Lonavala sits right between Mumbai and Pune, and it is surrounded by some of the best forts and trails in the Sahyadris. Within a short drive of the town you can climb an easy fort with your family, walk a ridge with views of Pawna lake, or spend a night on a hilltop plateau. Here are the best treks near Lonavala, from easy one-day forts for beginners to longer adventures, with the base village, difficulty and time for each.
Why Trek Around Lonavala?
- Easy to reach: Lonavala is on the Mumbai to Pune expressway and railway line, about 2 hours from both cities.
- Something for everyone: from easy family forts like Lohagad and Tikona to long trails like Rajmachi.
- Forts, caves and lakes: the area combines Maratha forts with the ancient Karla and Bhaje caves and the lakes of Pawna and Lonavala.
- Good all year: green and full of waterfalls in the monsoon, clear and cool in winter.
Best Treks near Lonavala
1. Lohagad
- Base village: Lohagadwadi (via Malavli)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to climb: about 45 minutes to 1 hour
One of the most popular forts near Lonavala, with four big gates in a row and the narrow Vinchu Kata (scorpion tail) ridge at the end. The climb is mostly on steps, which makes it ideal for beginners and families.
Tip: Weekends are very busy. Start early, and take care on the Vinchu Kata in wind or rain.
2. Visapur
- Base village: Bhaje / Patan (via Malavli)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time to climb: about 1.5 hours
Visapur stands right next to Lohagad and is bigger and quieter, with a wide plateau, old walls and water tanks. In the monsoon the stepped route through a stream is a favourite. Many trekkers do Lohagad and Visapur together.
Tip: Some routes cross water in the monsoon. Go with a group and avoid streams in heavy rain.
3. Tikona
- Base village: Tikona Peth, near Pawna lake
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to climb: about 45 minutes
A small triangular fort above Pawna lake. Short and scenic, it is one of the best first treks, and the views over the lake are beautiful at sunset.
Tip: Combine it with a visit to Pawna lake for a relaxed day.
join our Tikona trek or read the full Tikona guide.
4. Tung
- Base village: Tungwadi, near Pawna lake
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time to climb: about 1 hour
A sharp conical fort rising from the Pawna lake area, sometimes called Kathingad. The final climb is steep, but short, and the 360 degree view over the lake is the reward.
Tip: The last section is steep. Wear shoes with good grip.
5. Rajmachi
- Base village: Udhewadi (from Lonavala side or from Kondivade near Karjat)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (long walk)
- Time to climb: about 4 to 5 hours from Lonavala on a long, mostly flat track
Two forts, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, stand on the Rajmachi plateau. The long walk from Lonavala is gentle, while the climb from the Karjat side is steeper. Rajmachi is also famous for fireflies before the monsoon and for overnight stays at Udhewadi.
Tip: It is a long day. Carry plenty of water, and plan an overnight stay if you want to see both forts at ease.
6. Korigad
- Base village: Peth Shahapur, on the Aamby Valley road
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time to climb: about 1 hour
A wide fort with intact walls you can walk around, two lakes and a temple on top. Easy, quiet and very scenic in the monsoon.
Tip: The walk along the walls is the highlight. Keep a little extra time for it.
7. Tail-Baila
- Base village: Tailbaila village
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time to climb: about 1 hour to the base of the walls
Two enormous parallel rock walls standing above Tailbaila village, famous among climbers. The walk to the base of the walls is simple and the size of the rock is breathtaking up close.
Tip: Climbing the walls themselves needs technical gear and trained guides. Stay at the base unless you are with a climbing team.
8. Duke's Nose (Nagphani)
- Base village: Kurvande village, near Khandala
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time to climb: about 1 to 1.5 hours
A cliff shaped like a nose that rises above Khandala, with views down over the Bhor ghat and the railway line. A popular short trek and a favourite viewpoint.
Tip: Stay away from the cliff edge, especially in fog and wind.
Caves and Places to Add to Your Trek
- Karla caves: ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves with a huge prayer hall, close to Lonavala.
- Bhaje caves: another group of old Buddhist caves on the way to Lohagad and Visapur.
- Pawna lake: a large lake below Tikona and Tung, popular for lakeside camping.
- Lonavala and Tiger Point viewpoints: easy viewpoints for a relaxed evening after a trek.
Which Lonavala Trek Should You Choose?
- First trek or with family: Lohagad, Tikona or Korigad.
- A little more challenge: Visapur, Tung or Duke's Nose.
- A long day or overnight: Rajmachi.
- Big rock scenery: Tail-Baila.
How to Reach Lonavala
- From Mumbai: by train to Lonavala or Malavli, or by road on the Mumbai to Pune expressway. It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
- From Pune: by local train to Malavli or Lonavala, or by road. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Getting to the base villages: shared and private vehicles run from Lonavala and Malavli stations to most of the base villages.
Best Time for Treks near Lonavala
The monsoon (July to September) is the most beautiful time, with waterfalls and green hills everywhere, but trails are slippery and crowded. After the rains until February is the best time for clear views and comfortable weather. Summer mornings are fine for short forts like Lohagad and Tikona, but avoid the midday heat.
Things to Carry
- 2 litres of water and some snacks
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- A raincoat in the monsoon, a light jacket in winter
- A cap and sunscreen
- An ID card and some cash for local transport
Trek near Lonavala with With Sakhi
We run weekend group treks to Tikona, Tail-Baila and other forts around Lonavala and Pawna, with transport from Mumbai and Pune, meals and certified trek leaders. See all our upcoming treks, or explore more options in our guides to treks near Pune, treks near Mumbai and the best winter treks in Maharashtra.
Treks near Lonavala: Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the easiest trek near Lonavala?
Lohagad, Tikona and Korigad are the easiest treks near Lonavala. They take about an hour to climb and are suitable for beginners and families.
Which trek near Lonavala is best in the monsoon?
Lohagad, Visapur, Korigad and Rajmachi are beautiful in the monsoon. Choose easy, well-used routes and avoid stream crossings in heavy rain.
Can I do Lohagad and Visapur in one day?
Yes. The two forts stand side by side near Malavli, and many trekkers climb both in a single day.
How do I reach Lonavala treks by train?
Take a train from Mumbai or Pune to Lonavala or Malavli station. From there, shared or private vehicles go to base villages like Lohagadwadi and Bhaje.
Is there camping near Lonavala?
Yes. Pawna lake near Tikona and Tung is a popular spot for lakeside camping, and Rajmachi has overnight stays at Udhewadi village.
Which Lonavala trek is good for a first trek?
Tikona is a great first trek: short, safe and with a lovely view of Pawna lake. Lohagad is also a good choice if you do not mind crowds.
