Pune to Lonavala Weekend Trip: Complete Villa Guide (2026)

Mumbaikars have been doing the Lonavala weekend trip for decades. But here’s a secret Punekars already know: the drive from Pune is actually better.

Shorter, less congested, no ghat traffic anxiety, and you arrive from the Khandala side — which means your first view of Lonavala is from above, looking down into the valley. It’s a genuinely great way to arrive.

This is the complete guide for Pune-based travellers: how to drive, when to leave, what to do, and which villa to book for a proper weekend reset.

Pune to Lonavala: The Drive

Distance & Time

• Via Mumbai–Pune Expressway (NH48): ~65 km | 55 min to 1 hr 15 min (off-peak)
• Via Old Pune–Mumbai Highway: ~75 km | 1 hr 30 min — scenic, worth doing once

The drive from Pune is significantly shorter than from Mumbai — just 65 km versus 95 km. This is one of the underrated advantages of being a Punekar planning a Lonavala trip. You can realistically leave after lunch on Friday and be at the villa pool before 3 PM.

Best Time to Leave Pune

• Friday afternoon: Leave between 12 PM and 2 PM — you beat the evening rush and arrive with hours of daylight remaining
• Friday evening: Leave after 8 PM — traffic clears completely, arrive by 9:30 PM
• Saturday morning: Leave before 8 AM — the expressway from Pune gets busy from 9 AM on weekends
• Worst time: Saturday 10 AM–1 PM — peak weekend traffic from both Pune and Mumbai converges on the expressway

Which Exit to Take from Pune

Coming from Pune, you’ll approach Lonavala from the Khandala side. Use Exit 13 (Khandala) for villas on the quieter, valley-facing side of Lonavala — this is where most of our best properties are located. For villas near the main market, continue to Exit 14 (Lonavala). We send exact Google Maps pins when you book.

What to Do: The Pune Traveller’s Lonavala Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive Early, Own the Afternoon

The Pune advantage is time. If you leave by noon on Friday, you have the entire afternoon at the villa. Use it. The pool, the valley view, the slower pace — let it work on you before you start planning sightseeing. A 2-hour pool session on arrival day is the best possible use of that time.

Day 2 Morning — Tiger’s Leap & Bhushi Dam

Tiger’s Leap is best before 9 AM — go early, before the Mumbai crowd arrives. The valley view on a clear morning is genuinely one of the top viewpoints in Maharashtra. Bhushi Dam is 15 minutes away and worth the detour, especially in monsoon or post-monsoon when the water level is still high.

Day 2 Afternoon — Della Adventure Park

Della Adventure Park is a 30–45 minute drive from most of our villas and worth an afternoon for groups with adventurous energy. Book tickets online in advance — the entry queue on weekends is 45 minutes without pre-booking. The zipline and ATV tracks are the highlights.

Day 2 Evening — The Lonavala Chikki Circuit

No trip from Pune is complete without the chikki run. The Lonavala market has dozens of shops, but the serious ones are Purohit’s and Maganlal Chikki — both on the main market road. Budget 30–45 minutes, stock up, and head back to the villa for the last evening.

Best Villas for a Pune Weekend Getaway

Wilson Villa — Best for Pune Friend Groups

The go-to for Pune-based friend groups of 10–12. Large pool, ample parking, and enough space that the group doesn’t feel on top of each other. The Khandala exit puts you 15 minutes from the villa — one of the shortest travel times from the expressway of any property in our portfolio.

Pune Advantage: Depart Pune at noon, arrive by 2 PM, in the pool by 2:30 PM.

Luxor Villa — Best for a Couple or Small Group Luxury Escape

For Pune couples or groups of 4–6 who want the luxury villa experience without paying for space they don’t need, Luxor is the clear choice. Modern interiors, a stunning pool, and a price point that makes a monthly Lonavala trip genuinely feasible.

Pune Advantage: Close enough for a spontaneous Friday evening departure — decide at 5 PM, arrive at 7 PM.

Ganesh Villa — Best Value for a Pune Family Weekend

Ganesh Villa is popular with Pune families — four bedrooms, a private pool sized for kids and adults, and a caretaker who’s seen it all and can help coordinate any request. The outdoor space works well for kids in the evening, and the kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering meals.

Pune Advantage: Ideal for families who want to arrive Friday evening and maximise Saturday with a full day out, returning to the villa for Sunday morning leisure.

Della View Villa — Best for Della Adventure Park Fans

If Della Adventure Park is on the agenda, Della View Villa positions you closest to the action. Wake up, have breakfast, and walk to the park. Return for a poolside lunch and spend the afternoon recovering in your own private space before heading back to Pune Sunday evening.

Pune Advantage: Maximises a short Saturday-to-Sunday trip — arrive Friday night, full Della day Saturday, relaxed Sunday check-out.

Pune vs Mumbai: Who Has the Better Lonavala Deal?

Factor	From Pune	From Mumbai
Distance	~65 km	~95 km
Off-peak drive time	55 min – 1 hr 15 min	1 hr 30 min – 2 hrs
Arrival side	Khandala (valley view)	Lonavala market side
Friday evening feasibility	Very easy — leave at 6 PM, arrive by 7:30 PM	Tricky — Friday Mumbai traffic adds 45–60 min

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lonavala worth the trip for just one night from Pune?

More so than from Mumbai, yes. A Saturday check-in and Sunday check-out gives you roughly 36 hours at the villa — enough for a full pool day, one major attraction, and a relaxed morning before the drive back. The short drive means you don’t lose 3–4 hours in transit the way Mumbai travellers do.

Are Lonavala villas priced differently for Pune-based guests?

Pricing is the same regardless of where you’re travelling from — it’s based on the villa and dates, not your departure city. However, because you can do short Friday-evening to Sunday-morning trips more easily from Pune, the cost per day tends to feel lower.

What’s the best month to visit from Pune?

September and October are ideal — the monsoon greenery is still visible, the roads are clear, and the crowds are lower than July–August peak. March to May is excellent for pool-focused trips. December is beautiful but prices spike around Christmas and New Year.

How do we book without paying Airbnb or MakeMyTrip fees?

Book directly via VillaStayLonavala.in or WhatsApp us at +91 85 00 00 22 53. You get the same villa at the lowest available rate — no OTA service charges added.