Ryewood Park

Ryewood Park (the expansive 25 acre colonial botanical garden and urban nature reserve originally cultivated by British officer Mr. Rye in the heart of town) in the Sahyadri hill station of Lonavala in Maharashtra, stands as Lonavala's supreme green garden retreat.

Situated just 1 km from Lonavala Railway Station and shaded by centuries old heritage trees, this lush municipal sanctuary offers travelers and families a tranquil oasis of cool shade and fresh mountain air.

It's the home of ancient sprawling banyans, silver oaks, and flowering ornamental trees with thick canopies filtering golden sunlight, the sacred old Mahadev Temple sheltered under deep forest boughs, expansive open lawns for family picnics, paved walking paths, and an intensely peaceful, deeply relaxing highland ambiance filled with birdsong, the sweet scent of blooming blossoms, and gentle Sahyadri breezes.

It represents a rich Maharashtra colonial botanical heritage apex, hill station recreation, and family leisure tourism where botanical biodiversity, Bhushi Dam cascades, Tiger's Leap canyon views, and Lonavala Khandala travel circuits unite in Ryewood Park.

Located on Municipal Council Road in central Lonavala, it sits 1 km from Lonavala Railway Station, 5 km from Khandala, 65 km from Pune International Airport (PNQ), 90 km from Mumbai via Mumbai Pune Expressway, and 4 km from Bhushi Dam, easily reached on foot, by auto rickshaw, or by private car.

Century Old Canopy Trees & Historic Mahadev Temple

Spanning 25 acres, the park preserves botanical specimens including 100 year-old teak, banyan, and peepal trees whose massive branch networks create an expansive natural green canopy over the manicured grass.

Within the park grounds sits the historic Shri Mahadev Temple, an ancient Shiva shrine where locals and travelers light oil lamps and offer prayers in an atmosphere of deep forest calm.

Truth is, spreading a picnic mat on the soft grass beneath a 100 year-old silver oak while enjoying freshly bought Lonavala fudge will make your afternoon completely delightful.

Children's Playgrounds, Bhushi Dam & Kune Falls

Children's Recreation Zone: Equipped with swings, see saws, slides, and obstacle courses, the dedicated playground offers children endless open air recreation surrounded by green nature.

Bhushi Dam & Kune Falls: Located a short drive away, visitors can experience the cascading water steps of Bhushi Dam and the 660 foot three tiered drop of Kune Waterfalls.

Ryewood Park & Lonavala Hill Station Day Plan

The Hill Station Nature & Sightseeing Circuit: Early morning walk and birdwatching at Ryewood Park (7:30 AM to 9:00 AM: admire century old trees & visit the ancient Mahadev Temple) -> breakfast of hot vada pav and masala chai in Lonavala Market (9:15 AM to 10:00 AM) -> drive to Tiger's Point and Lion's Point for canyon panoramas (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM) -> visit historic Karla Caves and Buddhist rock cut chaityas (1:00 PM to 2:45 PM) -> Maharashtrian lunch in town -> splash at Bhushi Dam or photograph Kune Waterfalls (3:30 PM to 5:30 PM) -> evening return to Ryewood Park for a family stroll followed by chikki and fudge shopping in Lonavala Bazaar (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM).

Visiting Code & Conduct: Please do not pluck flowers or climb on the branches of heritage trees; dispose of picnic trash in provided municipal dustbins; keep children supervised in the play park area.

After relaxing in Ryewood Park, splash at Bhushi Dam, photograph Kune Falls, or take in the views from Tiger Point.