10 Most Beautiful Hill Stations Near Lonavala For A Quick Weekend Getaway

Lonavala is perhaps one of the most well-known hill stations in Maharashtra. Perched 625 meters above sea level in the Sahyadri Range, Lonavala offers the perfect blend of spectacular scenery, rich variety of flora and fauna, and a healthy dose of adventure activities. Formerly famous among honeymooners, Lonavala has come to be favored by youngsters in cities like Pune and Mumbai, thanks to its proximity to these cities, while still being cut-off from the loud and fast paced city life.

With that said, Lonavala is a small hill station and everything worth visiting can be covered in a short time, leaving you with plenty of time left in your weekend getaway. Whether you’ve made too many trips to Lonavala and are looking for alternatives in the vicinity, or simply want to extend your visit to Lonavala by exploring other hill stations in the region, you’ve landed on the right page. Here’s a list of hill stations near Lonavala that you can visit right away:

10 Most Popular Hill Stations Near Lonavala

The following are the most popular hill stations near Lonavala that will surely make your refreshing getaway the most memorable one!

1. Rajmachi – 227.5 Km From Lonavala
2. Matheran – 30 Km From Lonavala
3. Raigarh – 66 Km From Lonavala
4. Amboli – 406 Km From Lonavala
5. Lavasa – 102 Km From Lonavala
6. Malshej Ghat – 133 Km From Lonavala
7. Panchgani – 161 Km From Lonavala
8. Mahabaleshwar – 180 Km From Lonavala
9. Igatpuri – 181 Km From Lonavala
10. Bhandardara – 196 Km From Lonavala

1. Rajmachi

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Situated in the Konkan area of Sahyadris, Rajmachi is a well-known hill station, particularly because of the Rajmachi Fort. While the Rajmachi Fort is the prime attraction at this hill station, there are a couple of other forts in Rajmachi- Shrivardhan and Maharanjan Forts.

The hike to Rajmachi Fort is a favorite among beginner hikers, and presents two options to the visitors. While the path from Kondane Caves can take up to 4 hours of hiking to reach the fort, while the alternative way, from Lonavala side, can get you much closer to the fort in your vehicle from where, you can reach the fort by walking for just 30-40 minutes.

With the presence of forts and ancient caves, Rajmachi also boasts a rich history that is interesting enough to satisfy the history-buff inside you.

Additional Info:

Distance From Lonavala: 227.5 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Places Of Interest: Rajmachi Fort, Shrivardhan Fort and Manoranjan Fort
Places To Stay: Lotus Lodging, The Fern Residency Karad, Hotel Pankaj Executive, Sapphire Premium Hotel & Suite, Matoshree apartments

Must Read: 20 Best Resorts In Lonavala: Embark On A Getaway From Mumbai And Pune

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2. Matheran

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Matheran, while being the smallest hill station in the country, packs a strong punch of rich history and scenic panoramas. Sitting comfortably in the Western Ghats, Matheran is perhaps the perfect getaway from the city, particularly because there are no vehicles allowed inside the hill station. That means no traffic jams and no constant blaring of car horns.

Apart from serenity and some much needed quiet time, Mathran is also home to a number of popular hiking trails and rock climbing spots, along with a cute toy train that takes travelers for a beautiful journey around the Western Ghats.

Additional Info:

Distance From Lonavala: 30 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Places Of Interest: Charlotte Lake, Panorama Point, Louisa Point
Things To Do: Waterfall Rappelling, Rock Climbing
Places To Stay: SaffronStays Parsi Manor, Abhiraj cottage, Alexander Heritage And Rainforest Resort, Misty Matheran Resorts, Hazel Villa by Vista Rooms

3. Raigarh

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One of the finest hill stations in Maharashtra, Raigarh is home to unmatched natural beauty and a rich heritage derived from an equally rich history. The hill station is home to many forts that tell a story of an interesting history. The most famed fort among these is perhaps the Raigarh Fort, where the tomb of famous Maharashtra Ruler Shivaji Maharaj lies.

Apart from forts, Raigarh is also home to waterfalls, lush green valleys, and cloud-kissing hills, all of which attract a ton of nature lovers to this conveniently located hill station.

Additional Info:

Distance From Lonavala: 66 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Places Of Interest: Raigarh Fort, Diveagar Beach, Jagdishwar Temple, Madhe Ghat
Places To Stay: Hotel Pink Pearl, Hotel Shreshtha, Hotel Trinity Grand, Hotel Accord Premier, Hotel Ashirwad

4. Amboli

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Ancient temples, deep valleys covered with dense forests, mist covered mountains, spellbinding waterfalls, and a dearth of tourist crowds- these are the things that best describe the hill station of Amboli.

Located near Goa, Amboli presents a great contrast from nearby tourist destinations as it is not yet on the map of tourists and thus, gives curious travelers to spend some time filled with solitude, in the lap of mother nature.

Additional Info:

Distance From Lonavala: 406 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Places Of Interest: Mahadevgad Point, Purvicha Vas, Nagatra Falls, Hiranya Keshi
Places To Stay: Dark Forest Retreat, Garawa Resort, Vamoose Sailee, Vamoose Green Valley, Amboli Hill Resort

5. Lavasa

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India’s newest hill station, Lavasa, is being developed by a private company. Planned to be a group of 5 mini-cities perched on top of seven mountains, Lavasa is inspired by the Italian city of Portofino.

The planned city offers sublime views and is home to winding roads that cut through mountains, making it perfect for nature lovers and petrolheads looking to get away from the city crowd. The city faces a 65 kilometer lakefront, which offers superb views, no matter where you are within the city.

