When you’re thinking of spending a weekend exploring the beauty of the Western Ghats, Tiger Point in Lonavala seems like a perfect spot. Considered one of the most popular places to visit in Lonavala, Tiger Point Lonavala unveils itself in quiet grandeur two times a day – sunrise and sunset.
The cliffs, bathed in soft golden light, stretch endlessly into the horizon, where the air feels crisp and untouched. There’s a rare stillness here—a place often swept up in crowds during peak seasons, yet on this particular Saturday morning, we had it mostly to ourselves.
A handful of couples, lost in the vastness, stood silently at the edge, savouring the moment. The kind of morning you can’t replicate, where the view feels personal, just for you.
But as we lingered, something caught my eye. Below the railings and barricades, the valley was scattered with litter. There were plastic spoons, broken beer bottles, and torn wrappers all over the place. It was hard to ignore.
People came for the view but left no respect for the place. The beauty here was overshadowed by neglect. A spot meant for peace was quietly battling human disregard.
Lonavala was recently ranked third in the Swachh Survekshan 2023 survey for cities with a population of less than 1 lakh. It’s a proud achievement. But seeing so much trash in such a beautiful spot was disheartening. It feels like a step backwards.
How to Reach Tiger Point
Tiger Point is located about 6.2 kilometres from Bhushi Dam and is easily accessible by road. The drive takes around 15–20 minutes, with most of the route along the INS Shivaji Road. The road is well-paved and scenic, offering beautiful views of the Western Ghats as you ascend.
However, do drive or ride cautiously as the road is narrow with several turns and curves, especially as you near the viewpoint. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid traffic and enjoy a more peaceful experience. During the monsoon, be extra careful as the road can get slippery.
We decided to visit Tiger Point Lonavala early morning for a lovely sunrise experience. It was a nice, quiet Saturday in March. While not the ideal time to explore Tiger Point, we still had a great time.
The landscape was missing its usual greenery, but the clear summer weather gave us wider and clearer views. The morning was cooler than we had anticipated, making it perfect for a peaceful experience.
Sarah and I took a few moments to soak in the lovely views, pausing to appreciate the stillness. We stopped talking, simply taking in the vastness ahead of us, our eyes stretching as far as we could see.
However, as we began to explore different areas of Tiger Point in Lonavala, we saw a heartbreaking problem.
The Problem Beneath the Surface
Litter is one of the key problems that plague this lovely place. And it’s fair to say—most Indians treat public spaces like a personal dumping ground. And maybe you’re, too.
If we weekenders keep leaving behind our waste at every viewpoint, waterfall, or hillside, we’ll soon run out of beautiful places to visit. What’s worse is that it has become so normalised that we barely even notice the damage anymore.
We saw the same thing when we visited Bhushi Dam in Lonavala and on our trekking experience to Lohagad Fort – beautiful locations slowly losing their charm to heaps of unattended trash.
But it’s not just visitors to blame. Many local vendors operating at Tiger Point also contribute to the mess. When their dustbins fill up, they simply tip the waste over the edge—out of sight, but certainly not out of harm’s way.
And then there are the monkeys. Occasionally, they show up to snatch food items from unsuspecting visitors.
What follows is an even bigger mess, as they toss packaging and leftovers into the valley below. What we feed them—knowingly or unknowingly—adds to the trash that scars this beautiful landscape.
The litter isn’t just unsightly; it’s dangerous. Broken glass bottles, strewn plastic, and sharp metal can pose a serious hazard to anyone who comes here to enjoy the views.
Imagine a child or your loved one stepping on a broken piece of glass while exploring the place, not knowing what’s lying just out of sight.
It’s not just a matter of cleanliness—it’s about safety. These hidden dangers are a sharp contrast to the serene environment that Tiger Point Lonavala promises.
The problem isn’t isolated. Across India, popular tourist spots face the same issue. People often leave their trash behind, leaving a trail of environmental damage in their wake.
