Discover Lavasa: Top Attractions in Maharashtra’s Planned City

The Western Ghats, traditionally known as the Sahyadris, are enchanting, mystical, and welcoming to explorers from far and wide. Nestled in these dense forests is a planned city founded by Ajit Gulabchand (Chairman, Hindustan Construction Company). Although its conception occurred in 2000, India’s 1st privately planned city is still under construction with some parts completed. Hold your horses, traveller! There are places to see in Lavasa and around it. The hidden treasure is gaining a lot of attention from tourists due to its serene surroundings and Portofino-esque architecture. Let’s dive into Lavasa city attractions and what you can expect from them: -

Top Attractions in Lavasa

• Lakeside Promenade
• Lakeshore Watersports
• Bamboosa
• Dasve Point
• Varasgaon Dam
• Ghangad Fort

Lakeside Promenade

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Lavasa, Lakeside Promenade is a kilometre-long street with many restaurants, cafes, and shops. It serves as the perfect spot for tourists and locals to chill and vibe with one another. Set on the banks of Warasgaon Lake, Lakeside Promenade is not only urbane and alive, but it also highlights the natural beauty of Lavasa City.

Another appealing feature of this promenade is its architecture, which is heavily European-influenced with fountains and sculptures wherever you turn your eyes! We’re not done yet. Lakeside Promenade is home to 3 of the most famous gaming places near Pune, Neo Spark Games Arcade, Lavasa Experience Centre, and Xthrill Adventure Academy. So, if you’re into gaming, this is one of the best points to visit in Lavasa.

Address: Village-Dasve, Post-Mose (Budruk) Via-Panshet, Lavasa

Timings: 9 am to 10 pm

Lakeshore Watersports

Lavasa City tourist places are aplenty, but there’s only one that will make adrenaline reach its peak! An adventure junkie’s paradise, Lakeshore Watersports offers thrilling recreational activities at reasonable prices right on the Lakeside Promenade. Lakeshore Watersports is a respected adventure sports company that ensures the full safety of its customers, adhering to international standards of safety in all its activities. So, if you’re even a bit nervous, rest assured you will be safe at all times! Try out kayaking, jet skiing, bumper boating, and paddle boating to make your visit to one of the most sought-after tourist places in Lavasa memorable.

Address: Plot No 101 Town Hall, Pune Mulshi Rd, At Post, Portofino St, Lavasa

Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

Bamboosa

Among the most cultural-forward places to visit in Maharashtra is Bamboosa, Lavasa. As most of the Western Ghats surrounding Lavasa have bamboo trees, this cultural centre aims to create awareness about the use and importance of bamboo in handicrafts, furniture, and fashion. The factory has several artisans and workers creating magic with bamboo, which you can hypnotically watch or make yourself useful and participate in the prep! Bamboosa is always on the Lavasa tourist attractions list for travellers due to its rustic charm and cultural importance. Make sure you spare a couple of hours to visit this place on your vacation too.

Address: Survey No. 60, Mugaon Lavasa, Post Pathershet, Taluka, Mulsh

Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

Dasve Point

Situated in Dasve Village is a point that happens to be among the scenic places to see in Lavasa. Why, you wonder? Perhaps because the hilltop known as Dasve Point makes you fall in love with the Western Ghats in all their glory, almost instantaneously. When you reach this viewing point, you will be in awe for sure. The sheer beauty of the mountains, the peaceful Daske Lake, and the rich biodiversity are enough to plan a visit here. Oh, and this point can be your picnic spot in Lavasa too. Just make sure you do not litter, and dispose of everything after you’re done. Avid photographers are recommended to catch the sun and click pictures worth a million bucks.

Address: State Highway 57, Lavasa

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

Varasgaon Dam

Another picnic spot near Lavasa is the Varasgaon Dam on the Mosi River. Only 30 minutes from the city centre, this place is as tranquil as you can imagine. Expect rainbow-arced skies and waterfalls in front of your eyes. This dam is regularly visited by families from Lavasa and Pune who wish to have some time off from the hustle and bustle of city life. The deep blue waters, lush greenery, and peaceful atmosphere make Varasgaon Dam (Veer Baaji Pasalkar Dam) one of the most visited Lavasa tourist attractions.

There are a few dhabas and tuck shops where you can lip-smacking Marathi snacks so make sure you try some out! The road towards this dam is known to be a little rough so make sure you hire a private taxi with a local who can easily navigate the way.

Address: Near Mose River, Varasgaon, Kharakvasla, Velhe, Pune District, Maharashtra

Timings: 9 am to 6 pm (Varasgaon View Point)

Ghangad Fort

The tourism of Lavasa spreads to places like Ghangad Fort, which is approximately 100 km from the heart of the city. A little digging in history tells us that this fortress was used to keep prisoners and have a close eye on the trade route between Pune and Konkan. Till the early 19th century, it was under the control of the Marathas, however, things changed after the British Empire annexed it and many other forts in the mid-19th century.

Trekkers would love to know that the Ghangad Fort trail has a following of its own in Maharashtra. Although it is short (30 minutes from the base), the path is rough and steep amidst deep dense forests. Food and supplies are available at the nearby Ekole village. So, you can easily camp a night near the fort without facing any hassles. Visiting such attractions in and around Lavasa is bound to enrich your vacation, make you learn more about Maharashtra’s rich history, and appreciate the natural surroundings that you rarely get to see in big cities.

Address: Bhabarde-Ekole Road, District Pune, Ekole, Maharashtra

Timings: 24 Hours

How to Reach Lavasa

Exploring Lavasa and its tourist attractions can become your reality if you plan it right. For one, it is best to book a holiday package with a reputed travel company. This will ensure that your transportation, accommodation, and food are sorted at a reasonable price. Moreover, your personal safety will also be taken care of by the travel company you choose. The quickest way to reach Lavasa is by taking a flight from your home destination to Pune International Airport and then a private taxi to the city. You can also enjoy a train ride up to Pune Junction Railway Station and then board a bus to Lavasa or self-driving along the mesmerising Western Ghats.

If you are looking at Maharashtra tour packages with stopovers, then Lonavala and Khandala are two hill stations that should surely be a part of your itinerary. This will make you fall in love with the Sahyadris to the point of no return!

Best Time to Plan Your Lavasa Vacation

When it comes to traversing the Western Ghats, timing is everything. Although the attractions in Lavasa are open all year round, it is always better to plan your trip to have a gala time. The tourism of many places in Lavasa is thriving from October to March. This is when the weather conditions are pristine, making your trip easy and very breezy. April to June are months with warmer days and cool evenings while July to September are heavy monsoon months. Both these seasons are ideal for budget-friendly travelling. For those who are new to the environment in montane forest ecosystems, it is better to carry light layers which you can wear as needed.

So many tourist places in Lavasa are awaiting your arrival, are you really going to let them down? Reward yourself with a trip to this hidden treasure and make memories for a lifetime!