A trip to Bhushi Dam Lonavala sounds like a great idea. However, when you have limited time you need to focus on how you can optimize your time the right way. Lonavala has remained one of the popular places to visit near Mumbai. While both Lonavala Khandala remains a popular choice, Lonavala gets more visitors because of the various local attractions it has to offer.
With the arrival of the monsoon, Lonavala transforms itself into a dreamy misty hill station offering relief to many Mumbaikars and Punekars. This is why people from both these cities flock to Lonavala and plan to spend more time enjoying its pleasant weather.
Bhushi Dam Lonavala is one of the main attractions that draw visitors from both these cities. While the dam is not the biggest in Lonavala it still manages to provide tourists with the kind of fun and adventure they prefer. People come here to splash in the cold water and have a great time with their friends and family members.
However, planning a trip to Bhushi Dam Lonavala can help you do a lot more than you can imagine.
Bhushi Dam Lonavala: Why Was It Built?
Note: You can skip to the next paragraph if you are not interested in history.
For centuries, Indian Railways have been instrumental in developing many cities and towns along the mainline. Lonavala is just one of those small towns.
In 1856, the Great Indian Peninsular Railway extended its line from Tanna (Thane) to Campoolie (Khopoli). Two years later in 1858, the line was further extended to Poona (Pune).
The railways ran train services through Lonavala and required water for their steam engines. To tackle this situation, a masonry dam was built in 1860 with the help of the railways and local municipal funding.
Eventually, Bhushi Dam Lonavala was built on the Indrayani River.
Cast iron pipes carried water from the dam to Lonavala and Khandala railway stations. Later, the railways decided to share the water supply with the town of Lonavala.
On November 5, 1951, the Great Indian Peninsular Railway became defunct and incorporated into the Central Railway.
Till today, the Bhushi Dam Lonavala is a property of the Central Railway zone of the Indian Railways.
How to Plan Your Trip to Bhushi Dam Lonavala?
Lonavala remains one of the top monsoon destinations in Maharashtra. This is mainly because of its proximity to cities like Mumbai and Pune. When you plan your trip to Bhushi Dam Lonavala you need to focus on factors that make your trip convenient.
- Best Time To Visit
- How to Reach
- Places to Visit Nearby
- Things to Keep in Mind
Best Time to Visit Bhushi Dam
The best time to visit Bhushi Dam Lonavala is in July, August, September and October. Most people visit Bhushi Dam to enjoy the overflowing water from the dam. With the onset of monsoon in June, the dam begins to fill up. However, the dam usually begins to fill up by the end of June or the initial weeks of July. From November to May, due to a lack of overflowing water, Bhushi Dam Lonavala gets fewer visitors.
How to Reach Bhushi Dam?
If you are coming from Mumbai or Pune you can either take the road or the train.
By Train – Exit the Lonavala station on the west side. You can hire a rickshaw from Jaichand Chowk or Shivaji Chowk that will take you to Bhushi Dam via the Jalvaayu Road. Bhushi Dam is almost 5 kilometres from the Lonavala railway station.
By Road from Mumbai – If you’re coming from Mumbai, take the regular road to Mumbai Pune Highway and exit at Old Khandala Road. Use that road to reach Triose Plaza.
If you don’t want to use the Old Khandala Road, you can use the old Mumbai Pune Highway and take a right just after Kumar Resort. Take the Main Bazaar Road through Ryewood Park and reach Triose Plaza.
Follow the Jalvaayu Road along the Lonavala Lake until you reach Bhushi Dam.
By Road from Pune – Take the regular Pune Mumbai Highway and reach Lonavala. Take a left from Kumar Resort. Take the Main Bazaar Road through Ryewood Park and reach Triose Plaza. Follow the Jalvaayu Road along the Lonavala Lake until you reach Bhushi Dam.
Places to Visit Around Bhushi Dam
Lonavala Lake
Tiger Point
Visapur Fort
Pawna Lake
Mapro Garden Lonavala
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Bhushi Dam
- Bhushi Dam Lonavala is not meant for swimming. Hence, DO NOT dive in the dam reservoir. Every year there are several reports of young people and teenage kids drowning in the dam. Try and enjoy your holidays responsibly.
- It is natural to go wild when you see other people behaving wildly and having a good time in the water. However, you must behave humanely for the safety of yourself, your loved ones and others around you at the dam.
- It is possible that when you arrive at Bhushi Dam Lonavala the steps area is packed with tourists. Avoid the crowds as you might get pushed on the steps accidentally. In that case, you may want to explore the area around the dam.
- Visit Bhushi Dam Lonavala on weekdays to avoid a crowded situation. On weekends, you will find more people at the dam which can ruin your holiday experience. Apart from the crowd, there are many other reasons why Lonavala might not be the right destination for you.
- Avoid heated arguments with other tourists and groups. Resolve misunderstandings amicably.
- Wear non-slip footwear. The area around the dam is going to be wet and slippery. Hence, you must wear footwear that offers you excellent grip when you climb the steps or rocks.
- Always carry a set of dry clothes, socks, shoes (if possible) and a towel. You might likely catch a cold and go down with a fever. Also, your clothes will likely get dirty with wet soil and mud in the area.
- Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated. While there are many food stalls around the dam you may want to focus on drinking safe and clean water. You may want to focus on the right monsoon travel tips to have a good time.
- Protect your belongings from water. This means that you need to safeguard your smartphone, cameras and other devices with plastic covers.
- Always carry a first aid kit for unforeseen emergencies. This should include bandages, and medicines for fever, cold, diarrhoea and migraine.
- If you are planning to stay for a weekend or more in Lonavala you can browse through a list of Lonavala hotels, Lonavala resorts and villas in Lonavala. However, keep in mind that these accommodations would charge you more on the weekends.
Conclusion
Lonavala remains one of the top hill stations in Maharashtra for weekend getaways during monsoons. While Lonavala receives visitors throughout the year, monsoon and winter seasons are considered peak seasons. This is when more tourists flock to the hills to enjoy pleasant weather.
During the rainy season, Lonavala Khandala transforms into a misty dream landscape offering a change of landscape. With plenty of rivulets, streams and waterfalls, Lonavala is a great place to soak up and have fun. Furthermore, being close to Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala is ideal for a perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai.
With the rivers flowing, Bhushi Dam Lonavala is an ideal spot to enjoy the scenic landscape and the overflowing river water. However, you need to plan your trip the right way to ensure you can have a memorable time.
8 comments
Sharukh, Incredible place and photos, plus your hike to the top with views! There are so many beautiful places in India away from the crowded cities. People learn about them from your interesting travels & blog posts! Happy week! 💛 Elizabeth
Thanks. I’m trying my best to bring out some great places across my state and the country at large.
Great photos and lots of interesting information and history here Sharukh. It’s funny that you mentioned the railroad connection. My brother lives in a city that was basically created as a water stop for the railroads.
I love the photos you share as yours hiking. It seems to encourage your inner child 🙂
I added the history because most people don’t know how these places were built or came into existence. They only know that it’s a great place to hangout.
Breath-taking clicks, Sharukh. Passed through in the train but never stopped and now feel like kicking my own butt for missing it out. Enjoyed reading the history behind:)
Well, Vishal, the rains come in every year, so try and visit this place this August, if you can make it. I would recommend you to choose a weekday and carry some extra clothes and a towel and enjoy the splash-perience.
That’s a beautiful area and dam. I can see why it attracts tourists and why you and Sarah spent time there.
To be honest, I have been here so many times, I know the area at the back of my mind. I usually keep hunting for such places where I get some peace of mind, less crowd and where I can be one with the universe.