Lonavala is a soothing hill station in Maharashtra, lavished with the beauty of the lush green valleys and misty hills. Situated between Pune and Mumbai, this destination has become a favourite escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Though scenic beauty has attracted many visitors, what sets Lonavala apart is the opportunity for camping. For those who wish to reconnect with nature, camping in Lonavala is the ideal retreat, comprising tranquillity, adventure, and memories below the stars.
Factors Affecting Camping In Lonavala
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Several factors can affect your camping experience, especially in the case of Lonavala.
Weather Conditions
- Rainfall: Monsoons bring heavy rains, and sometimes the wet tender ground, flooding, etc., can prove to be a real challenge for camping in Lonavala.
- Temperature: Winter months are preferred for camping because that is when the weather is likely to be cool and pleasant; however, during the day, can be warm but will cool down at night.
Location And Accessibility
- Road conditions: Some camping sites require an off-road vehicle or trekking; hence, assess your physical ability, which may or may not influence accessibility to the sites.
- Distance: The distance from Lonavala or major towns plays a significant role in determining how quickly you can reach the campsite.
Best Time For Camping In Lonavala
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Camping in Lonavala is best enjoyed from October to May, post-monsoon, and winter. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, and the green landscape, which includes waterfalls and valleys, looks most luscious after the rains. The summer months (March to May) provide camping options while the weather stays nice and mild. Nevertheless, mornings and evenings are colder than the day. Lonavala receives heavy rains during the monsoons (June-September), making camping here difficult and quite challenging. This could be an exciting time for monsoon lovers to experience the misty hills fused with gushing waterfalls.
How To Reach
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By Road: Lonavala is around 83 km from Mumbai and 65 km from Pune. You could take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, which is good and scenic for a drive.
By train: Lonavala is well-connected when it comes to rural services. There are trains between Mumbai, Pune, and Lonavala frequently.
By Air: The nearest airport is Pune International Airport, around 70 km from Lonavala.
5 Spots For Camping In Lonavala
Lonavala is one of the best and most popular places for camping, and you can enjoy it with your family. Here are the best places for camping in Lonavala.
1. Pawna Lake
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Pawna Lake is among the popular camping destinations in Lonavala, famous for its calm atmosphere and picturesque view. One can escape the routine and chicanery of city life since green hills and the quiet waters of the lake surround the place. It has become an ideal tourist destination for these reasons. Kayaking, swimming, and fishing sometimes lure tourists to this lake campsite. Bonfires, barbeque, and lovely tents are often found here, making the place ideal for solo trips and families. The sunsets shine eye-like valves to delight and awe and are very beneficial for photography and relaxation.
Cost/Person: ₹1,200 to ₹2,000
Duration: 1 night and 2 days
Timings: 4 PM – 11 AM
How To reach: From Lonavala the lake is 20 km. You can reach there by car, and book a taxi
2. Rajmachi Village
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Rajmachi Village bestows an unfathomable camping experience, situated within the ruins of the ancient fort of Rajmachi and its scenic Sahyadri mountain range. Popular with trekkers and adventure enthusiasts who find a panoply of natural beauty quirky with a cup of history, there lies an ancient fort ruin on the camp. You can relish breathtaking views of the valleys around, get to know the village as you inquire about the lake, and enjoy bird-watching. You can enjoy watching the sunrise and indulge yourself in stargazing.
Cost/Person: ₹1,500 to ₹2,500
Duration: 2 days and 1 night
Timings: 3 PM, and 11 AM
How To reach: The village is just 16 km from Lonavala. You can trek or 4×4 vehicles to go to the campsite
3. Tung Fort
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Tung Fort attracts camping enthusiasts of spirit and history with its adventures. Perched on a hill from the top, the fort offers a view of the surrounding valleys and other forts, Lohagad and Visapur. Moderately tough trekking makes camping rewarding and adventurous. At the prime, you may pitch your tents for the night and enjoy roaring bonfires against the backdrop of spectacular sunsets. The fort’s history augments the idea of your exploration and promenade through ancient architecture and recognises the region’s history in the flush of nature.
Cost/Person: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000
Duration: 1 night and 2 days
Timings: 4 PM – 11 AM
How To reach: Lonavala is 20 km away and can be reached by car
4. Lohagad Fort
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Lohagad Fort is a delightful camping experience and is an attraction for people who enjoy adventure and history. This fort gangles high at 0333.1 meters, giving an unrivalled sweeping view of the Western Ghats and Lonavala’s lush meadows. The trek to Lohagad Fort is straightforward and can be climbed by children and families. Once at the top, the campers can roam the fort walls, watch the panoramic view, sit back, relax, and unwind. Suitable for trekking, photographing, or enjoying a serene night under the numinous sky, this area around Lohagad Fort is a perfect camping sublimity.
Cost/Person: ₹1,200 to ₹2,000
Duration: 1 night and 2 days
Timings: 4 PM – 10 AM
How To reach: From Lonavala, the fort is 15 km away and easily accessible by road
5. Korigad Fort
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In the ample cluster of undeclared treasures in Lonavala is the Korigad, a secluded and serene camping location for one who seeks solitude. Perched at 929 meters above sea level, this fort offers breathtaking views of the Aamby Valley and surrounding hills. The trek is easy and, therefore, is in the ambit of novice and family fun. Once at the fort, you should get your camp pitched, delight in scenic beauty, and read about historical remains. The calm ambience and untouched nature make Korigad Fort the most appropriate camping spot for meditation, relaxation, and reconnecting with nature, free of the crowds.
Cost/Person: ₹1,500 to ₹2,500
Duration: 1 night and 2 days
Timings: 4 PM – 11 AM
How To reach: 20 km from Lonavala, and can be reached by short trek
Cost Of Camping In Lonavala
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Many tour operators in Lonavala offer camping packages, and they generally include equipment for the tents and camping, dinner and breakfast with the package, bonfire, and barbeque arrangement at night, trekking guides, and water sports. The cost of an overnight stay ranges from ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 per person, depending on the campsite and activities included in the package.
Camping in Lonavala is unimaginably a blend of such natural beauty and history nestled in this lovely hill station. Lonavala will accommodate everyone if you prefer camping by a beautiful lake, near a historic fort, or staying at luxurious hotels. From adventure hunters to seekers of rest and nature, Lonavala has something for everyone. So, organise your camping tour with TripXL and set out for an amazing adventure.
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