Pawna Lake Camping – The Perfect Lakeside Getaway Near Lonavala
Nestled among the breathtaking Sahyadri hill ranges, Pawna Lake is a truly picturesque and peaceful destinations. Just a short distance from the cool hillside town of Lonavala, it has grown into a favourite weekend getaway for travellers from Pune, Mumbai, and adjacent states. The charm of Pawna Lake camping lies in its serene surroundings, glittering lake, starry nights, and perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Whether you are a lone explorer, a circle of buddies, or a family seeking a short escape from city life, Pawna Lake offers an memorable lakeside camping experience.
Bordered by ancient forts like Lohagad, Tikona, Tung, and Visapur, and close to notable landmarks such as Bhushi Dam and Karla Caves, Pawna Lake is a paradise for eco and history lovers alike.
Ways to Get to Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake is easily reachable from both Mumbai and Pune through multiple 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)– Follow the Old Pune–Mumbai Highway, pass Somatne Toll Plaza, and head left at Kamshet towards Pawananagar.
2.Via Paud (52 km)– Drive along the Pune–Paud Road, turn right at Paud Chowk, pass via Jovan Chowk, and reach Pawna Lake.
3.Via Somatne Phata (57 km)– Follow the Old Pune–Mumbai Highway, take a left at Somatne Phata onto Parandwadi Road, pass Kadadhe and Pawananagar Chowk to reach the lake.
From Mumbai:
1.Via Kamshet (117 km)– Head via Vashi on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, take exit at Lonavala, and head towards Kamshet and Pawananagar.
2.Via Lonavala Market (105 km)– Follow the Lonavala exit, go via Lonavala town and Dudhiware Khind, and continue to Pawna Lake.
By Train:
From Pune or Mumbai, disembark at Kamshet or Lonavala stations. From there, shared jeeps and local vehicles are available up to Pawananagar, followed by a short ride to the camping sites.
Why Travellers Love Pawna Lake Camping
The true essence of Pawna Lake camping lies in its serene aura. Set against the setting of grassy mountains and a sparkling waterbody, the campsites offer an wonderful escape from city chaos. The soft rhythm of the lake, the fresh air, and the evening glow turning the lake golden create a captivating ambience.
Guests can enjoy overnight stays in lakeside tents with options including evening snacks, barbecue, dinner, and breakfast. A warm campfire under the twinkling stars adds to the soothing charm of Pawna nights.
Things to Do at Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake is not only a camping destination — it offers a diverse range of recreational and adventure activities suitable for all age groups.
•Tent Camping:Try authentic lakeside camping with well-maintained tents.
•Cottages:Rustic cabins are available for visitors seeking a more private and comfortable stay.
•Boating & Kayaking:Go for 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 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 stunning 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 suitable for all levels.
*Tikona Fort:Shaped like a pyramid, Tikona offers wide views of Pawna Lake and the surrounding landscape.
*Visapur Fort:Known for its sprawling summit and ancient carvings of Lord Hanuman, it provides a more demanding trek.
*Koraigad Fort:Placed near Aamby Valley, it gives a glimpse of Mulshi Reservoir and lush forest cover.
Each fort holds historic tales of Maratha history and is a delight for photography lovers.
Historic and Religious Sites Near Pawna Lake
The surroundings of Pawna Lake are known for spiritual charm and religious importance.
•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 unique temple submerged under water for most of the year, Pawna Lake visible during summer months.
•Prati Pandharpur Temple:A calm replica of the Pandharpur Temple situated near Dudhiware Khind.
•Narayani Dham:A majestic temple in Lonavala known for its architecture and tranquil gardens.
•Ekvira Temple:A sacred shrine near Karla Caves dedicated to Goddess Ekvira Aai.
•Satya Sai Baba Temple, Hadshi:Set amidst gardens and featuring adventure activities nearby.
Top Sightseeing Points Around Pawna Lake
For those who love breathtaking landscapes, several viewpoints near Pawna Lake provide picture-perfect scenes.
•Lion’s Point and Tiger Point, Lonavala:Offering wide-ranging views of valleys and mountains, these spots are must-visits for sunset lovers.
•Bhushi Dam:A well-known monsoon destination known Pawna Lake camping for its cascading water and picnic ambience.
•Duke’s Nose (Nagphani):Popular for trekking, rappelling, and rock climbing, this peak offers a exhilarating outdoor experience.
When to Visit Pawna Lake
While Pawna Lake is open for camping throughout the year, the most comfortable season is betweenOctober and March*. During this time, the skies are blue, the lake is replenished, and the surroundings are lush green.
Winter mornings are often misty, giving the area a ethereal 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 pause operations due to muddy roads and heavy showers.
Pawna Lake Experience
A night at Pawna Lake is a soulful retreat — it’s about reconnecting with nature. As dusk settles, the evening glow on the lake creates golden ripples, followed by deep blue shades. The gentle night sounds, the crackling campfire, and the quiet ripples all create an atmosphere of rejuvenation.
Morning at the lake brings chirping birds, foggy slopes, and the aroma of tea as campers enjoy a lakeside breakfast.
In Summary
Pawna Lake camping combines nature, adventure, and serenity in one balanced package. Its location near 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 moments to cherish forever.