Pawna Lake Camping – The Perfect Lakeside Getaway Near Lonavala
Nestled within the breathtaking Sahyadri mountain ranges, Pawna Lake is one of Maharashtra’s most scenic and calming destinations. Located near the hill station of Lonavala, it has become a favourite weekend spot for travellers from Pune, Mumbai, and neighbouring states. The charm of Pawna Lake camping lies in its peaceful environment, glittering lake, sparkling skies, and ideal mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you are a single adventurer, a circle of buddies, or a family seeking a short escape from everyday routine, Pawna Lake offers an remarkable lakeside camping experience.
Surrounded by legendary strongholds like Lohagad, Tikona, Tung, and Visapur, and close to notable landmarks such as Bhushi Dam and Karla Caves, Pawna Lake is a paradise for eco and history lovers alike.
Ways to Get to Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake is conveniently accessible from both Mumbai and Pune through several routes. Travellers can reach the lake by car, railway, or two-wheeler, making it one of the most connected natural getaways in Western India.
From Pune:
1.Via Kamshet (65 km)– Drive along the Old Pune–Mumbai Highway, go through 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, 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)– Take the Lonavala exit, drive through 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.
Why Travellers Love Pawna Lake Camping
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 wonderful escape from city chaos. The soothing sounds of rippling water, the refreshing wind, and the sight of the sunset turning the lake golden create a mesmerising ambience.
Guests can enjoy night camping in lakeside tents with packages that include evening snacks, barbecue, dinner, and breakfast. A warm firepit under the twinkling stars adds to the unforgettable 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 clean Pawna Lake tents.
•Cottages:Cosy wooden stays 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 great for short treks.
•Zipline:Adventure seekers can enjoy ziplining for a thrilling experience.
•Paragliding:Tandem paragliding at Kamshet or Pawna offers aerial views of the Sahyadri hills.
Popular Trekking Spots Near Pawna Lake
The region around Pawna Lake is surrounded by 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 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 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 tells a unique story of Maratha history and is a delight for history enthusiasts.
Historic and Religious Sites Near Pawna Lake
The surroundings of Pawna Lake are filled with cultural heritage and devotional appeal.
•Karla and Bhaje Caves:Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves famous for their intricate carvings and nearby waterfalls.
•Bedse Caves:Quieter but equally captivating, offering a peaceful 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 architecture 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 recreational spaces nearby.
Top Sightseeing Points Around Pawna Lake
For those who seek scenic beauty, several viewpoints near Pawna Lake provide postcard-perfect scenes.
•Lion’s Point and Tiger Point, Lonavala:Offering panoramic views of valleys and mountains, these spots are favourites for sunset lovers.
•Bhushi Dam:A well-known monsoon destination known for its flowing charm and picnic ambience.
•Duke’s Nose (Nagphani):Popular for trekking, rappelling, and rock climbing, this peak offers a thrilling outdoor experience.
When to Visit Pawna Lake
While Pawna Lake is open for camping throughout the year, the most comfortable season is betweenOctober and March*. During this time, the skies are blue, the lake is full, and the surroundings are vibrant.
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 rainy season (June to September) adds a rejuvenated landscape, though some campsites remain closed 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 reflection of Pawna Lake the sunset on the lake shimmers beautifully, followed by night serenity. The gentle night sounds, the glow of embers, and the calm water all create an atmosphere of peace.
Morning at the lake brings birdsong, misty ridges, 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 admiring the night sky, trekking to ancient forts, or simply relaxing in a tent under the open sky, Pawna Lake offers moments to cherish forever.