- Starting from
- Pune
- Duration
- 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Distance
- about 450-500 km in total, depending on the sightseeing chosen (approx.)
- Mode
- Private AC cab with driver
- Package rate
- Call for best fare
About This Tour Package
Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala are often visited separately, yet they work very well together on one holiday. A Mahabaleshwar Lonavala tour package from Pune gives you two different hill-station moods: wide valley viewpoints and river-source temples in one, and misty lakes, ancient caves and hill forts in the other. A private car joins them without the stress of changing buses.
Cab Service Pune runs this loop from Viman Nagar with clean AC vehicles and drivers who know the Pune–Satara side and the Mumbai–Pune expressway equally well. The plan below shows how three days can be spent without too much driving.
Why Combine These Two Hill Stations
Mahabaleshwar sits at a higher altitude, in the Satara district, and is cooler and greener in winter. Lonavala and Khandala sit closer to Mumbai on the Sahyadri edge and are known for the monsoon. Together they give you contrast: one is a slow valley holiday, the other a scenic stop with easy activity.
The two are not next to each other. Roughly speaking, you travel from Pune to Mahabaleshwar in about 3-3.5 hours, then back through Pune side roads towards Lonavala, which usually takes another 3-4 hours. Keeping Day 2 for that transfer prevents rushed sightseeing.
Day 1: Pune to Mahabaleshwar
Leave early and cross the Katraj and Khed Shivapur belt, then take the Panchgani road with its tea stalls and strawberry stands. Panchgani's Table Land and its schools make a good first stop. After check-in at Mahabaleshwar, spend the evening at Venna Lake, where boating and a market stroll are popular.
Avoid driving the ghat in the dark if you can, and keep a jacket ready because evenings feel cool even in summer.
Mahabaleshwar Sightseeing
The classic viewpoints are Arthur's Seat, Wilson Point (Sunrise Point) and Elephant's Head Point. Pratapgad Fort, the historic hill fort of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, lies a short drive away and rewards the climb with sweeping views. Old Mahabaleshwar has the Panchganga temple, associated with the source of five rivers, including the Krishna.
Check temple and fort timings before you go, and plan to reach popular points early because crowds build by late morning on weekends. Strawberries, mulberries and fresh fruit are seasonal, so ask what is available for your dates.
Day 2: Transfer to Lonavala
After a relaxed breakfast, return towards Pune and take the road to Lonavala. You will cross Pune's outer ring and either the old highway or the expressway section, depending on traffic. A lunch stop near the highway is a good break.
By evening you reach Lonavala. Walk through the main market for chikki and fudge, and take a short drive to a quiet viewpoint if the weather allows.
Day 3: Lonavala Highlights and Return
Lonavala has plenty for a half-day. Tiger's Point and Lion's Point offer long valley views, and Bhushi Dam is crowded and fun in the rainy season. The Karla and Bhaja caves are ancient Buddhist rock-cut sites, and Lohagad and Visapur forts attract trekkers. Rajmachi viewpoint is another popular choice when conditions are safe.
Some of these places have restrictions in the rainy season, particularly at waterfalls and dams, so follow local rules and your driver's advice. Then take the return drive to Pune, usually 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic.
Best Time to Travel
October to February is clear and comfortable for both places. The monsoon, from roughly July to September, is when Lonavala shines, though Mahabaleshwar can be foggy with heavy rain, and some viewpoints may be hidden. Some tourist points in Mahabaleshwar may be restricted during heavy rain, so check the current status before booking in peak monsoon.
Cars for Families and Groups
A Swift Dzire suits couples and a family of four. An Ertiga or Innova Crysta is better if you travel with children, grandparents and luggage. Larger groups of friends or office outings can use a Tempo Traveller or Force Urbania. Tell us your group size when you enquire, and we will recommend the right vehicle.
Food Stops Along the Way
Both hill stations are known for simple, tasty snacks. In Mahabaleshwar, look for fresh strawberries with cream, corn on the cob and hot bhaji. Lonavala is famous for chikki and fudge, which make good gifts, though buy from busy shops and check the date on packaged items.
The highway itself has several family restaurants. Your driver can recommend a clean halt near your route so that you do not have to hunt for one while hungry.
Shorter and Longer Versions
If three days feels long, pick one hill station and add the other on a later weekend. If you have a fifth day free, add Panchgani and Wai in more detail, with Kamshet for paragliding in season, or a night at Pawna Lake side. Cab Service Pune can adjust the number of days, and the fare is quoted accordingly.
Senior travellers should prefer less steep viewpoints, and families with young children should pick hotels close to the main market so that evenings are easy.
Making the Most of the Views
Hill stations reward early risers. At Mahabaleshwar, reaching Wilson Point near sunrise gives the clearest light, before haze or crowds appear. In Lonavala, Tiger's Point is best in the morning when mist is rolling through the valley.
Keep your camera or phone dry, and avoid walking near cliff edges, especially on wet rock. Railings and warning boards exist for a reason, so respect them, and keep children close. If visibility is poor on the day, ask your driver for an alternative stop such as a lake, a temple or a market.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
Pack light woollens for Mahabaleshwar, a rain jacket for Lonavala, and shoes with good grip for wet steps. Book hotels early for weekends and long holidays, as both places fill up. Keep small cash for parking and local stalls. Carry motion-sickness medicine if anyone in the group feels uneasy on winding roads, and drink water often.
How Booking Works
Send your dates and group size to Cab Service Pune through WhatsApp, phone or the enquiry form. We share the fare before the trip, and the plan can be customised for honeymooners, families or corporate groups. Toll, parking and state tax are normally charged at actuals unless an all-inclusive package is quoted. Hotel assistance can be coordinated on request.
For your Mahabaleshwar Lonavala tour package from Pune, call or WhatsApp 7888117999 and let Cab Service Pune plan the loop.
Tour Itinerary
- Day 1: Depart Pune in the morning, stop at Panchgani Table Land, check in at Mahabaleshwar, evening at Venna Lake
- Day 2: Morning at Arthur's Seat, Wilson Point and Pratapgad or Old Mahabaleshwar, then drive back towards Lonavala
- Day 2 evening: Check in at Lonavala and walk through the market for chikki
- Day 3: Tiger's Point or Lion's Point, Karla and Bhaja caves or a fort viewpoint, then return to Pune
Choose Your Vehicle
FAQs
How far are Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala from each other?
They are in different parts of the Sahyadris, so you go via Pune. Pune to Mahabaleshwar is roughly 3-3.5 hours, and Pune to Lonavala about 1.5-2 hours, so allow most of Day 2 for the transfer.
Is three days enough for both hill stations?
Yes, if you keep the plan simple. One day each for the main sights and one for the transfer works well. Adding a fourth day lets you see more forts and caves without hurrying.
Which month is best for this package?
October to February is comfortable for both. The monsoon suits Lonavala more, while Mahabaleshwar can be foggy. Check current tourist restrictions and road conditions if you plan to travel in peak rains.
Can we skip Pune and go directly?
There is no direct short route between the two, so the trip normally passes through the Pune region. Your driver will choose the best road based on traffic and weather that day.
Does the package include hotels?
The fare covers the vehicle and driver. Hotel assistance can be coordinated on request, so confirm it at booking. Toll, parking and state tax are normally at actuals unless an all-inclusive package is quoted.
How do I book this package?
Call or WhatsApp 7888117999 with your date, group size and preferred vehicle. We confirm the plan and fare before you pay anything.