The museum was founded by Sunil Kandalloor, who began sculpting in wax after being inspired by Madame Tussauds.
The statues are constructed using a specific blend of wax and chemicals designed to withstand the humid climate of the Western Ghats.
It features a dedicated section for social reformers and Indian historical figures alongside contemporary pop culture icons.
The Lonavala Wax Museum, also known as Sunil's Celebrity Wax Museum, is a private exhibition featuring life-sized wax statues of national and international public figures. Located in the Valvan area of Lonavala, Maharashtra, it primarily showcases waxworks of Indian political leaders, Bollywood actors, and prominent sportspersons. The museum was founded by Sunil Kandalloor, a professional wax sculptor from Kerala. The facility operates as a permanent indoor attraction along the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway. It is designed as a small-scale, accessible attraction for casual tourists passing through the hill station.
Next to the statue of the Indian Prime Minister or the most prominent Bollywood celebrity on display, as these are typically the best-lit exhibits.
Visit on a weekday to avoid significant crowds that can make navigating the narrow exhibition space difficult.
Bring a camera with a good flash or low-light capability, as some areas of the gallery have dim lighting.
Check social media pages for the museum before visiting to see if new statues have been unveiled.
Do not attempt to touch the statues or cross the barriers, as the wax surface is delicate and sensitive to oils from skin.
Open daily, including weekends and public holidays.
