Sponsored article: Lonavala, the alluring Monsoon Getaway from Mumbai and Pune

The monsoon provides much needed relief from the scorching heat. It's a perfect time for those breezy evenings and staring out of your window watching the drizzle come down, along with a cup of hot tea by your side. While it's all good watching the rains from inside your home, sometimes it gets difficult to enjoy outside in a big city like Mumbai as there are frequent water logging problems and long traffic jams. The best option is to get out of Mumbai and head to Lonavala for a perfect monsoon experience by taking a good car rental in Mumbai.

Just the mention of the name ‘Lonavala' takes your imagination to some other level. Lonavala is a romantic paradise especially during monsoons. The feel of cool wind, spectacular waterfalls, lush green landscapes of hills, misty valleys, fleeting clouds and the excitement of getting drenched in the rains makes it one of the most popular travel destinations, specially for people living in Mumbai and Pune. It is at a distance of just 65 kms from Pune and 100 ms from Mumbai and easily covered by Mumbai Pune taxi. Everything about this place will make you feel good and it refreshes your mind from the busy routine that you have been following.

The marvelous beauty of the nature is at its peak during the monsoon as the rain will refresh up the greenery of the mountains and the entire foggy and cooling effect gives great pleasure to your body and mind.

Lonavala is home to many cliffs, dams and lakes; few places like Lonavala Lake are best visited during the monsoons. Road journey from both Mumbai and Pune itself is fun with beautiful views and eating points throughout. Few of the attractions in Lonavala that should not be missed during monsoons are:

Bhaja Caves: These are second century old rare Buddhist caves . There are 18 rock cut caves built by Buddhist monks and enshrines different sculptures and these sculptures signify the mastery of architects of that era. There is also a magnificent waterfall at the end of 18th cave. Buddhist ideologies are exhibited through inscriptions on these caves.

Bhaja Caves, Lonavala, Maharashtra by Amit Upadhyaya

Bushy Dam: It is one of the popular picnic spots in Lonavala during the monsoons. Water flowing out through the dam makes spectacular waterfalls. The picturesque hilly terrains at the backdrop and lush green surroundings provide a lovely treat to the eyes.

Bushy Dam, Lonovala, Maharashtra by Sahana Sharan

Koregad Fort: It is a must see fort for the trekkers. It is not connected to other hills of the region and requires one hour of trekking expedition to reach. There are few magnificent ponds in the vicinity and you can have nice views of surrounding hills from the top of this fort.

Koregad Fort, Lonavala, Maharashtra by Wikipedia

Lonavala Lake: It is also known as Monsoon Lake as it fills up during monsoons and dries up during the winters. This lake was built in 1876 and is a popular picnic spot in with enchanting natural beauty and picturesque surroundings. The lake is home to different varieties of birds.

Lonavala lake, Ramakrishna Reddy Y

Khandala: When you visit Lonavala don't forget to go to Khandala, a hilly terrain area which is just at a distance of 3 kms. It lies at the foothills of Sahyadis range and is a popular hiking point. With few drizzles, the mesmerizing beauty of the place blossoms like a garden.

Kandala, Lonavala, Maharashtra by Alosh Bennett

Lonavala is a perfect monsoon destination and Mumbaikars don't think twice before packing their bags and heading out for a weekend trip; hiring one of the Mumbai to Pune cabs from a reliable taxi service in Mumbai is the best option to travel.