Meluha by StayVista: An 8-Bedroom Infinity Pool Villa Overlooking Pawna Lake
Meluha is an 8-bedroom villa near Pawna Lake in Lonavala that sleeps up to 24 guests. It features an 18×40 ft infinity pool with mountain views, a private sports turf, a bonfire area, and a BBQ setup. Priced between ₹18,000 and ₹80,000 per night, depending on occupancy and season, it is one of the few large-format luxury villas in the Pawna belt that combines lake proximity with resort-grade amenities. Rated 4.9/5 by 58 guests.
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Quick Info at a Glance
| Location | Near Pawna Lake, Lonavala, Maharashtra |
| Bedrooms | 8 (all with queen beds and ensuite bathrooms) |
| Guest Capacity | 16–24 |
| Pool | Infinity pool — 18 ft × 40 ft, 4.5 ft depth |
| Price Range | ₹18,000–₹80,000/night |
| Distance from Mumbai | ~85 km (2–2.5 hours by road) |
| Distance from Pune | ~65 km (1.5–2 hours by road) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Karjat (~12 km) |
| Check-in / Check-out | 2:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| Rating | 4.9/5 (58 reviews) |
Why Meluha Stands Out Among Lonavala Villas
Most villas in Lonavala are designed for groups of 6 to 10 guests. Finding a well-maintained property that comfortably accommodates 16 to 24 people — without compromising on privacy or amenities — is genuinely difficult. Meluha fills that gap.
Situated in the Pawna belt, roughly 85 km from Mumbai and 65 km from Pune, the villa occupies a quiet pocket away from the congested Lonavala–Khandala main road. Instead of hillside traffic, you get uninterrupted views of the Sahyadri mountain range and proximity to Pawna Lake, one of the most photographed reservoirs in western Maharashtra.
What separates Meluha from a typical large villa on rent in Lonavala is the combination of an 18×40 ft infinity pool, a dedicated sports turf for outdoor games, and a three-storey layout that gives different groups their own floor. For families celebrating milestones, corporate teams on offsites, or friend groups planning a weekend getaway from Mumbai with a pool, this setup avoids the usual compromise of “big enough but nothing to do.”
The Infinity Pool: What You Actually Get
The headline feature at Meluha is the infinity pool — and it genuinely delivers. At 18 feet wide and 40 feet long with a uniform depth of 4.5 feet, it is significantly larger than most private villa pools in the Lonavala–Karjat belt, where 12×20 ft pools are the norm.
The pool is operational from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. It faces the mountain range, so evening swims come with a sunset backdrop that has become a recurring theme in guest reviews. There are no poolside cabanas, but the adjacent lawn provides ample lounging space.
Practical details:
- Pool size: 18 ft × 40 ft (4.5 ft depth throughout)
- Timing: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Suitable for: Adults and older children (no shallow section for toddlers)
- Towels: Provided
- Changing rooms: Available
For groups specifically searching for an infinity pool villa in Lonavala, Meluha is among the few properties where the pool is large enough for 10+ people to use simultaneously without crowding.
Room-by-Room Breakdown: 8 Bedrooms Across 3 Floors
Meluha spreads across three floors — ground, first, and second — with 8 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms (8 ensuite, 2 shared). Every bedroom comes equipped with:
- Queen-sized bed
- Split air conditioning
- Wi-Fi access
- Workstation (desk and chair)
- Wardrobe
- Foldable extra bed (available on request)
Select rooms have attached balconies overlooking the lawn and mountains. The ensuite bathrooms in several rooms include bathtubs and geysers, which is a practical addition during Lonavala’s cooler months from November through February.
Floor Layout
Ground floor: Living area, dining space, limited-access kitchen, and 2–3 bedrooms with direct lawn access. This floor works well for elderly family members or anyone who prefers avoiding stairs.
First floor: 3 bedrooms with balcony options and a common sitting area. Good for a separate family unit or a team breakout space during corporate retreats.
Second floor: 2–3 bedrooms with the best elevation views. Quieter, more private — suited for couples or anyone who wants to be away from common area noise.
This three-floor separation is one of the reasons Meluha works for multi-family trips. Grandparents take the ground floor, kids and parents occupy the first floor, and the younger adults get the top floor. Everyone has their own space.
Outdoor Spaces: Lawn, Sports Turf, Bonfire, and BBQ
Beyond the pool, Meluha’s outdoor areas are where the property earns its “Guest Favourite” badge.
