Pawna Lake Camping – Your Ideal Weekend Escape Near Lonavala
Nestled amidst the majestic Sahyadri hill ranges, Pawna Lake is a truly picturesque and calming destinations. Just a short distance from the cool hillside town of Lonavala, it has become a favourite weekend spot for travellers from Pune, Mumbai, and neighbouring states. The beauty of Pawna Lake camping lies in its calm landscape, crystal waters, sparkling skies, and ideal mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you are a lone explorer, a team of travellers, or a family in search of a short escape from city life, Pawna Lake offers an unforgettable lakeside camping experience.
Surrounded by historic forts 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.
Ways to Get to 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.
Reasons Pawna Lake Attracts Campers
The real charm of Pawna Lake camping lies in its peaceful vibe. Set against the setting of verdant slopes and a glistening waterbody, the campsites offer an ideal escape from urban noise. The soothing sounds of rippling water, 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 offers featuring evening snacks, barbecue, dinner, and breakfast. A warm firepit under the night sky adds to the soothing charm of Pawna nights.
Pawna Lake Activities
Pawna Lake is more than just 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 clean tents.
•Cottages:Rustic cabins are available for visitors seeking a more secluded and comfortable stay.
•Boating & Kayaking:Try 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 panoramic views of the Sahyadri hills.
Popular Trekking Spots Near Pawna Lake
The region around Pawna Lake is home to famous strongholds and stunning trails.
*Tung Fort:Also known as Kathingad, it stands about 1075 metres above sea level and offers a magnificent view of Pawna Dam.
*Lohagad Fort:A relatively easy trek, Lohagad is accessible by road.
*Tikona Fort:Shaped like a pyramid, Tikona offers uninterrupted views of Pawna Lake and the surrounding landscape.
*Visapur Fort:Known for its sprawling summit and historic engravings 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 tells a unique story 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 tranquil replica of the Pandharpur Temple situated near Dudhiware Khind.
•Narayani Dham:A majestic temple in Lonavala known for its design 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.
Top Sightseeing Points Around Pawna Lake
For those who seek scenic beauty, several viewpoints near Pawna Lake provide picture-perfect scenes.
•Lion’s Point and Tiger Point, Lonavala:Offering panoramic views of valleys and mountains, these spots are must-visits for sunset lovers.
•Bhushi Dam:A popular 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.
Best Time to Visit Pawna Lake
While Pawna Lake is open for camping throughout the year, the most favourable season is betweenOctober and March*. During this time, click here the skies are bright, the lake is brimming, and the surroundings are lush green.
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 fresh layer of greenery, 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 peace.
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.