5-star hotels in Lonavla

Lonavla and its twin town Khandala sit in a well-known hill area that receives heavy rainfall from June to September, when the landscape turns lush and the waterfalls are at their fullest; in the drier months the weather is mild and pleasant. Visitors come for the natural scenery, the trekking routes and sites such as the Karla and Bhaja caves, which date back to ancient times. The town has a range of resorts and hotels catering to families, couples and corporate groups.

The hotels on this list sit in different parts of the area rather than in one cluster. Several addresses name the main town and its roads, others Khandala, Tungarli, Karla and Ambavane, while Aamby Valley City stands in a planned hill city about 25 kilometres from Lonavla. It suits couples wanting a quiet villa, families drawn to pools and games rooms, and corporate groups using banquet and business facilities, with the closest hotels to the centre around 0.5 km and the furthest around 14.9 km.

Getting there and around

Lonavla is well connected by road and rail. It lies on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune highway, with a drive of about 1.5 to 2 hours from Mumbai and 1 hour from Pune. Regular trains on the Central Railway run from Mumbai CST and Pune, with Lonavla station being a major stop. The nearest airports are Mumbai (about 100 km) and Pune (about 65 km). Local transport includes auto-rickshaws and taxis; many visitors also drive their own vehicles or hire cars to explore the surrounding areas.

When to go

The best time to visit Lonavla is from October to February, when the weather is cool and dry, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon months from June to September bring heavy rain and lush greenery, but also slippery trails and reduced visibility. The summer months from March to May are warm, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, though evenings are pleasant. For those who enjoy waterfalls and misty landscapes, the monsoon is a popular choice despite the rain.