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 adjacent states. The beauty of Pawna Lake camping lies in its calm landscape, glittering lake, sparkling skies, and perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Whether you are a solo traveller, a group of friends, or a family seeking a short escape from everyday routine, Pawna Lake offers an remarkable lakeside camping experience.
Bordered by historic forts like Lohagad, Tikona, Tung, and Visapur, and close to notable landmarks such as Bhushi Dam and Karla Caves, Pawna Lake is a paradise for nature and history lovers alike.
Ways to Get to Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake is easily reachable from both Mumbai and Pune through several 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, take a 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, 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, get off 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 grassy mountains and a shimmering waterbody, the campsites offer an wonderful 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 night camping 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 ideal 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.
Top Fort Treks Around Pawna Lake
The region around Pawna Lake is dotted with famous strongholds and picturesque trails.
*Tung Fort:Also known as Kathingad, it stands 1075 m above sea level and offers a superb view of Pawna Dam.
*Lohagad Fort:A beginner-friendly trek, Lohagad is accessible by road.
*Tikona Fort:Formed as a pyramid, Tikona offers panoramic views of Pawna Lake and the surrounding landscape.
*Visapur Fort:Known for its sprawling summit and ancient carvings of Lord Hanuman, it provides a more adventurous 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 explorers.
Temples and Heritage Spots Near Pawna
The surroundings of Pawna Lake are rich in spiritual charm and spiritual significance.
•Karla and Bhaje Caves:Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves admired for their intricate carvings and nearby Pawna Lake camping waterfalls.
•Bedse Caves:Quieter 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 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 sacred shrine near Karla Caves dedicated to Goddess Ekvira Aai.
•Satya Sai Baba Temple, Hadshi:Set amidst gardens and featuring adventure activities nearby.
Top Sightseeing Points Around Pawna Lake
For those who love breathtaking landscapes, several viewpoints near Pawna Lake provide mesmerising scenes.
•Lion’s Point and Tiger Point, Lonavala:Offering panoramic views of valleys and mountains, these spots are essential stops for sunset lovers.
•Bhushi Dam:A Pawna Lake camping 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 exciting 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 clear, the lake is replenished, and the surroundings are lush green.
Winter mornings are often misty, 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 rejuvenated landscape, though some campsites may shut down due to muddy roads and heavy showers.
Pawna Lake Experience
A night at Pawna Lake is beyond simple stay — it’s about finding peace. As dusk settles, the dying light on the lake turns silver to gold, followed by night serenity. The gentle night sounds, the crackling campfire, and the calm water all create an atmosphere of rejuvenation.
Morning at the lake brings birdsong, mist-covered hills, and the aroma of tea as campers enjoy a serene morning meal.
Final Thoughts
Pawna Lake camping combines nature, adventure, and serenity in one complete 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.