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 tranquil 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 perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Whether you are a single adventurer, a circle of buddies, or a family looking for a short escape from urban chaos, Pawna Lake offers an memorable lakeside camping experience.
Encircled by legendary strongholds like Lohagad, Tikona, Tung, and Visapur, and within reach of notable landmarks such as Bhushi Dam and Karla Caves, Pawna Lake is a delight for eco and history lovers alike.
Ways to Get to Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake is well-connected from both Mumbai and Pune through several routes. Travellers can reach the lake by road, train, or even bike, making it one of the most connected natural getaways in Western India.
From Pune:
1.Via Kamshet (65 km)– Follow 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 setting of verdant slopes and a sparkling waterbody, the campsites offer an perfect escape from city chaos. The gentle lapping of waves, the fresh air, and the sight of the sunset turning the lake golden create a captivating ambience.
Guests can enjoy evening retreats in lakeside tents with options including evening snacks, barbecue, dinner, and breakfast. A warm campfire under the starlit sky adds to the unforgettable charm of Pawna nights.
Pawna Lake Activities
Pawna Lake is not only a camping destination — it offers a good mix of recreational and adventure activities suitable for all age groups.
•Tent Camping:Try authentic lakeside camping with clean tents.
•Cottages:Cosy wooden stays are available for visitors seeking a more private and comfortable 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 experience ziplining for a thrilling experience.
•Paragliding:Tandem paragliding at Kamshet or Pawna offers panoramic views of the Sahyadri hills.
Top Fort Treks Around Pawna Lake
The region around Pawna Lake is home to historic forts and picturesque trails.
*Tung Fort:Also known as Kathingad, it stands 1075 m above sea level and offers a magnificent view of Pawna Dam.
*Lohagad Fort:A moderate trek, Lohagad is easy to reach.
*Tikona Fort:Designed in the form of a pyramid, Tikona offers panoramic views of Pawna Lake and the surrounding landscape.
*Visapur Fort:Known for its vast fortification and historic engravings of Lord Hanuman, it provides a more demanding trek.
*Koraigad Fort:Located near Aamby Valley, it gives a glimpse of Mulshi Reservoir and lush forest cover.
Each fort reveals legends of Maratha history and is a delight for photography lovers.
Historic and Religious Sites Near Pawna Lake
The surroundings of Pawna Lake are rich in spiritual charm and devotional appeal.
•Karla and Bhaje Caves:Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves admired for their intricate carvings and nearby waterfalls.
•Bedse Caves:Less crowded but equally captivating, offering a calm historical experience.
•Wagheshwar Temple:A rare temple submerged under water for most of the year, visible during summer months.
•Prati Pandharpur Temple:A calm replica of Pawna Lake camping the Pandharpur Temple situated near Dudhiware Khind.
•Narayani Dham:A majestic temple in Lonavala known for its structure and tranquil gardens.
•Ekvira Temple:A revered shrine near Karla Caves dedicated to Goddess Ekvira Aai.
•Satya Sai Baba Temple, Hadshi:Encircled with gardens and featuring recreational spaces nearby.
Beautiful Spots and Lookouts Near Pawna
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 essential stops for sunset lovers.
•Bhushi Dam:A popular monsoon destination known for its cascading water and picnic ambience.
•Duke’s Nose (Nagphani):Popular for trekking, rappelling, and rock climbing, this peak offers a thrilling outdoor experience.
When 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 clear, the lake is brimming, and the surroundings are vibrant.
Winter mornings are often hazy, giving the area a mystical vibe, while evenings bring cool breezes perfect for bonfires and lakeside music.
In contrast, the rainy season (June to September) adds a lush new look, though some campsites may shut down due to muddy roads and heavy showers.
What Makes Pawna Lake Special
A night at Pawna Lake is more than just camping — it’s about embracing tranquillity. As dusk settles, the dying light on the lake shimmers beautifully, followed by night serenity. The whispers of nature, the warmth of the bonfire, and the still lake all create an atmosphere of bliss.
Morning at the lake brings birdsong, foggy slopes, and the aroma of tea as campers enjoy a lakeside breakfast.
Final Thoughts
Pawna Lake camping brings together nature, adventure, and serenity in one balanced package. Its proximity to Pune and Mumbai makes it an ideal weekend getaway for those seeking relaxation amidst nature. Whether it’s watching stars near the shore, trekking to ancient forts, or simply resting beside the calm waters, Pawna Lake offers memories that last a lifetime.