How to Reach Della Resort Lonavala – Travel Guide
Discover how to reach Della Resort Lonavala via train, bus, car, or flight with practical tips for a smooth and scenic journey.
Della Resort is a premier luxury resort located in Lonavala, Maharashtra, nestled in the Western Ghats. Lonavala is a popular hill station near Mumbai and Pune, attracting tourists for its cool climate, lush greenery, and adventure activities. This guide covers all practical ways to reach Della Resort from major nearby cities and transport hubs.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway from Mumbai or Pune, or arriving from farther away, this article provides detailed travel options including train, bus, car, and flight. You'll find tips on routes, timings, and local transport to help you reach the resort comfortably and on time.
Getting from Mumbai or Pune to Della Resort Lonavala – Main Options
Train
Train travel is a popular and economical choice for reaching Lonavala from Mumbai or Pune. The Lonavala railway station is well connected and just a short drive from Della Resort.
- Key stations:
Lonavala station lies on the Mumbai–Pune railway route. From Mumbai CST or Dadar, trains take about 2 to 2.5 hours, while from Pune it’s around 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Ticket costs and classes:
Train fares range from ₹50 to ₹300 depending on class (general to AC chair car). Booking via IRCTC is recommended for reserved seats, especially on weekends.
- Frequency and comfort:
Multiple local and express trains run daily, including the Deccan Express and Intercity. AC chair cars offer comfortable seating; non-AC locals can be crowded during peak hours.
- Last-mile connectivity:
From Lonavala station, Della Resort is about 6 km away. Prepaid taxis and app cabs like Ola and Uber are readily available outside the station for a 15-minute drive.
- Travel tips:
Avoid peak office hours to escape crowded trains. Carry light luggage as local trains can get busy. Booking tickets in advance during holiday weekends is advisable.
Bus
Buses connect Mumbai and Pune to Lonavala regularly and are a budget-friendly option. However, buses do not drop you directly at Della Resort, so additional transport is needed.
- Bus stations:
MSRTC buses depart from Mumbai’s Dadar or Borivali and Pune’s Swargate bus stands to Lonavala bus stand.
- Duration and cost:
The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours from Mumbai and 1.5 to 2 hours from Pune. Ticket prices range from ₹100 to ₹200 depending on bus type.
- Bus types:
Options include ordinary, non-AC, and Volvo AC buses. Volvo buses offer more comfort but are less frequent.
- Last-mile travel:
From Lonavala bus stand, Della Resort is 6 km away. Local auto-rickshaws or prepaid taxis can be hired for the short trip.
- Travel tips:
Buses can get crowded during weekends and holidays. Booking Volvo buses online via MSRTC’s website or app ensures a reserved seat.
Car/Self-Drive
Driving to Della Resort is one of the most convenient and flexible options, especially for families or groups. The resort is well connected by road from Mumbai and Pune.
- Route details:
From Mumbai, take the Mumbai–Pune Expressway (NH48) and exit at Lonavala. From Pune, the same expressway leads directly to Lonavala.
- Distance and time:
Mumbai to Lonavala is approximately 83 km, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Pune to Lonavala is about 65 km, roughly 1.5 hours.
- Road conditions:
The expressway is smooth and scenic with multiple tolls and rest stops. Fuel stations and eateries like CCD and McDonald's are available en route.
- Parking at Della Resort:
The resort offers ample parking space for guests. Advance communication with the resort helps in smooth check-in.
- Travel tips:
Avoid peak traffic hours in Mumbai and Pune, especially weekday mornings and evenings. Night driving during monsoon is not recommended due to slippery roads.
Flight
While Lonavala does not have its own airport, the nearest airports are Mumbai and Pune. Flights are useful for travelers coming from distant cities.
- Nearest airports:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai) is about 90 km away, and Pune Airport is around 70 km from Lonavala.
- Connecting transport:
From either airport, travelers can hire taxis or rent cars to reach Della Resort. The drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
- Flight options:
Both airports have frequent domestic and international flights. Booking early can secure better fares.
- Travel tips:
Consider flight timings to avoid Mumbai or Pune peak traffic hours. Pre-book airport transfers through the resort or trusted cab services like Ola or Uber.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This simple itinerary helps first-time visitors plan their journey to Della Resort smoothly, minimizing stress and delays.
- Book your tickets early:
Whether train, bus, or flight, reserve your seats at least a week in advance, especially for weekends and holidays, using IRCTC or MSRTC portals.
- Reach departure point early:
Arrive at the railway station, bus stand, or airport at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and secure good seats.
- Carry light luggage:
Della Resort is accessible by short taxi rides from Lonavala station or bus stand, so pack smart to ease transfers.
- Arrange last-mile transport:
Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs from Lonavala station or bus stand to reach the resort. Confirm fare estimates beforehand.
- Inform the resort of your arrival time:
Della Resort offers assistance with pickups if informed in advance, ensuring a hassle-free transfer.
- Keep local emergency contacts handy:
Save numbers of local taxi services, resort reception, and emergency services for quick help if needed.
Practical Travel Tips
- Safety:
Use prepaid or app-based taxis from stations to avoid overcharging. Avoid traveling alone late at night on isolated roads.
- Food and water:
Carry bottled water and light snacks for the journey. While eateries are available en route, monsoon season may limit options.
- Booking strategy:
Use official portals like IRCTC for trains and MSRTC for buses to avoid scams. Confirm bookings via SMS or email.
- Local commute:
Ola and Uber operate in Lonavala but may have surge pricing on weekends. Prepaid taxis are reliable alternatives.
- Luggage handling:
Pack waterproof covers during monsoon and keep valuables close during crowded train or bus rides.
- Seasonal warnings:
Monsoon can cause landslides and traffic delays on the expressway. Check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling.
Best Time & Conditions
The best time to visit Della Resort in Lonavala is during the cooler months from October to February. The weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
Monsoon season (June to September) offers lush greenery but can bring heavy rains and slippery roads, requiring caution.
Avoid traveling during peak office hours (8–10 AM and 5–8 PM) to escape Mumbai and Pune city traffic jams.
Steer clear of major festival weekends like Diwali and New Year when trains and roads are crowded.
Early morning departures are recommended for smooth travel and to enjoy scenic views on the expressway.
During monsoon, plan for extra travel time due to possible delays and slippery conditions on ghats.
Arrival at Della Resort & What to Expect
Upon arrival at Della Resort, guests are welcomed by lush green surroundings and a sprawling property offering luxury accommodations and adventure activities. The resort is located about 6 km from Lonavala town, providing a peaceful retreat.
Local commute options from the resort include resort-arranged shuttles and taxis for nearby sightseeing. Popular nearby attractions include Tiger’s Leap, Bhushi Dam, and Karla Caves. Staying within the resort ensures easy access to all amenities and activities without the need for frequent travel.
Conclusion
Driving via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is the most efficient and comfortable way to reach Della Resort, offering flexibility and scenic views. For those preferring public transport, trains to Lonavala station combined with a short taxi ride are reliable and economical.
With proper planning and advance bookings, travelers can enjoy a hassle-free journey to this beautiful hill station resort. Whether for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, reaching Della Resort is straightforward and rewarding.