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Something different from our international series: a long-weekend staycation near Pune. We'd always wanted to try Aamby Valley but never got a booking, and usually ended up at Fariyas or Fazlani. This time we finally made it.
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Why here?
Near Pune you've got Lonavala, Alibaug, Mahabaleshwar, Igatpuri and Mulshi. Most are 4–5 hours away, and it was hot, so we picked the nearest: Lonavala, about an hour from Pune.
Getting there
From Lonavala it's another ~41 minutes up a steep ghat road (the same road as Tiger Point), past the Aamby Valley agro farm and the airstrip.
Lunch stop: Bindaas at Hotel Orchid (all-day South Indian) was shut, apparently over a gas shortage, so the restaurant inside served only dal fry and jeera rice. It was okay.
Check-in
At the main gate they verify your booking and ID. The welcome lounge is about 400 m inside. The property is huge: the Spanish Cottages were a 9-minute drive from reception. You park, and a buggy takes you to the cottages, since cars aren't allowed inside.
The Spanish Cottages
- Room 414: a big bed, a forest view at the back, a TV, a small fridge, and a shower (no bathtub).
- Peaceful, right in the middle of the forest. The downside is that parking is far. You can call a buggy.
- In-room dining is available, which helped since the restaurants are 10 minutes away.
Things to do
Most activities close by 6 pm.
- The lake, plus a chai tapri for chai, vada pav, samosa and bhajiya.
- Maroosh, a Lebanese and Middle Eastern restaurant, and the Woodpecker restaurant.
- The famous giant swings with a great view.
- Boat rides. They're not exactly a cruise, but fine if you have time.
- A lakefront café and sit-and-chill spots on the far side, which has the better view.
- Aamby Bazaar, a small grocery and utility store, in case you forgot swimwear or need snacks.
- A fish theme park: fishing at about ₹700 per rod, and other activities from ₹500. Mostly for kids.
- The Sky Max lounge was closed when we went.
It's beautiful at night, and much colder than Lonavala. We were actually chilly.
Honest verdict
Pros: set in nature, very beautiful, serene and calm. Great after a hectic week.
Cons:
- Not well maintained, and service wasn't five-star. We had no hand towels, called two or three times, and never got them before checkout.
- Food is expensive and not that great.
Our tip: come with a group, ideally in the monsoon, and stay at least two days, never just one.
Next we went to Della Resorts.
FAQs
How far is Aamby Valley from Pune?
Lonavala is about an hour from Pune, and Aamby Valley is another 40 minutes or so up a steep ghat road.
Is Aamby Valley worth it?
For nature and calm, yes. It's beautiful and much cooler than Lonavala. But service and maintenance weren't five-star, and the food was expensive for the taste. Go for two days, ideally in the monsoon, and ideally with a group.
TAGS: AAMBY VALLEY · LONAVALA · STAYCATION · PUNE · MUMBAI · RESORT REVIEW
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Prashant & Sunaina
A travel couple from Pune with Kashmiri Pandit × Maharashtrian roots, 8+ countries and counting. Every rupee shared.
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