Lonavala in Monsoon 2025: Best Places, Misty Views & Travel Tips

In July 2024, when the monsoon had just started painting everything green, we finally set out for a much-needed family trip. Our plan was simple — a mix of spiritual peace and scenic hill station vibes. So we picked two of the best monsoon gems in Maharashtra: Bhimashankar and Lonavala.

We flew from Bhavnagar to Pune and began our trip with a visit to Bhimashankar — one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Set amidst dense forest and gentle monsoon showers, the darshan felt peaceful and refreshing — a perfect start to our journey.

Next came the hill station magic. Lonavala welcomed us with foggy roads, overflowing dams, vada pav in the rain, and views that looked straight out of a painting. But one of the biggest highlights? The Deccan Queen Vista Dome coach we took later —Huge glass windows, 360° views, waterfalls right outside, and tunnels that made the whole ride feel magical.

Also, if you’re planning something similar, there’s a direct Bhavnagar to Lonavala train available too — ideal for those who’d rather enjoy a long, scenic train journey instead of flying. It’s a budget-friendly and convenient option, especially during the monsoon when the Western Ghats are at their greenest.

If you’ve been dreaming of a rainy weekend escape with family, Lonavala during the monsoon truly lives up to the hype. Here’s everything we did — and all the places, food, and tips that made it a trip to remember.

🏞️ Top Places to Visit in Lonavala During Monsoon

Monsoon makes Lonavala lush and beautiful. These were some of our favourite places during the rains:

🌫️ Tiger Point

One of the most iconic viewpoints — and honestly, the fog here deserves its own Instagram account. We reached early, and the mist had completely covered the valley. The wind was wild, the view was magical, and the chai seller nearby was a bonus.

💦 Bhushi Dam

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it gets crowded. But monsoon and Bhushi Dam are a classic combo. Water overflows onto the steps, and while it’s slippery (so be careful!), the fun of just standing in that cool water while it rains is unmatched.

🏰 Lohagad Fort

This one’s for the trekkers! The path gets a bit slippery in the rain, but the view from the top? Totally worth the muddy shoes. Clouds literally pass you by!

🦖 Jurassic World Theme Park

A fun surprise — especially if you’re travelling with kids or want a relaxed afternoon. The life-size dinosaurs and quirky setups were quite entertaining! And in the rain, the whole park had a different charm.

🌊 Lonavala Lake & Kune Falls

We passed by both on the way, and the scenery around was straight out of a painting. If you want a calmer spot with fewer crowds, these are peaceful stops.

🍔Famous Food in Lonavala You Shouldn’t Miss

• Buvachi Misal: Spicy, crunchy, flavour bomb — and the rain outside just made it better.
• Golden Vada Pav: Trust me, it lives up to the name. That crisp bite in the middle of light drizzles? Bliss.
• Chikki & Fudge: These sweet bites are Lonavala’s signature — and perfect for gifting too!

☔ Why Monsoon is the Best Time to Visit Lonavala (and When to Go)

Let’s be honest — Lonavala is nice throughout the year, but during monsoon? It’s something else.

• The hills go full green mode — like someone turned on the saturation filter
• Waterfalls pop up everywhere, even along the highway
• The fog makes everything look dreamy, especially early mornings and evenings
• The temperature drops — no more sweaty afternoons, just soft breeze and sweater weather

✅ Best Time to Visit:

July to early September is the ideal window. We went in mid-July and the weather was just perfect — not too stormy, but beautifully rainy.

🚫 A Few Heads-Ups:

• Avoid weekends if you don’t like crowds — it gets packed, especially at Bhushi Dam
• Start early in the day — mornings are peaceful, and fog views are better
• Some trekking routes can be closed or slippery — check before heading

📍 Itinerary Idea for a 3-4 Day Monsoon Trip to Lonavala (Rain-Proof Plan)

If you’re planning a short monsoon break, Lonavala is that perfect mix of nature, food, and chill vibes. Whether you’re coming from Gujarat, Maharashtra, or beyond, this 3-4 day itinerary works well for families, couples, or even friend groups looking for that fog-and-farsan combo.

