Pawna Lake Camping – Your Ideal Weekend Escape Near Lonavala
Nestled within the breathtaking Sahyadri hill ranges, Pawna Lake is a truly picturesque and peaceful destinations. Just a short distance from the popular hill retreat of Lonavala, it has become a preferred weekend destination for travellers from Pune, Mumbai, and surrounding states. The beauty of Pawna Lake camping lies in its calm landscape, clear waters, sparkling skies, and perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Whether you are a solo traveller, a team of travellers, or a family looking for a short escape from city life, Pawna Lake offers an memorable lakeside camping experience.
Surrounded by legendary strongholds like Lohagad, Tikona, Tung, and Visapur, and near popular attractions such as Bhushi Dam and Karla Caves, Pawna Lake is a haven for nature 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 connected natural getaways in Western India.
From Pune:
1.Via Kamshet (65 km)– Take the Old Pune–Mumbai Highway, cross Somatne Toll Plaza, and turn left at Kamshet towards Pawananagar.
2.Via Paud (52 km)– Head along the Pune–Paud Road, take a right at Paud Chowk, go straight from Jovan Chowk, and reach Pawna Lake.
3.Via Somatne Phata (57 km)– Take the Old Pune–Mumbai Highway, take a left at Somatne Phata onto Parandwadi Road, drive through Kadadhe and Pawananagar Chowk to reach the lake.
From Mumbai:
1.Via Kamshet (117 km)– Drive via Vashi on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, take exit at Lonavala, and head towards Kamshet and Pawananagar.
2.Via Lonavala Market (105 km)– Take 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 backdrop of grassy mountains and a sparkling waterbody, the campsites offer an wonderful escape from city chaos. The soft rhythm of the lake, the refreshing wind, and the view of the setting sun 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 firepit under the night sky adds to the unforgettable charm of Pawna nights.
Things to Do at Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake is not only a camping destination — it offers a diverse range of Pawna Lake recreational and adventure activities suitable for all age groups.
•Tent Camping:Try authentic lakeside camping with well-maintained tents.
•Cottages:Cosy wooden stays 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 enjoy ziplining for a thrilling experience.
•Paragliding:Tandem paragliding at Kamshet or Pawna offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadri hills.
Popular Trekking Spots Near Pawna Lake
The region around Pawna Lake is surrounded by famous strongholds and picturesque trails.
*Tung Fort:Also known as Kathingad, it stands about 1075 metres above sea level and offers a striking view of Pawna Dam.
*Lohagad Fort:A beginner-friendly 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 historic engravings of Lord Hanuman, it provides a more challenging trek.
*Koraigad Fort:Situated near Aamby Valley, it gives a look 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 cultural heritage 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 remarkable temple submerged under water for most of the year, visible during summer months.
•Prati Pandharpur Temple:A serene replica of the Pandharpur Temple situated near Dudhiware Khind.
•Narayani Dham:A beautiful 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 family-friendly zones nearby.
Beautiful Spots and Lookouts Near Pawna
For those who seek scenic beauty, several viewpoints near Pawna Lake provide mesmerising 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 famous monsoon destination known for its overflowing stream 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 favourable season is betweenOctober and March*. During this time, the skies are bright, the lake is brimming, and the surroundings are fresh.
Winter mornings are often hazy, 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 fresh layer of greenery, though some campsites may shut down due to muddy roads and heavy showers.
The Lakeside Experience
A night at Pawna Lake is a soulful retreat — it’s about finding peace. As dusk settles, the reflection of the sunset on the lake turns silver to gold, followed by starry calm. The gentle night sounds, the glow of embers, and the quiet ripples all create an atmosphere of rejuvenation.
Morning at the lake brings chirping birds, mist-covered hills, and the aroma of tea as campers enjoy breakfast overlooking the tranquil waters.
Final Thoughts
Pawna Lake camping brings together nature, adventure, and serenity in one balanced package. Its location near Pune and Mumbai makes it an ideal weekend getaway for those looking to unwind amidst nature. Whether it’s watching stars near the shore, trekking to ancient forts, or simply enjoying lakeside tranquillity, Pawna Lake offers memories that last a lifetime.