Mumbai to Lonavala Scenic Driving Routes Ranked

Rank One: The Old Highway Through Khopoli and Khandala

The old highway remains the most scenic Mumbai to Lonavala scenic route for travellers who value beauty over speed. This road was the original connection between the coast and the plateau before modern expressways existed. It winds through forested slopes, passes small towns and climbs steadily into the hills.

As you leave the Mumbai region and cross into the Raigad district, the landscape begins to change. Palm trees give way to dense deciduous forests. During monsoon months, countless waterfalls appear along the rock faces. Many of these waterfalls are seasonal and exist only for a few weeks each year. This makes the old highway especially magical between July and September.

Driving through Khopoli, the road narrows slightly and becomes more intimate. You see local homes, roadside temples and small food stalls serving tea and simple meals. This part of the journey offers insight into everyday life in the hills. The air feels cooler and fresher as the elevation increases.

The final ascent toward Khandala is the highlight of this route. Hairpin turns reveal deep valleys and layered hills. Mist often rolls across the road in the  /early morning and late evening. Visibility changes quickly, creating a dramatic atmosphere. This stretch has been featured in films and travel literature for decades due to its timeless charm.

This route takes longer than modern options, but it rewards patient drivers with unforgettable scenery. For those comparing the old highway vs expressway, Lonavala experiences the old highway wins clearly in terms of visual beauty and emotional connection to the landscape.

Rank Two: The Mumbai Pune Expressway

The expressway is the best driving route from Mumbai to Lonavala for travellers who want a balance of speed and scenery. Built to reduce travel time between major cities, it is a modern engineering achievement. The road is wide, smooth and well-maintained. It allows for a comfortable drive even during peak travel hours.

While the expressway is known primarily for efficiency, it also offers impressive views, especially during the ghat section. Long tunnels cut through mountains and open suddenly to reveal wide valleys. The scale of the landscape becomes apparent as you move swiftly through it.

During monsoon season, the hills surrounding the expressway turn deep green. Clouds cling to hilltops, and rainwater flows down slopes beside the road. The view from elevated stretches gives a sense of floating above the forest.

This route is the quickest way to Lonavala for most travellers. It reduces travel time significantly and is preferred for short trips and weekend plans. However, it lacks the intimacy of the old highway. The speed and structure create distance between the traveller and the land.

For those who enjoy a smooth drive with occasional scenic moments, the expressway remains a strong choice. It represents the modern face of travel between Mumbai and the hills.