Lonavala Trekking: Wander Through The Most Scenic Trails Of The Hill Station

A breathtaking image of Lonavala trekking trails, giving you the surreal feeling of the Western Ghats

Lonavala trekking is easy since it presents some of the country’s most majestic and adventurous treks for adventure enthusiasts and those who love natural creations. This beautiful hill station is located in the Western Ghats and is characterised by extremely beautiful hills, green vegetation, and fantastic scenery. Whether it is an initial hike or an advanced-grade trek, Lonavala has something to offer for each trekker. These treks offer an escape from the bustling city life right into nature’s enchanting embrace.

Lonavala Trekking- Top 10 Picturesque Trails

Some of the famous Lonavala trekking trails mainly include these that make your nature expedition worth remembering:

1. Rajmachi Fort Trek

A picture of Rajmachi Fort, giving the essence of historical and cultural significance

Photo: Kandoi.sid / Wikimedia Commons

The Rajmachi Fort Trek is another famous trek to Lonavala trekking, which attracts trekkers due to its adventurous trekking and the historical importance of the fort. The trail takes the trekkers over forests and steep rock waterfalls, culminating at the Rajmachi Fort, which comprises Shrivardhan and Manaranjan peaks. More history enthusiasts may find the antique Kondane Caves in the neighbourhood and fine examples of Buddhist architecture.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station (48km)
Entry Fees: None

2. Lohagad Fort Trek

An image of a moderately easy trek which is one of the best Lonavala trekking places

Photo: Subhadeep Saha / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Lohagad Fort Trek falls under the gradual steep trek, which is great for new trekkers as they can easily access the fort and enjoy good winds. Having become the strategic venue for the Marathas and Mughals fights, Lohagad Fort is notable for its rich history. Unlike many other trekking sites in Maharashtra, the trek to Lohagad Fort is relatively easy, which will benefit all newcomers.

Best Time To Visit: June to February
Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport (69.5 km)
Entry Fees: None

3. Visapur Fort Trek

A picture of Lonavala trekking to Visapur Fort by tough terrains, captured on a sunny day

Photo: P Hsuan Wang / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Enthusiast professional trekkers find the Visapur Fort Trek a little steep yet full of fun and excitement. This trek is situated near Lohagad, and the trek involves steep ascent, and some amount of rock scrambling along the adventure. Once one reaches the summit, the spectacular views of the western ghats are enough to reward the efforts. This fort is huge, and there is evidence of some ancient caves, cisterns of water, and stone-built houses.

Best Time To Visit: July to September (The rainy season enhances the beauty)
Nearest Railway Station: Malavli Railway Station (6 km)

4. Korigad Fort Trek

A picture of Korigad Fort, with the forest region which makes Lonavala trekking fun

Photo: Rishabh Tatiraju / Wikimedia Commons

This Korigad Fort Trek is perfect for a moderate, silent, and lovely monsoon getaway. It takes through the forests and beautiful landscapes before getting to the fort which overlooks the luxurious Aamby Valley. Also, it is a relatively small fort, but so much of the area can be covered, enjoying the scenic view from the top. It has an excellent blend of historic structures, including the ancient ruins of Kondoa. This is also included in many lists for the Lonavala trek in India.

Best Time To Visit: July to October (Monsoon season)
Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport (93.5 km)

5. Tikona Fort Trek

Picturesque view of Tikona fort trekking trails

Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Tikona Fort is one of the most famous forts of Maharashtra whose shape is also triangular; it is the best place for trekking. It is famous for trekking in Lonavala. The terrain is inclined but could be more rigorous, making the climb adventurous for novices and sophisticated climbers. This is because when you climb this place at the top, you get a vantage point of the Pawna Lake combined with the Sahyadri mountain ranges.

