Working in cities is not easy. Work is relentless and unending, and leaves are rare or hard to come by. Under such circumstances, weekends and quick getaways are the only way to enjoy the little time off you do enjoy. Keeping these constraints in mind, unstumbled has made a super quick, one-day Lonavala itinerary just for you. This unstumbled Lonavala itinerary allows you to enjoy the full breadth of experiences that the hill station offers without it being too hectic or tiring. From dining places and souvenir shops to sightseeing places, we’ve covered it all! The itinerary is also affordable, and you won’t have to break the bank to visit the places mentioned in it.
How Can You Cover Lonavala In One Day?
Starting early is the key to covering most of the spots with enough time.
First Stop: Breakfast At The Food Court
The very first stop you’ll make on the journey is for breakfast. The Khalapur Food Court, just after the Khalapur toll plaza, is an obvious choice given the diversity of options available here. From Dosas and Missal to McDonald’s and omelettes, you’ll find ample options here.
Second Stop: Karla Caves
The Karla Caves are ancient, 2nd-century BCE rock-cut Buddhist caves. The architecture is stunning. It is quite a climb, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes. History aficionados, nature enthusiasts, and trekkers will especially love spending time here. The entry ticket is around INR 20 to INR 30, and you can even book it online!
Third Stop: Trick Vision Museum
Though an unconventional spot for a Loanavala trip, the trick museum is so much fun! For kids, especially, the optical and mirror illusions, 3D paintings, and other fun exhibits would be a lot of fun. The entry fee is INR 300 per head.
Fourth Stop: Lunch At Markaiz And Fudge Shopping At Cooper’s
For lunch, Markaiz is an iconic spot. Their cocktails and food are high quality and well worth your money. You can try the Burrata Pesto Salad, grilled chicken, and the farcha. And while you are there, don’t forget to try their Cloudy Tiramisu Coffee and Walnut Fudge Milkshake.
Right below Markaiz is Cooper’s, one of the most legendary fudge and chikki shops at Lonavala. The approximate cost for two at Markaiz ranges from INR 1,500 to INR 1,900.
Fifth Stop: The Original Maganlal Chikki
If fudge is not your vibe, you can even head to the OG Maganlal Chikki. From classic peanut to crushed groundnut chikki, there’s a lot to choose from. One of Maganlal Chikki’s claims to fame is that it has been run by the same family since the 1800s! Now that’s legacy!
Sixth Stop: Tiger Point And Ceramics Shopping
While Tiger Point itself has now become notoriously overcrowded, several ceramics shacks are lining the road. The designs are truly beautiful and make for the perfect mementoes and souvenirs.
Seventh Stop: Sundowner And Cocktails At Diamond Bar And Restaurant
This Parsi-owned restaurant is one of the oldest bars in Lonavala. The cocktails are delicious, and you can even request the owner to make your favorite Parsi starter for you, and they will oblige even if they’re not on the menu. The cost for two here is around INR 900 to INR 1,050.
Eighth Stop: Dinner And Dancing At Avaali Bar At Mirari Culinary Bungalow
If you love dancing, this will be the highlight of your day. The pub has an amazing vibe, and they serve a wide variety of delicious fiery desi dishes to fuel your energetic dance moves. The approximate cost for two people is around INR 2,000, excluding alcohol.
After dinner, you can head home and reminisce about the fantastic day you’ve just experienced!
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Also Read: How To Spend One Day In Prayagraj? A First-Timer’s Itinerary From Sangam To Anand Bhavan
Author’s Note
I have been to this hill station several times, and can attest that Cooper’s fudge and chikkis are worth the hype. Finding the authentic Maganlal Chikki can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the locality. Many people also believe that Maganlal chikki is a bit overhyped and overpriced and not worth visiting. Keeping these considerations in mind, Cooper’s fudge is an excellent alternative.
One of the things I also love doing in Lonavala is browsing through the ceramic shacks set up there. Even if you’re not going to buy anything, they’re so mesmerizing to look at! Sometimes I feel like going to Lonavala just for these ceramic shacks!
Also Read: Top 10 Best One Day Picnic Resorts With Activities Near Pune For Family
Summing Up
Lonavala is one of the most famous and iconic hill stations in Maharashtra. As such, it is difficult to find a time and place that isn’t already crawling with people. However, if you plan your trip smartly, you can still evade most of the crowd and enjoy a relatively crowd-free visit. What is more, if you have visited Lonavala multiple times before and are tired of the usual spots, the museums and other activities like go-karting are also a fun alternative. So, if you’re looking for a quick, refreshing getaway that will give you a pleasant break from the daily drudgery of your life, save this unstumbled article!
