Every Punekar has that one ride they keep coming back to. For most, it's the Pune to Lonavala bike ride — 65 kilometres of climbing ghats, hairpin bends, misty valleys, and that first hit of cool hill-station air that tells you the city is behind you. Whether you've done it twenty times or you're planning your first, this guide covers everything: the best route, where to stop, what it costs, and how to make the most of a single day on two wheels.
Why Pune to Lonavala Is the Perfect Bike Ride
Lonavala sits at 625 metres above sea level in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, just 65 km from Pune via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (old highway route). The ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and stops. Here's why this particular ride works so well:
- Distance: 65 km one way — short enough for a morning ride, long enough to feel like an escape
- Road quality: NH48 old highway is well-maintained with smooth tarmac through most sections
- Elevation gain: You climb roughly 400 metres from Pune (560m) to Lonavala (625m), with the Khandala Ghat section providing genuine mountain riding
- Year-round appeal: Summer mornings (5 AM starts), monsoon waterfalls, and winter clarity each offer completely different experiences
- Fuel cost: A round trip on an Activa (45 km/l) costs roughly ₹190 in petrol at current Pune prices of ₹103/litre. On a 150cc bike (~40 km/l), about ₹335
Compare that to taking a bus (₹180-250 one way) or a cab (₹1,800-2,500 one way), and the economics are obvious. A rental scooty from Boongg starts at ₹30/hour or ₹399/day — making the entire Lonavala round trip cheaper than a single Ola ride.
The Best Route: Pune to Lonavala via Old Highway
Skip the expressway — two-wheelers aren't allowed on it anyway. The old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH48) is the route you want, and it's honestly the better ride.
Route breakdown:
Pune → Dehu Road (15 km, 25 min)
Take the Pune-Mumbai highway from Wakad/Hinjewadi side, or join via the Katraj-Dehu Road bypass if you're coming from south Pune. The road is flat and fast through this section. Fill up petrol at the HP/Bharat pumps near Dehu Road — prices are the same as Pune city but stations get sparse after Kamshet.
Dehu Road → Kamshet (20 km, 25 min)
The road opens up here with agricultural land on both sides. Kamshet is famous for paragliding — you'll see colourful parachutes on the hillsides during weekends. Good chai stops here. The Tower Garden Café near Kamshet is worth a 10-minute break.
Kamshet → Lonavala (30 km, 40 min)
This is where the ride gets beautiful. The road starts climbing through the Bor Ghat section. You'll hit the first tunnels, see the ghats open up with valley views, and feel the temperature drop 3-4 degrees. During monsoon, waterfalls literally cascade onto the road in sections — ride carefully. The final stretch into Lonavala town drops you at the main market.
Pro tip: Which side of Pune to start from
If you're in Wakad, Hinjewadi, or Pimpri-Chinchwad, take the Pavana Dam road through Maval — it's less trafficked and scenic. From Kothrud, Sinhagad Road, or Katraj, the Dehu Road bypass is fastest. Either way, pick up your rental from Boongg Wakad or Boongg Kothrud for the closest starting points.
5 Must-Visit Stops Between Pune and Lonavala
1. Lohagad Fort (Detour: 7 km from Malavli)
Lohagad ("Iron Fort") is a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate that rises 1,033 metres above sea level. The ride from the highway to the base village of Lohagadwadi is 7 km of narrow, winding road — perfect for a scooty. From the base, it's a 30-45 minute trek up stone steps to the fort. The views from the top — Pawna Lake on one side, the Sahyadri range on the other — are worth every step. Best time: Early morning (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds. Entry: Free. Time needed: 1.5-2 hours including the ride and trek.
2. Bhushi Dam
The most iconic Lonavala attraction. Water cascades over the stepped dam walls, and during monsoon (July-September), it becomes a natural waterslide that draws thousands. Even in the dry season, the dam area is peaceful and great for photos. Location: 3 km south of Lonavala town centre. Parking: Designated two-wheeler parking (₹20). Tip: Wear shoes with grip — the rocks are slippery. Avoid weekends in monsoon if you don't like crowds; go on a Tuesday or Wednesday instead.