Additional Info:

Distance From Lonavala: 102 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Places Of Interest: Lakeside Promenade, Lakeshore Watersports, Temghar Dam
Things To Do: Playing In Water
Places To Stay: Lavasa Luxury Deck Apartment with View, Kaarvi Indraprastha, Lavasa Lake Palace, SaffronStays Calvin & Hobbes

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

6. Malshej Ghat

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Situated in the Western Ghats, Malshej Ghat is a delightful little town that is rich in natural beauty. From tall waterfalls, to rocky mountains covered with thriving vegetation, Malshej Ghat attracts tons of tourists looking to spend some time close to nature.

Home to a number of adventurous treks, misty mountains trails and expansive stretches of forests, the hill station is especially favored by couples looking for solitude and hikers looking for an adventure.

Additional Info:

Distance From Lonavala: 133 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: July to March
Places Of Interest: Harishchandragad Fort Hike, Malshej Falls, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam
Places To Stay: Saj, Jandyal Farm House, Hotel Girija, Hotel Swad Nisarg

7. Panchgani

Surrounded by five hills of Sahyadri Ranges, Panchgani is a hill station rich with spectacular views, scenic natural beauty, and plenty of old-world colonial architecture. The pleasant weather and picturesque scenery made Panchgani the summer resort for the British. Surrounded by hills on one side and coastal plains, Panchgani is a true marvel of nature and must find a spot on your bucket list.

Additional Info:

Distance From Lonavala: 161 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: September to May
Places Of Interest: Kaas Plateau, Table Land, Kate’s Point
Things To Do: Boating, Paragliding
Places To Stay: EKO STAY, Swarnam villa and rhytham vila, Hotel Malas, Blossom Delight, Divine Villas

8. Mahabaleshwar

Perched at an altitude of over 1350 meters, the hill station of Mahabaleshwar offers delightful views of surreal mountaintops, lush green valleys, and expansive plains. Home to abundant natural beauty, ancient forts, and a thriving variety of flora and fauna, Mahabaleshwar has become a top holiday destination among nature and adventure lovers.

Additional Info:

Distance From Lonavala: 180 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: October to June
Places Of Interest: Arthur’s Seat, Lingmala Waterfalls, Pratapgarh Fort
Things To Do: Ride A Shikara, Jungle Trekking
Places To Stay: Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa, FabExpress Sagar villa Panchgani, JK Motels, C.P. Cottage, Bella Vista Resort

9. Igatpuri

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Untouched by urbanisation and surrounded by hills on all sides, the two features of Igatpuri that have made it one of the top summer holiday destinations in Maharashtra. While the destination is famed to be the choice of spot for shooting many Indian films, it also boasts a collection of popular beginner hiking trails, perfect for adventure lovers. Moreover, the hill station is also home to the largest Vipassana Meditation Centre in the country, which speaks volumes about the air of serenity in the atmosphere of Igatpuri.

Additional Info:

Distance From Lonavala: 181 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: July to October
Places Of Interest: Bhatsa River Valley, Camel Valley, Tringalwadi Fort
Places To Stay: Nature’s Dreamland, The Herb Farm, V2- Vue’ Villa, Nature Leap Resort, Bodh Valley

10. Bhandardara

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Bhandardara is one of the most famed adventure destinations of Maharashtra. Home to a remarkable collection of hiking and trekking trails that boast sublime views of nature’s best, Bhandardara is becoming increasingly popular among hiking and trekking enthusiasts. The hill station is home to spellbinding waterfalls, sprawling dams, picture-perfect mountain villages, and panoramic hill tops, making it a perfect addition to your travel bucket list for Maharashtra.

Additional Info:

Distance From Lonavala: 196 kilometers
Best Time To Visit: June to March
Places Of Interest: Umbrella Falls, Randha Falls, Ratanwadi Village, Arthur Lake, Kalsubai Peak
Places To Stay: Bhandardara Camping, Holiday SeekS, Samadhan Resort, BHAKTI NIVAS, Campingly

Further Read: The New Fossil Park To Open In Maharashtra Will Help You Relive Your ‘Jurassic Park’ Memories!

The state of Maharashtra is blessed with unmatched natural beauty, hidden in its little and well known hill stations. Offering the perfect chance to get away from the hustle bustle of the city life, Lonavala, and other surrounding hill stations mentioned on this list are perfect for a weekend filled with exploration and serenity. Plan your trip to Lonavala with TravelTriangle and enjoy the best vacationing experience. Don’t forget to explore any of the above-mentioned hill stations near Lonavala to have an enthralling holiday!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations Near Lonavala

What is the best way to reach Rajmachi from Lonavala?

Lonavala happens to house the closest railway station to Rajmachi. There are many bus services operating between the two hill stations and the journey by road does not require more than two hours. After reaching Rajmachi, reaching the fort requires travelers to hike for 45 to 60 minutes.

How do I reach Raigarh Fort?

Raigarh is connected by major highways in the region and it is easy to find a bus to Raigarh from any major city in Maharashtra and surrounding states. The nearest railway station to Raigarh Fort is the Veer Railway Stations, which lies at a distance of 40 kilometers from Raigarh. The nearest airport is Chatrapati Shivaji Airport of Mumbai. Once you have reached Raigarh, you can either hike to the top of the fort, or take the more popular option, the Raigarh ropeway.

Which of these hill stations is best for camping and hiking?

Bhandardara, Mahabaleshwar, Rajmachi, and Panchgani are some of the hill stations that boast a fantastic collection of beginner hikes.

How do I get around within Mahabaleshwar?

Mahabaleshwar town is interconnected by a strong network of state-operated buses. For other areas, it is always easy to find an autorickshaw around the places of tourist interest.

Which is the closest railway station to Bhandardara?

The nearest railway station to Bhandardara is located in Igatpuri, which is at a distance of about 45 kilometers from Bhandardara.