Pune’s most favourite hill station, Lonavala and Khandala were teeming with tourists this weekend, despite strict lockdown rules. Several backpackers and families crowded here who had booked their weekends in advance at the hotels and resorts. Most of the roads were jammed with tourists and their vehicles. The crowds reduced on Sunday, the police said.

Pune district currently has a strict lockdown with the imposition of Section 144. But Maval taluka continues to get a heavy rush of tourists and backpackers from Pune and Mumbai. This is due to the geographic location of Lonavala and Khandala, as it is stashed in between the two metropolitan cities of Pune and Mumbai. Hordes of tourists came here on Friday to spend the weekend. The tourists are not allowed to even go near the Popular Tourist Spots like forts, dams, waterfalls and other famous points.

Currently, there is no ban on tourists coming to Lonavala and Khandala. Most of the residents here depend on tourism for their livelihood and income. And Lonavala Municipal Council is seeking to lift the prohibitory orders. But still, all the popular tourist spots are banned and blocked by the police. They stand around 1 kilometre away from these spots and block you. If you still manage to proceed you may get heavily fined.

The safest bet is to book a stay at one of the hotels or resorts here in the given situation. There are quite a few resorts and hotels in Lonavala that have amazing nature and greenery. Some of them have very scenic views and locations. It is common for groups of friends and families to book their weekend stay at one of these places. This is the perfect way to spend some time in nature and away from the cities. As international travel and free movement is still restricted, we can expect such type of over-tourism in Lonavala and Khandala. People across the cities want to escape to a quick getaway nearby.

Offbeat places to visit near Pune

If you are from Pune, then instead of heading to the crowded places in Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar, go the extra mile and explore the offbeat places I have mentioned below. I guarantee you they won’t be crowded, even on the weekends!

• Bhatghar dam and Necklace point
• Thokarwadi dam and waterfalls
• Kas Pathar and Vajrai waterfall
• Thoseghar waterfalls
• Bhigwan
• Dive Ghat long drive
• Satara and Wai

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