It’s a shame because places like Tiger Point have so much potential for being examples of how we can enjoy nature responsibly. It is one of the best places to visit in Lonavala and you can have a good time here throughout the year. I would urge people to visit this place, enjoy the landscape, try some local food, and have a good time responsibly.
In an age where eco-conscious travel is on the rise, this kind of negligence shouldn’t still be the norm. Every piece of litter is a reminder that we have a responsibility, not just to enjoy the beauty, but to protect it too.
Tiger Point gave us a morning we’ll always remember. The peace, the early light, the vast emptiness of the hills—it’s exactly why people come here. But it also showed us what happens when that peace is taken for granted.
We can’t keep blaming the system, the vendors, or the municipal authorities. Real change starts with us—the visitors. The “sab chalta hain” attitude has brought us here, and only a shift in mindset can take us out.
If you’re planning to visit Tiger Point, take in the view, breathe the air, and click your selfies. But also carry back your trash. Say no to littering. Respect the barriers. Keep the wild, wild. Let the next person find the place as clean and magical as you did.
Because preserving beauty isn’t someone else’s job – It’s ours.
A Call to Action for Responsible Travel
This might not be your typical travel post. You won’t find a checklist of things to do at Tiger Point or must-visit spots nearby. Instead, let this serve as a reminder: no matter where we holiday, whether in Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar, we must stay mindful of how we impact the places we visit.
At the end of the day—hey aamcha Maharashtra aahey, yeh humara desh hain.
Also, this post isn’t meant to discredit Lonavala. It’s a lovely town, and my second home. My relatives live here, and I’ve been visiting since I was a kid. I’ve seen it grow, change, and welcome countless travellers over the years. And it deserves better from us.
Tiger Point in Lonavala is more than just a scenic viewpoint. It’s a symbol of what we stand to lose if we don’t change how we treat our public spaces. We went there seeking peace and found it, but we also saw a problem we couldn’t ignore.
So let’s not wait for someone else to fix it.
Whether you’re a local, a weekend visitor, or just passing through, do your part. Respect the space. Leave no trace. Because these places won’t stay beautiful unless we help keep them that way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tiger Point is famous for its stunning views of the Western Ghats, especially during sunrise and sunset. The cliffside location offers panoramic vistas, cool breeze, and a peaceful atmosphere that draws both tourists and locals alike.
There is practically no difference between the two. Tiger Point and Lion Point are just a few hundred metres apart and offer the same panoramic views. They are essentially two spots along the same ridge, so you get a similar experience at both.
No, visiting Tiger Point is completely free. There is no official entry fee or ticket.
The best time is early morning for sunrise or late evening for sunset. Monsoon season adds to the charm with lush greenery and mist.
Yes, it is safe but visitors should be careful near the cliff edges and watch out for monkeys who often snatch food items. Also, look out for broken glass bottles that can injure your foot unknowingly.
Due to a rise in incidents involving tourists falling prey to antisocial elements, the Lonavala police have urged visitors to avoid Tiger Point between 7 PM and 7 AM. The move is meant to ensure visitor safety. Shops and food stalls in the area have also been instructed not to operate beyond designated hours, and strict action may be taken against those who violate these rules.
Yes, you’ll find local vendors selling tea, corn, vada pav, and other snacks. Most stalls are active during the day and especially on weekends. Please make sure that you throw paper cups and plastic forks and spoons in a dustbin to keep the place clean and litter-free.
Yes, while there is no designated parking lot, there’s ample space along the roadside where people usually park without issues.
6 comments
I agree to what you have mentioned about littering and dumping garbage,very well said about the problems on tourists sights
Thank you, Habib. I appreciate your comment and your stand against littering.
“Respect the space. Leave no trace. Because these places won’t stay beautiful unless we help keep them that way.”
Great advice
Thank you Dan for your comment. I think that’s the only advice I can give without being preachy.
What a shame about the litter. People have forgotten respect of so many types.
Thanks for the photo of you and Sarah — it’s splendid. Hugs to you both.
Thank you, Teagan. Hugs from both of us.