The Blog on Pawna Lake

Pawna Lake Camping – The Perfect Lakeside Getaway Near Lonavala

Nestled within the breathtaking Sahyadri mountain ranges, Pawna Lake is one of Maharashtra’s most scenic and peaceful destinations. Situated close to the popular hill retreat of Lonavala, it has emerged as a preferred weekend getaway for travellers from Pune, Mumbai, and surrounding states. The charm of Pawna Lake camping lies in its serene surroundings, clear waters, starry nights, and ideal mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you are a lone explorer, a team of travellers, or a family seeking a short escape from city life, Pawna Lake offers an unforgettable lakeside camping experience.

Surrounded by historic forts like Lohagad, Tikona, Tung, and Visapur, and near famous sites such as Bhushi Dam and Karla Caves, Pawna Lake is a haven for outdoor and history lovers alike.

Reaching Pawna Lake

Pawna Lake is easily reachable from both Mumbai and Pune through various routes. Travellers can reach the lake by different modes of transport, making it one of the most visited natural getaways in Western India.

From Pune:

1.Via Kamshet (65 km)– Drive along the Old Pune–Mumbai Highway, cross Somatne Toll Plaza, and head left at Kamshet towards Pawananagar.
2.Via Paud (52 km)– Head along the Pune–Paud Road, turn right at Paud Chowk, go straight from Jovan Chowk, and reach Pawna Lake.
3.Via Somatne Phata (57 km)– Use the Old Pune–Mumbai Highway, take a left at Somatne Phata onto Parandwadi Road, go via Kadadhe and Pawananagar Chowk to reach the lake.

From Mumbai:

1.Via Kamshet (117 km)– Head via Vashi on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, get off at Lonavala, and head towards Kamshet and Pawananagar.
2.Via Lonavala Market (105 km)– Follow the Lonavala exit, drive through Lonavala town and Dudhiware Khind, and carry on to Pawna Lake.

By Train:
From Pune or Mumbai, get off at Kamshet or Lonavala stations. From there, travellers’ jeeps and local transport are available up to Pawananagar, followed by a short ride to the camping sites.

Why Travellers Love Pawna Lake Camping

The main attraction of Pawna Lake camping lies in its serene aura. Set against the view of grassy mountains and a shimmering waterbody, the campsites offer an wonderful escape from daily stress. The soft rhythm of the lake, the refreshing wind, and the evening glow turning the lake golden create a enchanting ambience.

Guests can enjoy evening retreats in lakeside tents with options including evening snacks, barbecue, dinner, and breakfast. A warm bonfire under the twinkling stars adds to the magical charm of Pawna nights.

Pawna Lake Activities

Pawna Lake is more than just a camping destination — it offers a wide variety of recreational and adventure activities suitable for all age groups.

•Tent Camping:Experience authentic lakeside camping with clean tents.
•Cottages:Rustic cabins are available for visitors seeking a more exclusive and relaxing stay.
•Boating & Kayaking:Try a peaceful paddle or kayak across the calm waters.
•Trekking:Surrounding forts such as Tikona, Tung, Lohagad, and Visapur are ideal for short treks.
•Zipline:Adventure seekers can enjoy ziplining for a thrilling experience.
•Paragliding:Tandem paragliding at Kamshet or Pawna offers panoramic views of the Sahyadri hills.

Popular Trekking Spots Near Pawna Lake

The region around Pawna Lake is dotted with famous strongholds and stunning trails.

*Tung Fort:Also known as Kathingad, it stands about 1075 metres above sea level and offers a magnificent view of Pawna Dam.
*Lohagad Fort:A beginner-friendly trek, Lohagad is easy to reach.
*Tikona Fort:Shaped like a pyramid, Tikona offers panoramic views of Pawna Lake and the surrounding landscape.
*Visapur Fort:Known for its sprawling summit and historic engravings of Lord Hanuman, it provides a more adventurous trek.
*Koraigad Fort:Situated near Aamby Valley, it gives a view of Mulshi Reservoir and lush forest cover.

Each fort tells a unique story of Maratha history and is a delight for explorers.

Temples and Heritage Spots Near Pawna

The surroundings of Pawna Lake are filled with spiritual charm and religious importance.

•Karla and Bhaje Caves:Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves renowned for their intricate carvings and nearby waterfalls.
•Bedse Caves:Quieter but equally captivating, offering a calm historical experience.
•Wagheshwar Temple:A unique temple submerged under water for most of the year, visible during summer months.
•Prati Pandharpur Temple:A serene replica of the Pandharpur Temple situated near Dudhiware Khind.
•Narayani Dham:A majestic temple in Lonavala known for its structure and tranquil gardens.
•Ekvira Temple:A sacred shrine near Karla Caves dedicated to Goddess Ekvira Aai.
•Satya Sai Baba Temple, Hadshi:Surrounded by gardens and featuring adventure activities nearby.

Top Sightseeing Points Around Pawna Lake

For those who seek scenic beauty, several viewpoints near Pawna Lake provide picture-perfect scenes.

•Lion’s Point and Tiger Point, Lonavala:Offering stunning views of valleys and mountains, these spots are must-visits for sunset lovers.
•Bhushi Dam:A popular monsoon destination known for its overflowing stream and picnic ambience.
•Duke’s Nose (Nagphani):Popular for trekking, rappelling, and rock climbing, this peak offers a exhilarating outdoor experience.

Best Time to Visit Pawna Lake

While Pawna Lake is open for camping throughout the year, the most favourable season is betweenOctober and March*. During this time, the skies are blue, the lake is brimming, and the surroundings are lush green.
Winter mornings are often hazy, giving Pawna Lake the area a dreamy vibe, while evenings bring refreshing air perfect for bonfires and lakeside music.

In contrast, the rainy season (June to September) adds a fresh layer of greenery, though some campsites pause operations due to muddy roads and heavy showers.

The Lakeside Experience

A night at Pawna Lake is more than just camping — Pawna Lake it’s about reconnecting with nature. As dusk settles, the dying light on the lake shimmers beautifully, followed by deep blue shades. The whispers of nature, the glow of embers, and the still lake all create an atmosphere of peace.

Morning at the lake brings calls of nature, foggy slopes, and the aroma of tea as campers enjoy breakfast overlooking the tranquil waters.

In Summary

Pawna Lake camping brings together nature, adventure, and serenity in one perfect package. Its location near Pune and Mumbai makes it an excellent weekend getaway for those looking to unwind amidst nature. Whether it’s admiring the night sky, trekking to ancient forts, or simply resting beside the calm waters, Pawna Lake offers memories that last a lifetime.