Pawna Lake Camping – The Perfect Lakeside Getaway Near Lonavala
Nestled within the breathtaking Sahyadri mountain ranges, Pawna Lake is a truly picturesque and tranquil destinations. Just a short distance from the cool hillside town of Lonavala, it has emerged as a favourite weekend spot for travellers from Pune, Mumbai, and surrounding states. The beauty of Pawna Lake camping lies in its serene surroundings, glittering lake, sparkling skies, and ideal mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you are a single adventurer, a team of travellers, or a family looking for a short escape from city life, Pawna Lake offers an remarkable lakeside camping experience.
Encircled by ancient forts like Lohagad, Tikona, Tung, and Visapur, and near popular attractions such as Bhushi Dam and Karla Caves, Pawna Lake is a haven for outdoor 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)– Drive along 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, continue through Jovan Chowk, and reach Pawna Lake.
3.Via Somatne Phata (57 km)– Follow the Old Pune–Mumbai Highway, turn left at Somatne Phata onto Parandwadi Road, pass Kadadhe and Pawananagar Chowk to reach the lake.
From Mumbai:
1.Via Kamshet (117 km)– Drive via Vashi on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, exit at Lonavala, and head towards Kamshet and Pawananagar.
2.Via Lonavala Market (105 km)– Take the Lonavala exit, pass through Lonavala town and Dudhiware Khind, and continue to Pawna Lake.
By Train:
From Pune or Mumbai, get down 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 Pawna Lake Is a Favourite Among Campers
The true essence of Pawna Lake camping lies in its tranquil atmosphere. Set against the backdrop of lush green hills 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 night camping 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.
Things to Do at Pawna Lake
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:Wooden cottages are available for visitors seeking a more exclusive and relaxing 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 ideal for short treks.
•Zipline:Adventure seekers can enjoy ziplining for a thrilling experience.
•Paragliding:Tandem paragliding at Kamshet or Pawna offers aerial views of the Sahyadri hills.
Top Fort Treks Around Pawna Lake
The region around Pawna Lake is surrounded by historic forts and breathtaking trails.
*Tung Fort:Also known as Kathingad, it stands about 1075 metres above sea level and offers a superb view of Pawna Lake Pawna Dam.
*Lohagad Fort:A moderate trek, Lohagad is easy to reach.
*Tikona Fort:Formed as a pyramid, Tikona offers wide views of Pawna Lake and the surrounding landscape.
*Visapur Fort:Known for its massive plateau 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 Pawna Lake 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 exhilarating 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 hazy, 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 reflection of the sunset on the lake creates golden ripples, 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 chirping birds, misty ridges, and the aroma of tea as campers enjoy a lakeside breakfast.
Final Thoughts
Pawna Lake camping combines nature, adventure, and serenity in 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.