Lonavala is a popular hill station in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, known for its lush green valleys, waterfalls, and historic forts. It is an excellent destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Mumbai, the “City of Dreams,” is a bustling metropolis with a rich history, diverse culture, and a vibrant atmosphere. It offers a mix of historical landmarks, modern architecture, and lively street life.
This Tour includes the following Locations:
This two-day itinerary offers a dynamic journey from Pune to Mumbai, blending serene natural escapes with the bustling energy of the city. Day one kicks off with an early morning drive along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to the hill station of Lonavala. The first stop is the popular Bhushi Dam, a masonry dam where, especially during the monsoon season, water cascades over the steps, creating a natural and exhilarating splash zone. Afterwards, a short drive leads to Tiger’s Point and Lion’s Point, where a brief trek rewards you with a cool breeze and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, perfect for a photo opportunity. The afternoon includes a well-deserved lunch in Lonavala town before beginning the journey to Mumbai. The drive can be lengthy due to evening traffic, but upon arrival, you’ll check into a hotel in South Mumbai, ideally in the Colaba area, for easy access to the evening’s activities. The night is a true Mumbai experience, starting with a visit to the majestic Gateway of India at dusk. Dinner is at the historic Leopold Cafe, a city institution with a vibrant, storied atmosphere. The evening concludes with a leisurely stroll along Marine Drive, also known as the “Queen’s Necklace,” and a stop at Chowpatty Beach to indulge in delicious local street food while taking in the illuminated cityscape.
Day two is a deep dive into Mumbai’s rich history and spirituality. After a hearty breakfast, the morning begins with a one-hour ferry ride from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the ancient Elephanta Caves, famous for their impressive rock-cut sculptures of Lord Shiva. After exploring the caves, you’ll return to Colaba for lunch. The afternoon continues the spiritual theme with a visit to the revered Siddhivinayak Temple. Following this, the journey moves to Juhu Beach to witness a stunning sunset over the Arabian Sea. The beach is a great place to sample more of Mumbai’s famous street food, such as Pav Bhaji and Vada Pav, before embarking on the final drive back to Pune, reflecting on the highlights of the trip.
6:00 AM – 7:30 AM: Drive to Lonavala
Start your day: Hit the road early to beat the traffic and enjoy the serene sunrise on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Bhushi Dam
Why you’ll love it: Start your day with a splash! This iconic dam is a huge hit, especially during the monsoon, when the water overflows onto the steps. It’s a fun and refreshing way to kick off the trip.
Pro-Tip: Wear clothes and footwear you don’t mind getting wet. Be careful, as the rocks can be very slippery.
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM: Drive to Tiger/Lion’s Point
Journey: A short and scenic 15-minute drive from the dam.
9:45 AM – 12:45 PM: Tiger & Lion’s Point
Activity: Trek to Lion’s Point, which is a great way to warm up for the day’s adventure. Enjoy the cool breeze and breathtaking, panoramic views of the valleys below. Spend an hour or more at the top taking in the scenery and capturing some great group photos.
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM: Drive back to Lonavala
Journey: Head back to the main town for lunch.
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Lunch in Lonavala
Mealtime: Grab a well-deserved meal at one of the many local restaurants. Don’t forget to pack some famous Lonavala chikki for the road!
3:30 PM onwards: Journey to Mumbai
The Ride: Prepare for the drive to Mumbai. The journey can take 3-4 hours depending on the notorious evening traffic on the expressway.
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Arrive in Mumbai & Check-in
Check-in: Settle into your hotel. A stay in South Mumbai (Colaba) is highly recommended for convenient access to all your planned spots.
8:30 PM onwards: The Colaba Experience
Gateway of India: Head straight to the heart of the action. Enjoy the majestic view of the Gateway of India at night.
Dinner at Leopold Cafe: This is a must-visit Mumbai institution. Enjoy a delicious meal and soak in the vibrant, historical atmosphere.
Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach: End the night with a leisurely walk along the “Queen’s Necklace,” enjoying the city lights. Then, head to Chowpatty Beach to enjoy delicious street food and the beautiful view of the Taj Hotel.
12:30 AM – 1:00 AM: Head back to your hotel for a good night’s rest.
8:00 AM: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day.
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Travel to Elephanta Caves
Journey: Take a ferry from the jetty behind the Gateway of India. The one-hour ferry ride offers a great view of the Mumbai harbor.
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Elephanta Caves
Activity: Spend two hours exploring these UNESCO World Heritage Site caves, famous for their intricate rock-cut sculptures of Lord Shiva.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Return to Colaba
Journey: Take the ferry back to the Gateway of India.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch
Mealtime: Find a great restaurant in the Colaba area for lunch.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Travel to Siddhivinayak Temple
Journey: Make your way to the famous temple.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Siddhivinayak Temple
Activity: Visit the revered temple to pay your respects.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Travel to Juhu Beach
Journey: Head to the iconic Juhu Beach to watch the sunset.
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Juhu Beach
Activity: Enjoy the evening breeze and sunset. The beach is a great place to try local street food like Pav Bhaji and Vada Pav.
7:00 PM onwards: The Drive Back to Pune
The Ride Home: Start your return journey to Pune. This is a great time to recap the day’s highlights with your friends.
11:00 PM: Arrive back in Pune.
