The Road Not Taken - Mulshi's Secret Backroad to Lonavala
In my last guide to Mulshi, I left you with a whisper of a secret. A path for the truly curious, a road that climbs higher into the heart of the Sahyadris. Today, I’m drawing you the map.
We all know the ritual for a Mulshi day trip. We drive up the beautiful, winding road from Pune, and as we approach the main viewpoint, the steady stream of cars obediently turns left. It’s a stunning view, no doubt. But the real magic, the true hidden gem of this region, begins when you defy the crowd. It begins when you ignore the familiar and take the quiet, unassuming right turn.
The change is immediate and absolute.
Suddenly, the traffic vanishes. The world goes silent, save for the wind, the sound of your own vehicle, and maybe a distant birdcall. You have just entered the backroad to Lonavala, a stretch of pure, unfiltered paradise that feels a world away from both Pune and the commercialized hill station it leads to. This is truly one of the most underrated places for a drive in all of Maharashtra.
The narrow road hugs the vast, serene backwaters of the dam, offering views that are arguably better and far more peaceful than the main point. You’ll meander through tiny, timeless hamlets like Valne, Nevali Gaon, Nandivali, and Shedani. Here, life moves at a different pace. You’ll see villagers go about their day, kids waving as you pass, and fields of vibrant green stretching out to meet the calm, blue water.
There are no hotels here. There is just an endless expanse of nature, with close to zero vehicles on the road. You can stop wherever you like, turn off your engine, and experience a silence so profound it feels like a physical presence. It's just you, the road, and the breathtaking landscape.
After about an hour or so of this blissful, slow driving, the road will eventually connect you to the familiar territory of Lonavala. But arriving feels almost like a rude awakening from a beautiful dream. You'll quickly realize that the real destination was never Lonavala; it was the sacred, 30-kilometer stretch of road you just traveled.
My advice? Grab a quick chai, and seriously consider turning around and driving back the same way you came, just to hold onto the magic a little longer.
Before You Take This Unfiltered Journey:
Vehicle: The road is narrow but generally in good condition. It's a dream for motorcyclists and perfectly fine for cars. Just drive slowly and cautiously.
Supplies: This is crucial. Pack your own water, snacks, and maybe a flask of tea. There is absolutely nothing available on this route.
Connectivity: Your mobile signal will disappear. Download your offline maps beforehand and inform someone of your route. This is a true digital detox.
Mindset: This isn't a race to get to Lonavala. This is a slow, meditative drive. The road is the experience.
This isn't just another route; it's an escape in its purest form. It's the perfect adventure for a long weekend trip or one of the most memorable weekend getaways you can have. It’s a powerful reminder that the best journeys are often hidden in plain sight, waiting for those willing to take the turn no one else does.