3. Tiger Point (Tiger's Leap)
Named for a rock formation that resembles a leaping tiger, this viewpoint offers a sheer 650-metre drop into the valley below. On clear days, you can see the backwaters of Tata Lake. During monsoon, the entire valley fills with clouds and you're literally standing above them. Location: 8 km from Lonavala town. Entry: Free. Parking: Available at the viewpoint. Time needed: 30-45 minutes.
4. Rajmachi Fort (For the Adventurous)
If Lohagad felt too easy, Rajmachi is the next level. This fort complex sits at 915 metres and involves a 15 km ride-and-trek from Lonavala. The trail passes through dense forest, streams, and during monsoon, knee-deep water crossings. You can ride a bike to Udhewadi village (6 km off the highway) and trek the remaining 5 km. Time needed: Half a day. Not recommended during heavy monsoon rain due to stream flooding.
5. Maganlal Chikki Shops — Lonavala Market
No Lonavala trip is complete without chikki. The main market road has dozens of shops — Maganlal and Cooper's are the most trusted names. Beyond chikki, try the garam vada pav at the stalls near the bus stand and corn bhutta from the roadside vendors near Bhushi Dam. Budget about ₹200-300 for snacks and sweets to take home.
Season-by-Season Guide
Summer (March-May): Start at 5 AM
Leave Pune by 5 AM to beat the heat. The ride is pleasant until about 9:30 AM, after which temperatures climb to 35°C+ even in Lonavala. Hit the viewpoints early, grab breakfast in Lonavala town, and head back by noon. Carry 2 litres of water minimum.
Monsoon (June-September): The Magic Season
This is when Lonavala transforms completely. Every hillside has waterfalls, the ghats are impossibly green, and clouds sit at road level. But ride carefully: wet roads, reduced visibility, and occasional landslides on the ghat section are real risks. Wear a raincoat (not a poncho — it catches wind), use low beam, and maintain a 3-second following distance. A rental Activa handles monsoon roads well — the smaller wheels and lower centre of gravity are actually advantages on wet curves.
Winter (October-February): The Best Months
Clear skies, 15-20°C temperatures, and the ghats still green from the monsoon. This is the ideal season for photography and the most comfortable for riding. Early morning fog in the ghat section can reduce visibility — use fog lights if your bike has them, or stick to headlight-on riding.
What to Ride: Scooty vs Bike for Lonavala
Both work, but here's the honest breakdown:
| Factor | Scooty (Activa/Jupiter) | Bike (Pulsar/FZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Ghat climbing | Adequate — 110cc handles the incline fine at 40-50 kmph | More power reserve for overtaking trucks |
| Fuel cost (round trip) | ~₹190 (45 km/l) | ~₹335 (40 km/l) |
| Pillion comfort | Good for short distances | Better seat and footpegs for 2-up riding |
| Parking ease | Fits anywhere — forts, narrow lanes | Slightly harder at crowded spots |
| Monsoon handling | Lower CoG = more stable | Wider tyres = better grip |
| Rental cost (Boongg) | From ₹399/day | From ₹599/day |
Our recommendation: For a solo ride or with a light pillion, an Activa or Jupiter from Boongg is the sweet spot — cheaper fuel, easier parking at fort bases, and perfectly capable on the ghat road. If you're two adults with backpacks, go for a Pulsar 150 or FZ for the extra stability.
Complete Cost Breakdown: Pune to Lonavala Day Trip
| Expense | Scooty (Solo) | Bike (Two People) |
|---|---|---|
| Bike rental (Boongg, 1 day) | ₹399 | ₹599 |
| Petrol (round trip 130 km) | ₹190 | ₹335 |
| Breakfast + Chai | ₹150 | ₹300 |
| Lonavala snacks + Chikki | ₹200 | ₹300 |
| Parking (2-3 spots) | ₹40 | ₹60 |
| Lunch (optional) | ₹200 | ₹400 |
| Total | ₹1,179 | ₹1,994 |
| Per person | ₹1,179 | ₹997 |
Under ₹1,000 per person for a full day in the hills. Try getting that value from any cab or bus trip.
