Pawna Lake Camping – Your Ideal Weekend Escape Near Lonavala
Nestled amidst the serene Sahyadri hill ranges, Pawna Lake is an incredibly serene and calming destinations. Located near the hill station of Lonavala, it has become a beloved weekend getaway for travellers from Pune, Mumbai, and neighbouring states. The beauty of Pawna Lake camping lies in its peaceful environment, clear waters, starry nights, and harmonious blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you are a single adventurer, a circle of buddies, or a family in search of a short escape from everyday routine, Pawna Lake offers an remarkable lakeside camping experience.
Bordered by legendary strongholds like Lohagad, Tikona, Tung, and Visapur, and within reach of popular attractions such as Bhushi Dam and Karla Caves, Pawna Lake is a paradise for nature 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 car, railway, or two-wheeler, 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)– Take 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, drive 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 Travellers Love Pawna Lake Camping
The real charm of Pawna Lake camping lies in its peaceful vibe. Set against the setting of lush green hills 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.
Adventure and Leisure Activities 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:Enjoy authentic lakeside camping with comfortable tents.
•Cottages:Wooden cottages are available for visitors seeking a more private and spacious 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 great for short treks.
•Zipline:Adventure seekers can experience ziplining for a thrilling experience.
•Paragliding:Tandem paragliding at Kamshet or Pawna offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadri hills.
Top Fort Treks Around Pawna Lake
The region around Pawna Lake is surrounded by ancient landmarks and breathtaking 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 moderate trek, Lohagad is suitable for all levels.
*Tikona Fort:Designed in the form of a pyramid, Tikona offers wide 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.
Temples and Heritage Spots Near Pawna
The surroundings of Pawna Lake are known for historic value and religious importance.
•Karla and Bhaje Caves:Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves renowned for their intricate carvings and nearby waterfalls.
•Bedse Caves:Quieter but equally captivating, offering a peaceful historical experience.
•Wagheshwar Temple:A unique 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 Pawna Lake 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 lush green.
Winter mornings are often hazy, giving the area a dreamy vibe, while evenings bring refreshing air perfect for bonfires and lakeside music.
In contrast, the Pawna Lake camping 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 beyond simple stay — 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 still lake 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 proximity to Pune and Mumbai makes it an top-rated weekend getaway for those seeking relaxation amidst nature. Whether it’s stargazing by the lakeside, trekking to ancient forts, or simply enjoying lakeside tranquillity, Pawna Lake offers moments to cherish forever.