Manicured Lawns and Orchards
The property is surrounded by landscaped gardens with fruit orchards. The lawn is large enough for group activities — think badminton, frisbee, or just spreading out with a book. For events like birthday celebrations or anniversary dinners, the lawn can be set up for alfresco dining (available at ₹5,000 per night).
Sports Turf
A separate sports turf allows for more structured outdoor games — cricket, football, or relay races. This is a rare amenity for Lonavala villas and makes Meluha a strong option for corporate team-building retreats.
Bonfire
Bonfire sessions can be arranged at ₹1,000 per night. Between November and February, when evening temperatures in the Pawna belt drop to 12–15°C, a bonfire after dinner becomes the natural gathering point. The caretaker handles the setup.
BBQ Area
A barbecue setup is available at ₹3,000 per night. This works particularly well for New Year’s Eve groups or Diwali weekend gatherings when cooking together is part of the experience.
Practical pricing:
| Add-on | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bonfire | ₹1,000/night |
| BBQ setup | ₹3,000/night |
| Alfresco dining setup | ₹5,000/night |
| Private chef | ₹5,000/day + 18% GST |
| Day visitor pass | ₹1,500 + taxes per person |
Food and Dining: What to Expect
Meluha operates on a limited-access kitchen model. Guests can use the kitchen for making tea, coffee, and simple meals. Non-vegetarian cooking is permitted, but outside food and outside vendors are not allowed.
For groups that do not want to cook, a private chef is available at ₹5,000 per day (plus 18% GST). The chef prepares meals from an à la carte menu with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
This is a practical point to note before booking. If your group expects to order from Swiggy or Zomato, Meluha’s no-outside-food policy means you will need to either self-cook or hire a chef. For large groups, the chef option usually works out to ₹200–250 per person per day, which is reasonable for freshly cooked meals in a private setting.
Dining options summary:
- Chef service: ₹5,000/day + 18% GST (serves all meals)
- Self-cooking: Permitted for simple meals and tea/coffee
- Outside food: Not allowed
- Alfresco dining: ₹5,000/night (outdoor table setup on the lawn)
How to Reach Meluha from Mumbai and Pune
From Mumbai (approx. 85 km, 2–2.5 hours)
Take the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and exit at Lonavala. From Lonavala, follow the Pawna Dam road for approximately 25 km. The last stretch involves a narrower village road, so drive carefully after dark. Google Maps navigation works reliably for the full route.
Route: Mumbai → Mumbai-Pune Expressway → Lonavala exit → Pawna Dam Road → Meluha
Toll charges: Approximately ₹300–400 (one way)
Best travel time: Leave Mumbai by 7:00 AM on weekdays or 6:00 AM on weekends to avoid expressway congestion near Khalapur toll plaza.
From Pune (approx. 65 km, 1.5–2 hours)
Take NH-48 via Pimpri-Chinchwad towards Lonavala and turn off towards Pawna Dam. The road is in good condition for most of the route.
Route: Pune → NH-48 → Kamshet → Pawna Dam Road → Meluha
Best travel time: Leave Pune by 8:00 AM to arrive well before the 2:00 PM check-in.
Nearest Transport Hubs
| Hub | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Karjat Railway Station | ~12 km | 20–30 min by car |
| Lonavala Railway Station | ~25 km | 40–50 min by car |
| Mumbai Airport (BOM) | ~85 km | 2–2.5 hours by car |
| Pune Airport (PNQ) | ~65 km | 1.5–2 hours by car |
Parking: Space for 3 cars on the property. For larger groups arriving in multiple vehicles, confirm additional parking options with the StayVista team before arrival.
Things to Do Near Meluha: Pawna Lake and Beyond
Meluha’s location near Pawna Lake opens up a range of outdoor activities within a 15 km radius. Here are the best options:
1. Pawna Lake Boating and Kayaking
- Distance from Meluha: 3–5 km
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Cost: ₹300–₹800 per person, depending on activity
- Best time: October to March (calm waters, pleasant weather)
- Ideal for: Families, couples, groups
- Pro tip: Go early morning for mirror-still water and better photos. Avoid monsoon months as boating may be suspended.
2. Tikona Fort Trek
- Distance from Meluha: 6.8 km
- Trek difficulty: Easy to moderate (1-hour ascent)
- Entry fee: Free
- Best time: October to February (cool weather), or early morning in summer
- Ideal for: Adventure seekers, families with older children
- Pro tip: Start by 6:30 AM to avoid the midday heat. The summit offers panoramic views of Pawna Lake and Tung Fort. Carry 1 litre of water per person.
