Pawna Lake Camping – Your Ideal Weekend Escape Near Lonavala
Nestled among the breathtaking Sahyadri mountain belt, 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 harmonious blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you are a solo traveller, a group of friends, or a family in search of a short escape from urban chaos, Pawna Lake offers an memorable lakeside camping experience.
Surrounded 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 delight for outdoor and history lovers alike.
How to Reach Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake is easily reachable from both Mumbai and Pune through multiple 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, turn right at Paud Chowk, pass via Jovan Chowk, and reach Pawna Lake.
3.Via Somatne Phata (57 km)– Follow 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)– Travel via Vashi on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, exit 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 proceed to Pawna Lake.
By Train:
From Pune or Mumbai, get down at Kamshet or Lonavala stations. From there, travellers’ jeeps and local transport 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 sparkling waterbody, the campsites offer an ideal 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 options including evening snacks, barbecue, dinner, and breakfast. A warm campfire under the night sky adds to the magical charm of Pawna nights.
Things to Do at Pawna Lake
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:Enjoy authentic lakeside camping with well-maintained 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 experience 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 dotted with famous strongholds and breathtaking 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 suitable for all levels.
*Tikona Fort:Formed as a pyramid, Tikona offers uninterrupted 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:Located near Aamby Valley, it gives a view of Mulshi Reservoir and lush forest cover.
Each fort tells a unique story 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 devotional appeal.
•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 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 stunning views of valleys and mountains, these spots are essential stops for sunset lovers.
•Bhushi Dam:A famous 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 pleasant season is betweenOctober and March*. During this time, the skies are bright, the lake is replenished, and the surroundings are lush green.
Winter mornings are often misty, giving the area a mystical 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.
The Lakeside Experience
A night at Pawna Lake is a soulful retreat — it’s about reconnecting with nature. As dusk settles, the evening glow on the lake creates golden ripples, followed by deep blue shades. The gentle night sounds, the glow of embers, and the calm water Pawna Lake 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.
In Summary
Pawna Lake camping combines nature, adventure, and serenity in one perfect package. Its location near Pune and Mumbai makes it an top-rated weekend getaway for those looking to unwind amidst nature. Whether it’s watching stars near the shore, trekking to ancient forts, or simply enjoying lakeside tranquillity, Pawna Lake offers an experience worth repeating.