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 hill station of Lonavala, it has grown into a preferred weekend getaway for travellers from Pune, Mumbai, and surrounding states. The appeal 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 everyday routine, Pawna Lake offers an remarkable lakeside camping experience.

Bordered 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 paradise for nature and history lovers alike.

How to Reach Pawna Lake

Pawna Lake is conveniently accessible from both Mumbai and Pune through multiple routes. Travellers can reach the lake by road, train, or even bike, making it one of the most accessible natural getaways in Western India.

From Pune:

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

From Mumbai:

1.Via Kamshet (117 km)– Travel via Vashi on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, take exit at Lonavala, and head towards Kamshet and Pawananagar.
2.Via Lonavala Market (105 km)– Choose the Lonavala exit, go via Lonavala town and Dudhiware Khind, and proceed to Pawna Lake.

By Train:
From Pune or Mumbai, disembark at Kamshet or Lonavala stations. From there, local taxis and shared jeeps 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 mesmerising ambience.

Guests can enjoy overnight stays in lakeside tents with packages that include evening snacks, barbecue, dinner, and breakfast. A warm campfire under the starlit sky adds to the soothing charm of Pawna nights.

Adventure and Leisure Activities at Pawna Lake

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 comfortable tents.
•Cottages:Cosy wooden stays are available for visitors seeking a more secluded and comfortable stay.
•Boating & Kayaking:Enjoy a peaceful paddle or kayak across the calm waters.
•Trekking:Surrounding forts such as Tikona, Tung, Lohagad, and Visapur are perfect for short treks.
•Zipline:Adventure seekers can try ziplining for a thrilling experience.
•Paragliding:Tandem paragliding at Kamshet or Pawna offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadri hills.

Famous Trekking Points Near Pawna

The region around Pawna Lake is home to ancient landmarks and picturesque trails.

*Tung Fort:Also known as Kathingad, it stands 1075 m above sea level and offers a striking view of Pawna Dam.
*Lohagad Fort:A relatively easy trek, Lohagad is accessible by road.
*Tikona Fort:Designed in the form of a pyramid, Tikona offers uninterrupted views of Pawna Lake and the surrounding landscape.
*Visapur Fort:Known for its vast fortification and ancient carvings 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.

Temples and Heritage Spots Near Pawna

The surroundings of Pawna Lake are known for historic value and spiritual significance.

•Karla and Bhaje Caves:Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves famous for their intricate carvings and nearby waterfalls.
•Bedse Caves:Hidden gem but equally captivating, offering a soothing 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 the Pandharpur Temple situated near Dudhiware Khind.
•Narayani Dham:A grand temple in Lonavala known for its structure and tranquil gardens.
•Ekvira Temple:A highly respected shrine near Karla Caves dedicated to Goddess Ekvira Aai.
•Satya Sai Baba Temple, Hadshi:Encircled with gardens and featuring recreational spaces nearby.

Scenic Viewpoints and Attractions

For those who love breathtaking landscapes, several viewpoints near Pawna Lake provide mesmerising scenes.

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

Ideal Season for Pawna Camping

While Pawna Lake is open for camping throughout the year, the most pleasant season is betweenOctober and March*. During this time, the skies are blue, the lake is replenished, and the surroundings are vibrant.
Winter mornings are often foggy, giving the area a ethereal vibe, while evenings bring chilly winds perfect for bonfires and lakeside music.

In contrast, the rainy season (June to September) adds a lush new look, though some campsites remain closed due to muddy roads and heavy showers.

Pawna Lake Experience

A night at Pawna Lake is a soulful retreat — it’s about embracing tranquillity. As dusk settles, the evening glow on the lake Pawna Lake turns silver to gold, followed by night serenity. The gentle night sounds, the warmth of the bonfire, and the quiet ripples all create an atmosphere of bliss.

Morning at the lake brings birdsong, mist-covered hills, and the aroma of tea as campers enjoy a serene morning meal.

Final Thoughts

Pawna Lake camping combines nature, adventure, and serenity in Pawna Lake camping one complete package. Its easy access from major cities makes it an ideal weekend getaway for those wanting a break amidst nature. Whether it’s watching stars near the shore, trekking to ancient forts, or simply relaxing in a tent under the open sky, Pawna Lake offers an experience worth repeating.