Safety Tips for the Ghat Section
- Respect the trucks. The old highway has heavy truck traffic, especially on weekdays. Don't try to overtake on blind curves — wait for straight sections.
- Use engine braking on descents. The Khandala Ghat descent on the way back has steep sections. Shift to a lower gear and let the engine slow you down instead of riding the brakes continuously.
- Carry your documents. Licence, RC (Boongg provides a copy), and insurance papers. Lonavala police regularly check two-wheelers on weekends.
- Wear a helmet. Boongg provides a free helmet with every rental. Wear it. The ghat section is not the place to feel wind in your hair.
- Check tyre pressure before leaving. Ask Boongg staff to confirm tyre pressure at pickup — under-inflated tyres on wet ghat roads are dangerous.
- Keep headlights on. Even during the day, especially in the tunnel sections and during overcast conditions.
Where to Pick Up Your Rental Bike
Boongg has 16+ locations across Pune. The most convenient pickup points for a Lonavala ride:
- Wakad — Closest to the highway, quickest exit from Pune
- Hinjewadi — For IT professionals doing a post-work Friday ride
- Pimple Saudagar — Easy access to the Dehu Road highway route
- Kothrud — Best for riders coming from south/central Pune
- Pune Station — If you're visiting Pune and heading straight to Lonavala
Book the day before for weekend rides — Activas and Jupiters get booked out by Friday evening. Boongg's check-in starts at 9 AM, but for an early start, call the location to arrange a 6 AM pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a rental bike from Pune to Lonavala?
Yes. Boongg allows inter-city travel within the 200 km daily limit. A Pune-Lonavala round trip is 130 km, well within the limit. No extra permissions needed.
Is the Pune to Lonavala road safe for scooties?
Absolutely. Thousands of scooties make this trip every weekend. The road is well-maintained tarmac throughout. The ghat section requires careful riding (lower speeds on curves, watch for trucks), but a 110cc Activa or Jupiter handles the gradients without any issues.
How much petrol do I need for a Pune to Lonavala round trip?
The round trip is about 130 km. An Activa (45 km/l) needs roughly 2.9 litres = ₹190 at ₹103/litre. A 150cc bike (40 km/l) needs about 3.25 litres = ₹335. Fill up in Pune — petrol stations are sparse on the ghat section.
What is the best time to leave Pune for Lonavala?
6 AM on weekends (to beat traffic and crowds), 7 AM on weekdays. During summer, leave by 5 AM to enjoy cool morning temperatures. Avoid starting after 10 AM on weekends — the highway gets congested with day-trippers and the parking at Bhushi Dam fills up by noon.
Can I do Lonavala and Khandala in one day trip?
Yes, easily. Khandala is just 5 km from Lonavala. Most riders cover both in a single day trip. Add the Duke's Nose viewpoint in Khandala (3 km from the main road, short hike) to your itinerary — it's one of the best vantage points in the region.
Is there a toll on the Pune to Lonavala road?
No toll for two-wheelers on the old highway (NH48). Two-wheelers are not allowed on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, so this isn't even a choice — the old highway is your only legal route and it's toll-free.
What documents do I need for a rental bike to Lonavala?
Valid two-wheeler driving licence and a government ID (Aadhaar/PAN). Boongg provides the RC copy and insurance papers with every rental. Keep all documents on your phone as soft copies too, in case of police checks at Lonavala.
Ready to Ride?
The Pune to Lonavala ride is one of those rare things that's both incredibly accessible and genuinely beautiful. You don't need a superbike, a full day off, or a big budget. An Activa, a tank of petrol, and a 5 AM alarm is all it takes.
Book your rental on Boongg — zero deposit, free helmet, 45+ bike models, and pickup from any of 16+ Pune locations. Hourly rentals start at ₹30/hour if you just want a quick half-day ride.
See you on the ghats.
