam E Punjab – Punjabi cuisine the way it should be.

• Della Villa Bistro – Hip place with gourmet fare.

The Best Route between Mumbai and Lonavala

• For speed and luxury: Opt for the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

• For scenic happiness: Take the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway.

• For offbeat discovery: The Vasai-Virar Route is your best bet.

Regardless of which path you choose, IndusGo provides flexible self-drive car rentals in Mumbai, with you having complete control over your time, comfort, and road trip experience. You drive, we do the rest!

Mumbai to Lonavala - Other Modes of Transport

By Train

Start Station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)

End Station: Lonavala Railway Station (LNL)

This journey covers approximately 112 km and is completed in about 2 to 2.5 hours. Suited best for budget tourists or people who don't like driving.

By Flight

There aren't any direct flights to Lonavala.

Nearest Airports:

• Mumbai: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

• Pune: Pune International Airport

From either of these airports, hire an IndusGo car and cover the last part of your trip by road.

Lonavala, The Nature's Heaven

Set amidst the Sahyadri hills, Lonavala is a nature lover's paradise, a historian's delight, and a weekend getaway for many. It's renowned for:

• Green valleys and mountain mists

• Historic forts of Lohagad and Rajmachi

Shimmering lakes and monsoon watersheds

What to See in Lonavala

Historical Places

• Lohagad Fort - Breathtaking trekking and replete with history

• Karla Caves - Buddhist heritage and rock-cut wonders

• Rajmachi Fort - Twin fortresses with breathtaking views

• Bhaja Caves - Rock carvings as art and ancient history

Lakes & Viewpoints

• Pawna Lake - Serene for boating and camping

• Lonavala Lake - Perfect for an evening walk

• Tiger's Leap & Lion's Point - Can't-miss viewpoints

• Bhushi Dam - Monsoon magic assured

Adventure & Entertainment

• Della Adventure Park – Ziplining, ATV rides, and more

• Kune Waterfalls – A stunning natural wonder

• Sunil's Celebrity Wax Museum – Family fun all the way

• Ryewood Park – A green haven in the city

Temples & Spiritual Stops

• Narayani Dham Temple

• Ekvira Devi Temple

• Shree Siddhivinayak Temple (in Mumbai)

Best Stays in Lonavala

• Della Resorts – Luxury and adventure combined

• Fariyas Resort – Family resort with a waterpark

• The Machan – Eco-luxury treehouses for nature enthusiasts

• Rhythm Lonavala – Comfortable and chic

• Upper Deck Resort – Hill resort with panoramic views

Best Food Spots in Lonavala

North Indian

• Sunny Da Dhaba – A cult favorite

• Maval Maratha Dhaba – Home-style, spicy food

• Kailash Parbat – Variety and flavor

• Kinara Village Dhaba – A family favorite choice

• Hotel Rama Krishna – Local cuisine to the core

Multi-Cuisine

• Picadore, Broccoli Veg, and Cafe 24 – Something for all tastes

• Glass Cafe – Splendid views and gourmet cuisine

Iconic Treats

• Mapro Garden – For jam, sweets, and snacks

• Della Fudge and Chikki Store – Don't forget to try the chikki!

• Golden Vada Pav – Classic street food

• Yauatcha (Bulk Orders) – For bulk group feasts

Where to Go from Lonavala

Lonavala is also an ideal jumping-off point for nearby attractions:

• Lohagad & Visapur Forts - trekking wonder

• Pawna Lake - weekend camping

• Lavasa, Pune, Karjat, Kolad - ideal for weekend getaways

• Matheran - no-vehicle hill station experience

• Alibaug, Murud Janjira, Diveagar - for coastal experiences

Rent an IndusGo Car in Mumbai and take your trip to any of these treasures at your own pace.

Travel Tips and Safety in Lonavala

• Weather-Ready Packing: Pack light clothes, but also raincoats and robust shoes, particularly during monsoon.

• Offline Maps: Signal may be weak in certain places.

• Do Not Eat Street Food: Particularly during monsoons – head for reliable restaurants.

• Trekking Precautions: Do not trek alone, and take a basic first aid kit.

• Wildlife Awareness: Do not feed or disturb wildlife.

• Stay Alert: Particularly near waterfalls or slippery grounds.

• Respect Locals: Be sensitive towards cultural and religious practices.

Ready for the Ride?

A drive from Mumbai to Lonavala isn't merely a case of point A to point B - it's an experience, the stops, the tastes, and the liberation. And with IndusGo's self-drive car rental options, you have the freedom to drive yourself, the liberty to stop as you please, and make memories at your convenience.

Let the road take you to Lonavala. Let IndusGo take you there.