Pawna Lake | Detailed Complete Information Guide
- Sameer Mankar
- Apr 18, 2022
- 13 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Pawna Lake is one of the most popular weekend getaways near Lonavala, located in the scenic Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra. Surrounded by lush green hills, historic forts, and peaceful backwaters, it offers a perfect escape for couples, families, and adventure lovers.
Just a short drive from Pune and Mumbai, Pawna Lake is widely known for lakeside camping, stunning sunsets, and outdoor activities.
📍 Where is Pavna Lake Located?
Pawna Lake is situated near Lonavala in the Maval region, approximately:
20 km from Lonavala
60 km from Pune
120 km from Mumbai
The lake was formed after the construction of the Pawna Dam and is now a major tourist attraction in Maharashtra.
🚗 How to Reach Pawna Lake
Reaching Pawna Lake is easy due to excellent connectivity:
By Road: Via Mumbai–Pune Expressway or Old Highway
By Train: Nearest stations – Lonavala & Kamshet
By Air: Pune International Airport
Best Route:Pune → Old Mumbai–Pune Highway → Somatne Phata → Parandwadi Road → Kadadhe Chowk → Pawnanagar → Pawna Lake
🌄 Why Visit Pawna Lake?
Pawna Lake is known for its calm atmosphere and natural beauty. It is surrounded by valleys, hills, and greenery, making it ideal for relaxation and photography.
Highlights:
Peaceful lakeside environment
Perfect for weekend trips
Ideal for couples & group camping
Scenic sunrise and sunset views
🏕️ Pawna Lake Camping Experience
Camping at Pawna Lake is the most popular activity among tourists.
Enjoy:
Lakeside tent stay
Bonfire & music
BBQ dinner & breakfast
Stargazing experience
Camping here is a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, making it one of the best camping destinations near Pune.
🎯 Things to Do at Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake offers a variety of activities for all types of travelers:
Tent Camping
Boating (Paid)
Kayaking (Paid)
Trekking (with proper trekking Gear)
Paragliding (near Kamshet)
Ziplining
Adventure seekers and nature lovers both find Pawna Lake highly engaging.
🏞️ Tourist Places Near Pawna Lake
Explore nearby attractions to enhance your trip:
Forts
Tikona Fort
Lohagad Fort
Visapur Fort
Tung Fort
Religious Places
Prati Pandharpur Temple
Wagheshwar Temple
Other Attractions
Bhushi Dam
Lion’s Point / Tiger Point
Karla, Bhaje & Bedse Caves
These places make Pawna Lake a complete nature + history + adventure destination.
🌦️ Best Time to Visit Pawna Lake
Winter (Oct–Feb): Best for camping & clear views
Monsoon (Jun–Sep): Lush greenery & waterfalls (limited camping)
Summer (Mar–May): Warm but less crowded
Winter mornings often feature foggy views and pleasant weather, enhancing the overall experience.
💰 Pawna Lake Camping Price
Camping packages usually start from:
₹999 to ₹1500 per person
Packages typically include:
Evening snacks
BBQ dinner
Breakfast
Tent stay
Affordable pricing makes it a budget-friendly getaway near Pune and Mumbai.
📌 Travel Tips
Carry warm clothes in winter
Wear comfortable trekking shoes
Book camping in advance (weekends fill fast), No walk-in Booking.
Swimming strictly prohibited
📝 Conclusion
Pawna Lake is a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you are planning a romantic trip, family outing, or group camping, this destination offers everything you need for a refreshing escape.
With easy accessibility, budget-friendly packages, and scenic beauty, Pawna Lake continues to be one of the top tourist destinations near Lonavala.
The Maharashtra Irrigation Department established Pavana Dam at Pavna Lake in 1972. While planning the dam on the Pawna River, the department brought about 2,500 acres of land under its control
After a detailed survey, authorities chose Maval Tehsil as the location for the dam. Construction of Pawana Dam started in 1964 but stopped for a year due to the India – Pakistan war in 1965. They completed the dam in 1972.
Authorities built Pawna Dam to meet the future water needs of the growing Pimpri–Chinchwad area and nearby regions. The dam stands 45 meters (141 feet) tall and stretches 1,330 meters (4,363 feet) in length. It also supports hydro electric power generation with a capacity of 1,240 megawatts.