3. Tungi Fort
- Distance from Meluha: 16 km
- Trek difficulty: Moderate (1.5–2 hours ascent)
- Entry fee: Free
- Best time: November to February
- Ideal for: Experienced trekkers, photography enthusiasts
- Pro tip: Less crowded than Tikona — good for a quieter morning trek.
4. Lohagad Boat Club
- Distance from Meluha: 14 km
- Activities: Boating, jet skiing, parasailing
- Cost: ₹500–₹2,000 depending on activity
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Ideal for: Groups looking for adrenaline activities
- Pro tip: Weekdays are significantly less crowded. Book jet skiing sessions in advance during holiday weekends.
5. Morgiri Fort
- Distance from Meluha: 14 km
- Trek difficulty: Moderate
- Entry fee: Free
- Best time: Post-monsoon (September–November) for green landscapes
- Ideal for: History enthusiasts, trekkers
- Pro tip: Combine with Tikona Fort for a full-day trekking itinerary.
6. Narayani Dham Temple
- Distance from Meluha: 5–8 km
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entry fee: Free
- Best time: Morning (fewer visitors)
- Ideal for: Families, spiritual travellers
- Pro tip: The temple complex is peaceful and well-maintained — a good stop before or after lunch.
7. Paragliding Near Kamshet
- Distance from Meluha: 15–20 km
- Cost: ₹2,500–₹4,000 per person (tandem flight)
- Duration: 15–20 minutes flight time
- Best time: October to May (thermal conditions)
- Ideal for: Adventure seekers, first-time flyers
- Pro tip: Book with licensed operators who provide certified pilots. Kamshet is one of India’s top paragliding destinations, so quality operators are available.
Suggested Itinerary: 2-Day Weekend Trip to Meluha
Day 1 (Saturday)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00–7:00 AM | Depart from Mumbai/Pune |
| 9:00–10:00 AM | Arrive at Pawna Lake area; stop for lakeside photography |
| 2:00 PM | Check in at Meluha |
| 2:30–4:00 PM | Settle in, explore the property, lunch |
| 4:00–6:30 PM | Pool time — the infinity pool is at its best during golden hour |
| 7:00–8:00 PM | Bonfire on the lawn |
| 8:30 PM onwards | BBQ dinner and games night (indoor games: carrom, board games) |
Day 2 (Sunday)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:30–9:00 AM | Tikona Fort trek (6.8 km from the villa, 1-hour ascent) |
| 9:30–10:30 AM | Return and breakfast at the villa |
| 10:30–11:00 AM | Check out |
| 11:30 AM–12:30 PM | Visit Pawna Lake for boating or Narayani Dham Temple |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch at a local dhaba on the Lonavala road |
| 2:00 PM onwards | Drive back to Mumbai/Pune |
For a longer stay (3 days/2 nights): Add a day trip to Kamshet for paragliding and visit Lohagad Boat Club for water sports. This gives the group a mix of relaxation (Day 1), adventure (Day 2), and exploration (Day 3).
Best Time to Visit Meluha
| Season | Months | Weather | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | November–February | 12–25°C, clear skies | Best for pool days (sunny but not scorching), bonfires, trekking. Peak booking season. |
| Summer | March–May | 28–38°C, dry | Hot during the day; pool becomes essential. Good rates on weekdays. |
| Monsoon | June–September | Heavy rainfall, lush greenery | Dramatic views but outdoor activities limited. Pawna Lake swells and looks spectacular. Roads can be slippery. |
| Post-monsoon | October | 20–30°C, green landscapes | Excellent balance of weather and scenery. Waterfalls still flowing. |
Pro tip: For the best combination of pleasant weather, full access to outdoor activities, and availability of the infinity pool, book between October and February. Weekday bookings (Monday–Thursday) typically offer better rates and a quieter experience.
Who Should Book Meluha
Meluha is purpose-built for large groups. Here is who it works best for:
- Multi-family vacations: Three floors allow different families to have their own space while sharing common areas. The 8-bedroom layout means no one sleeps on mattresses in the living room.
- Corporate offsites and team retreats: The sports turf, indoor games, and multiple common areas provide natural breakout spaces. Wi-Fi and workstations in every room support hybrid work setups. The 16–24 capacity fits most mid-sized teams.
- Milestone celebrations: Birthdays, anniversaries, reunions. The lawn can be set up for alfresco dining, and the bonfire and BBQ areas add a festive element without needing external vendors.
- Friend group getaways: Groups of 16+ friends looking for a weekend getaway from Mumbai or Pune with a pool, games, and enough bedrooms so everyone gets a proper bed.
