Pawna Lake Camping – The Perfect Lakeside Getaway Near Lonavala
Nestled among the breathtaking Sahyadri mountain belt, Pawna Lake is an incredibly serene and peaceful destinations. Located near the hill station of Lonavala, it has grown into a beloved weekend spot for travellers from Pune, Mumbai, and surrounding states. The beauty of Pawna Lake camping lies in its serene surroundings, glittering lake, sparkling skies, and harmonious blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you are a solo traveller, a team of travellers, or a family in search of a short escape from urban chaos, Pawna Lake offers an remarkable lakeside camping experience.
Surrounded by legendary strongholds like Lohagad, Tikona, Tung, and Visapur, and within reach of notable landmarks such as Bhushi Dam and Karla Caves, Pawna Lake is a haven for nature and history lovers alike.
How to Reach Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake is well-connected 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)– Take 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, continue through 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, pass 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)– Follow 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 real charm of Pawna Lake camping lies in its serene aura. Set against the backdrop of grassy mountains and a sparkling waterbody, the campsites offer an ideal escape from daily stress. The soothing sounds of rippling water, the refreshing wind, and the view of the setting sun turning the lake golden create a mesmerising ambience.
Guests can enjoy evening retreats in lakeside tents with packages that include evening snacks, barbecue, dinner, and breakfast. A warm bonfire under the starlit sky adds to the magical charm of Pawna nights.
Pawna Lake Activities
Pawna Lake is not only a camping destination — it offers a wide variety of recreational and adventure activities suitable for all age groups.
•Tent Camping:Enjoy authentic lakeside camping with clean tents.
•Cottages:Rustic cabins are available for visitors seeking a more private and relaxing 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 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 home to historic forts and stunning 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 relatively easy trek, Lohagad is easy to reach.
*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 sprawling summit and ancient carvings of Lord Hanuman, it provides a more demanding trek.
*Koraigad Fort:Placed 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.
Cultural and Spiritual Places Around Pawna Lake
The surroundings of Pawna Lake are filled with cultural heritage and religious importance.
•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 serene replica of the Pandharpur Temple situated near Dudhiware Khind.
•Narayani Dham:A grand 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.
Scenic Viewpoints and Attractions
For those who enjoy natural vistas, several viewpoints near Pawna Lake provide mesmerising scenes.
•Lion’s Point Pawna Lake camping and Tiger Point, Lonavala:Offering panoramic views of valleys and mountains, these spots are essential stops 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 thrilling 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 brimming, and the surroundings are fresh.
Winter mornings are often foggy, giving the area a dreamy vibe, while evenings bring chilly winds 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.
What Makes Pawna Lake Special
A night at Pawna Lake is more than just camping — it’s about reconnecting with Pawna Lake nature. As dusk settles, the evening glow on the lake creates golden ripples, followed by deep blue shades. The distant sounds of crickets, the warmth of the bonfire, 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 blends nature, adventure, and serenity in one perfect package. Its easy access from major cities makes it an top-rated weekend getaway for those looking to unwind amidst nature. Whether it’s stargazing by the lakeside, trekking to ancient forts, or simply resting beside the calm waters, Pawna Lake offers an experience worth repeating.