Pawana Lake Geography
Pavna Lake is Surrounded and located in Western Ghat Regions of Sahyadri Mountain Range.
The Mountain Valleys are abundant with
Exploring the Mountain Valleys
Pavna Lake lies in the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri mountain range. The Mountain Valleys showcase breathtaking hidden locations, including Pavna Lake, which boasts a stunning array of surroundings:
Historical Sites
Lakes
Temples
Pandava's Carpet Caves
Forts
And more...
Pavna Lake Distance
Pune to Pawana Lake by Car/Bike
1) Via Kamshet: 65 km
Pune-->old Pune -Mumbai highway --> Somatne Toll plaza--> Take Left turn at Kamshet -->Pawnanagar --> Pawana Lake
2) Via Paud: 52 km
Pune -->Pune-Paud Road --> Take Right Turn at Paud Chowk --> Straight from Jovan Chowk --> Pavna Lake
3) Via Somatne Phata: 57 km
Start from Pune and take the Old Pune–Mumbai Highway. Turn slightly left at Somatne Phata onto Parandwadi Road. Continue straight through Kadadhe Chowk, then reach Pawnanagar Chowk. From there, head towards Pavna Lake.
Pune to Pawna Lake by Local Train
1) Via Kamshet Station: 17 km
Pune railway station --> Get Down at Kamshet Station --> Take 10 min walk/Auto Rickshaw from station towards Pawnanagar Road chowk where you'll get local travels Jeep, Sumo, Bolero, etc. Upto Pawnanagar only then you have to take the same traveler or other one from Pawnanagar to Pawna Lake locations (Prices about 30-50 Rs per head but keep in mind as you asked them for Pawna Lake they will hike this prices as you're traveler so you have to bargain for prices --> and reach the appropriate Campsite Locations
Mumbai to Pawna Lake by Car/Bike
1)Via Kamshet: 117 km
Mumbai--> Vashi-->By Bengaluru-Mumbai-Pune highway--> Exit to NH48 at Lonavala exit Valvan--> on old mumbai-pune highway--> take right turn at Kamshet down the bridge--> Pawnanagar--> Pawna Lake
2) Via Lonavala Market Gaothan: 105 km
Mumbai--> By Bengaluru-Mumbai-Pune highway--> Take Exit to Khandala-Lonavala towards NH47 old Pune-Mumbai highway upto Lonavala--> Take Right at Kumar Resort chowk--> Take left at Ch. Shivaji Maharaj Chowk --> Continue to Dudhiware Khind--> Ambegaon--> Take right at Aryan restaurant on your right--> Pawna Lake
Mumbai to Pavna Lake by Train
1) Via Lonavala: 35 km
How to Reach Pavna Lake from Mumbai by Train:
Take an express train from Mumbai to Lonavala.
Get down at Lonavala Railway Station.
Board a Lonavala – Pune local train.
Get down at Kamshet (2nd station from Lonavala).
From Kamshet Station, walk or take an auto (10 mins) to Pawnanagar Road Chowk.
From there, hire a shared jeep (Sumo/Bolero) to Pawnanagar.
Then take another local vehicle to your Pavna Lake campsite.
Cost: Approx. ₹30–₹50 per person (may vary—bargaining recommended).
Rich heritage sites like ancient forts, scenic lakes, mystical caves, and holy temples surround Pawana Lake.
Nearby attractions include Tung Fort, Lohagad Fort, Tikona Fort, and Visapur Fort.
You may also explore Rajmachi Fort along with Pawana Lake.
Additional highlights include Lions Point, Prati Pandharpur, and the Satya Sai Baba Temple.
Don’t miss Bhushi Dam, Karla Caves, Bedase Caves, and Bhaje Caves.
Further options include Dukes Nose, Shooting Valley, and Rajmachi Waterfall. Pawna Lake Activities
Tent Camping
• Cottages
• Trekking
• Boating
• Kayaking
• Paragliding
• Zipline
How to book Pawna Lake
1) Through website:
Visit www.pawnalake.net -> Select a suitable Pawna Lake package.
-> Read the package details.
-> Read the terms and conditions.
-> Select a payment option: advance or full payment.
-> Fill in your details.
-> Proceed to the final payment.
-> Take a screenshot of the completed payment.