Who it may not suit:
- Couples or small groups (minimum occupancy is 16 guests, so costs may not make sense for fewer people)
- All-male groups (house rules prohibit this)
- Guests with pets (not pet-friendly)
- Guests requiring wheelchair accessibility (three-storey layout without elevator)
Pricing Breakdown: What Does Meluha Actually Cost?
The per-night rate at Meluha ranges from ₹18,000 to ₹80,000 depending on the number of guests, season, and day of the week.
Approximate per-person cost:
| Scenario | Per Night | Per Person/Night |
|---|---|---|
| Off-peak weekday (16 guests) | ~₹18,000–₹30,000 | ₹1,125–₹1,875 |
| Weekend (20 guests) | ~₹40,000–₹55,000 | ₹2,000–₹2,750 |
| Peak weekend/holiday (24 guests) | ~₹60,000–₹80,000 | ₹2,500–₹3,333 |
Additional costs to factor in:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Security deposit (refundable) | ₹20,000 |
| Chef (if hired) | ₹5,000/day + 18% GST |
| Bonfire | ₹1,000/night |
| BBQ | ₹3,000/night |
| Alfresco dining setup | ₹5,000/night |
| Day visitor | ₹1,500 + taxes per person |
At full occupancy, Meluha works out to ₹1,100–₹3,300 per person per night — competitive for a luxury villa in Lonavala with a private pool of this size.
Guest Reviews: What 58 Visitors Have Said
Meluha holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating from 58 guest reviews, earning it “Guest Favourite” status on StayVista. Recurring themes across guest feedback include:
- The infinity pool and mountain views are the most frequently praised feature
- Spacious rooms and clean bathrooms are mentioned consistently
- Caretaker responsiveness receives positive mentions — the on-site staff handles bonfire and BBQ setups, pool maintenance, and basic requests
- The quiet location away from Lonavala’s main tourist congestion is a recurring positive
- Food arrangements (especially the chef service) receive strong feedback from guests who opted for it
The few areas guests note for improvement include the narrow approach road to the property (especially at night) and limited parking for groups arriving in more than 3 cars.
House Rules: What You Need to Know Before Booking
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Security deposit | ₹10,000 (refundable, deducted for damages if any) |
| All-male groups | Not permitted |
| Pets | Not allowed |
| Smoking | Outdoors only |
| Alcohol | Allowed |
| Music | Allowed until 10:00 PM |
| Outside food/vendors | Not allowed |
| Day visitors | Allowed at ₹1,500 + taxes per person |
| Wheelchair access | Not available |
| Generator backup | Available |
| Staff | Caretaker present on premises |
How to Book Meluha
Meluha can be booked directly on StayVista. Direct booking ensures you get the best available rates, a confirmed security deposit process, and access to StayVista’s guest support team for pre-arrival coordination (chef booking, event setups, special requests).
For queries about availability or group-specific requirements, contact StayVista at +91-9167928471.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can stay at Meluha villa near Pawna Lake?
Meluha accommodates 16 to 24 guests across 8 bedrooms. Each bedroom has a queen-sized bed with an ensuite bathroom, and foldable extra beds are available on request. The minimum booking is for 16 guests.
Does Meluha have a private swimming pool?
Yes. Meluha has an infinity pool measuring 18 feet by 40 feet with a uniform depth of 4.5 feet. The pool is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM and overlooks the Sahyadri mountain range.
How far is Meluha from Mumbai?
Meluha is approximately 85 km from Mumbai, which takes 2 to 2.5 hours by road via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. From Pune, it is about 65 km and takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is food available at Meluha, or do guests need to cook?
A private chef can be hired at ₹5,000 per day plus 18% GST to prepare all meals. Guests can also do limited cooking (tea, coffee, simple meals) in the kitchen. Outside food and delivery services are not permitted.
What is the best time to visit Meluha?
October to February offers the best weather for outdoor activities, pool use, and bonfires. Winter evenings (December–January) are particularly pleasant for bonfire gatherings, with temperatures dropping to 12–15°C.
Is Meluha pet-friendly?
No. Meluha does not allow pets on the property.
Can we host events or parties at Meluha?
Yes. The property supports events with alfresco dining setups on the lawn (₹5,000/night), bonfire (₹1,000/night), and BBQ (₹3,000/night). Music is allowed until 10:00 PM. Day visitors can join at ₹1,500 plus taxes per person.
What activities are available near Meluha?
Nearby activities include boating and kayaking at Pawna Lake (3–5 km), Tikona Fort trek (6.8 km), Lohagad Boat Club water sports (14 km), paragliding at Kamshet (15–20 km), and visiting Narayani Dham Temple (5–8 km).