Best Time To Visit: October to February
Nearest Railway Station: Kamshet Railway Station (21.5 km)

6. Duke’s Nose Trek

 A picture of a cliffside, exploring thrilling trekkers Duke's Nose peak that looks like a nose

Photo: Sharmagourav27 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Duke’s Nose Trek, named after the Duke of Wellington, is an amazing cliffside trekking for trekkers who love cliff trekking. It is a unique name because the peak has the shape of a nose. For photographers and nature lovers, this trek provides some of the best views of Nusa Dua and its surrounding valleys and cliffs. In addition to the adventure, the trail offers the ascent and descent for rock climbing and rappelling.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station (5.4 km)

7. Kataldhar Waterfall Trek

 An offbeat trekking experience, a hidden waterfall gushed down rocky cliffs

Photo: Robert Schrader / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Kataldhar Waterfall is one of Lonavala’s lesser-known hidden gems for adventure-loving souls, who are looking for a less-visited trekking experience. The forest and the stream cross several times, finally on the path to the big waterfall. The waterfall is best visited during monsoons when it is at its best flow and is quite mesmerising. It is moderately challenging, and you do have to have some endurance for this spot, but it is well worth it to get there.

Best Time To Visit: July to September
Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station (10.8 km)

8. Andharban Trek

Andharban forest is dense, dark, and filled with small streams and waterfalls

Photo: ALTEREDSNAPS / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Andharban, or the ‘Dark Forest Trek,’ is a very dense forest trek that took its name when nobody visited it during monsoons as it stayed wet most of the time. Starting from Pimpri Dam, the trail runs through a thick forest covered with greenery, small streams, and waterfalls. The trek is easy enough for beginners, and in the monsoon season, the trek will offer you beauty enhanced with mist and mystery. The thick cover of trees blocking most sunlight gave Andharban (dark forest) its name.

Best Time To Visit: June to September
Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport (76.7 km)

9. Peb Fort Trek

Picture of Peb Fort, which is one of the best options for Lonavala trekking

Photo: sabir salam / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Peb Fort, also known as Vikatgad, is a moderately challenging trekking experience with a great view of the Western Ghats. It’s a leisurely 8 hours of trekking through serene landscapes, dense forests, and rocky patches – an ideal day on the trails for the trekker who is after tranquillity but wants adventure. Besides perching atop the hill, the fort holds its historical and religious significance as we have to visit the temples and the meditation caves.

Best Time To Visit: July to November
Nearest Railway Station: Neral Railway Station (3.3 km)

10. Kune Waterfall Trek

image of thick green vegetation surrounding rocky cliffs

Photo: Gaurav Kumar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Kune Waterfall Trek is one of the best scenic trekking spots near Lonavala, but it becomes even more picturesque during the monsoon season. It is one of the highest waterfalls in Maharashtra, and the waterfall cascades from around 200 metres. The trek is easy and you walk through a green trail with the waterfall and surrounding hills in beautiful view. Nature lovers must visit this trek as it satisfies the cooler mist from the waterfall and the emboldening atmosphere.

Best Time To Visit: July to September
Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station (3.5 km)

Lonavala’s scenic trails if you are looking for a thrilling trek near Mumbai or Pune. Lonavala has rich historical landmarks, stunning waterfalls, panoramic views, and everything an adventure and nature lover can wish for. Lonavala trekking trails are easy enough, whether it’s your first time on a trek or you’re an experienced trekker searching for a challenge. Plan your next trekking adventure with Trip XL!

Cover Photo: Arjun Singh Kulkarni / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Lonavala has many accommodations – budget hotels, mid-range resorts, luxurious villas, and cosy homestays. Known for its trek, there are popular spots like Rajmachi, Lohagad, Kune Waterfall, etc., and resorts such as Riverdale, Ferreira, etc.
The temperature of Lonavala is generally pleasant, and trekking is best from October to February when it's cool and comfortable. From June to September, there is monsoon season, and the area turns into a lush green paradise, ideal for adventurous and rainy treks.
Lonavala is also famous for its locally baked foods like chikki and fudge, which you can purchase from almost all the shops across the town. You can buy souvenirs and some tree artwork from Triose Plaza and also from National Chikki Mart Pvt. Ltd.
Lonavala is full of arrays of dining options ranging from local street food stalls selling popular snacks such as Vada Pav, and Misal Pav, and multi-cuisine restaurants such as Hotel Shaurya Wada, Picadore, etc.
Pack weather-appropriate clothing; a sturdy backpack, a reusable water bottle; a pair of comfortable trekking shoes; sacks of snacks and insect repellent. Plus, a camera or smartphone is fine to take just stunning scenery of the trails.

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