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 cool hillside town of Lonavala, it has emerged as a preferred weekend spot for travellers from Pune, Mumbai, and surrounding states. The appeal of Pawna Lake camping lies in its peaceful environment, clear waters, starry nights, and perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Whether you are a solo traveller, a circle of buddies, or a family looking for a short escape from urban chaos, Pawna Lake offers an memorable lakeside camping experience.
Bordered by legendary strongholds like Lohagad, Tikona, Tung, and Visapur, and close to popular attractions such as Bhushi Dam and Karla Caves, Pawna Lake is a paradise 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, go via Lonavala town and Dudhiware Khind, and proceed to Pawna Lake.
By Train:
From Pune or Mumbai, get down 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 cool breeze, and the view of the setting sun 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 night 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:Enjoy authentic lakeside camping with comfortable tents.
•Cottages:Cosy wooden stays are available for visitors seeking a more secluded and spacious 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 panoramic 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 challenging trek.
*Koraigad Fort:Located near Aamby Valley, it gives a look of Mulshi Reservoir and lush forest cover.
Each fort reveals legends of Maratha history and is a delight for history enthusiasts.
Cultural and Spiritual Places Around Pawna Lake
The surroundings of Pawna Lake are known for cultural heritage and spiritual significance.
•Karla and Bhaje Caves:Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves admired for their intricate carvings and nearby waterfalls.
•Bedse Caves:Hidden gem 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 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.
Scenic Viewpoints and Attractions
For those who Pawna Lake 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 flowing charm 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 pleasant season is betweenOctober and March*. During this time, the skies are clear, the lake is full, and the surroundings are fresh.
Winter mornings are often hazy, giving the area a dreamy vibe, while evenings bring cool breezes perfect for bonfires and lakeside music.
In contrast, the rainy season (June to September) adds a rejuvenated landscape, 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 — 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 crackling campfire, and the calm water all create an atmosphere of rejuvenation.
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.