Day 1: Reach Pune + Optional Bhimashankar Darshan

• Reach Pune (well-connected by flights and trains from major cities)
• If you have an extra day, plan a day trip to Bhimashankar Temple — one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and surrounded by lush greenery during the rains
• Return to Pune by evening and explore local markets or enjoy some iconic Pune street food

📝 Tip: Bhimashankar is a spiritual and scenic start to your trip — peaceful roads, forests, and divine vibes.

Day 2: Travel to Lonavala + Forts & Food

• Start early and head to Lonavala by road or train from Pune
• Visit Bhushi Dam — it’s lively during monsoon, with water gushing over the steps
• Go for a beginner-friendly trek to Lohagad Fort — the trail is a bit slippery but totally worth it
• Try the famous Buvachi Misal for lunch or an evening snack
• Don’t miss Golden Vada Pav — it’s crisp, spicy, and hits different when eaten in the rain

🌧️ Tip: Wear proper trekking shoes and carry an umbrella or raincoat. The weather changes quickly here.

Day 3: Foggy Views, Dinos & Waterfalls

• Drive up early to Tiger Point — the foggy views, chai stalls, and chilly breeze make it a must-visit
• On the way, stop by Jurassic World Theme Park — great for kids or anyone who loves quirky photo spots.
• Visit Kune Falls or take a quiet break near Lonavala Lake — both spots are perfect to relax in nature

Day 4: Return Home with a Scenic Memory

• If heading back via Pune, consider booking the Deccan Queen Vista Dome coach to Mumbai (if your plan includes Mumbai later) — the train ride is pure magic in monsoon, with tunnels, waterfalls, and endless greenery
• Travel back to your city by evening — soaked in good vibes, and maybe a little rainwater too 😉

Planning to extend your trip? You can also explore Matheran — another peaceful hill station that looks magical in monsoon. The Lonavala to Matheran distance is roughly 55 to 60 km by road, making it a perfect next stop if you’ve got an extra day or two. Both places offer lush green views, misty mornings, and that typical monsoon charm — just without the chaos of city life.

💡 Monsoon Travel Tips for Lonavala (From Packing to Planning Like a Pro)

Heading to Lonavala in the rains? These simple tips and packing hacks will make your trip smoother, drier, and way more fun.

• Carry a raincoat, poncho, or foldable umbrella — One minute it’s sunny, next minute it’s pouring
• Wear good-grip shoes or trekking footwear — Especially if you’re doing Lohagad or walking near Bhushi Dam
• Start your day early — Viewpoints like Tiger Point are best in the morning with thick fog and fewer crowds
• Avoid weekends at Bhushi Dam — It gets overcrowded and honestly, less enjoyable
• Vista Dome seats sell fast — Book in advance for those dreamy window views
• Don’t leave without chikki and fudge — It’s tradition. And irresistible.
• Eat local, eat hot — Misal, vada pav, and chai in the rain? Yes please.

✅ Is Lonavala Worth Visiting in Monsoon or Just Overhyped?

If you enjoy misty mornings, hot chai in the rain, and green hills all around — then yes, Lonavala in the monsoon can be worth it. The waterfalls are full, the views are beautiful, and the whole place feels fresh and peaceful — but only if you go at the right time.

Weekends get very crowded — traffic jams, packed viewpoints, and long waits at popular spots can really spoil the vibe. If you can visit on a weekday, it’s a much better experience. Also, keep your plans flexible and be careful if you’re doing treks — trails can get muddy and slippery.

For us, it was a relaxing and memorable trip, but I’m glad we avoided the weekend rush. Go with the right expectations, and you’ll enjoy it more.

If you’re looking for more monsoon destinations across India, check out my full guide to monsoon travel.

❓ FAQs

Photo Diary: Lonavala in Rain