-> Share it with the contact person. 2) We also offer flexible payment options. You can pay using GPay, PhonePe, or Paytm. Use our official number: 7066664458.
Search for 7066664458 in "Pay on number" -> Camp In Pawna -> Short description of your booking ex. Name, date, and total people in the group.
Include the number of veg and non-veg people.
Then make the payment.
Share the payment screenshot on our official Pawna Lake WhatsApp number: 7066664458. 👍
for this option you have to get connected with customer care number before your booking
Tung Fort Trek Pawna Lake
Tung Fort at height of 1075 m above sea level. People also know it as Kathingad. "Kathin" meaning in marathi "difficult to climb". The distance from Lonavala to Tung Fort is 24 km via Amby Valley City Road.
27 km from Pawnanagar via Jovan Tungi Road. located Opposite to Pawna Lake Dam wall And looks like a Submarine in the lake. The tip of the fort occupies 2000 sqft area only which is small and gives a sharp tip to fort.
Lohagad Fort Trek Pawna Lake
Lohagad Fort at a height of 1033 m from sea level. The Category of fort is Hill Fort. the distance from Lonavala to Lohagad Fort is 16 km via Malavali Lohagad Road and distance from Pawnanagar to Lohagad Fort is 15 km Via Pawnanagar Lohagad Road.
located Centrally between Lonavala and Pawna lake. Easy to reach by bike or car up to the fort’s base, at the first step.
The steps are large up to the top of the fort. This can make the fort crowded on any day. You can camp at the base of Lohagad Fort, and you can also find hotel stays in Bhaje village.
Tikona Fort Trek Pawna Lake
Tikona Fort Is also known as Vitandgad. The Height from Sea Level is 3580 Feet. It is comes under hill fort type and pyramidal in shape, Tikona means Triangular. Located very close to Pawna Lake Dam wall distance of 2 km. Entire Pawna Lake and Tung Fort Incredible View from the fort. Lord Shiva's Temple present on top with 12 months small water ponds it never gets dried. About four Cannons still there.
Visapur Fort Trek Pawna Lake
Visapur Fort height from sea level is 1084 m. It's a neighbouring Fort of Lohagad with vice fort Bhatrashi. The fort is not so easy to climb cause lac of stairs. Huge top area with old houses, caves and big Carving of Hanuman. Distance from Lonavala is about 14 km via Patan Village.
Korai Gad Fort Trek Pawna Lake
Koraigad, Korigad is located near Amby Valley City at a distance of 20 km from Lonavala. It's above 923 m above sea level. The neighbouring village is Tel Baila and Peth Shahpur. Visibility to Mulshi Reservoir. Surrounded by big Amby Valley City project. Named Koraigad by Godess Koraidevi.
Dhak Bahiri Trek Pawna Lake
Dhak Bahiri is high altitude Cave situated near the village Jambhivli. It's too hard to climb with peak height from sea level is 823 m. The named by God Bahiri. One side Comes in Raigad District another in Maval district. Dhak Bahiri Distance from Kamshet is 20 km via Jambhavli Kamshet Road. At the Start of Trek God Shiva's famous "Kondeshwar Temple".
Duke's Nose Trek Pawna Lake
Duke's Nose Also known as Nagphani. Small Mahadeva Temple at top. Situated Near Kurwande Village at distance from Lonavala to Duke's Nose is 6.5 km. where different adventure activities and trainings done like Trekking, Rappelling, Rock climbing, Valley crossing etc. It's a first choice of trekkers in Lonavala. Self hilltop Camping is done at mid of Trek and then top of the trek.
Pawna Lake is attracting tourists since last 6 years at large scale by upgrading activities such as Pawna Lake Boating, Paddle boating, swimming, Fishing, Lake tubing, etc. Pawna Lake is safe for human being cause no any harmful water living spicies. Lake is so deep we cannot predict the depth of Pawna Lake hence its mandatory to swim with life jacket.
Pawna Lake Kayaking
Kayaking is a Fun activity it involves moving on water In a small water vessel With the double bladed paddles.
Pawna Lake Activities includes Water sports activity Kayaking. Most couples families and groups prefer to Kayaking water sport which is so relaxing and stress relieving.
Pawna Lake Paragliding
Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure sport of flying.
Tandem Paragliding is also done at two locations Pawna Lake and Kamshet Which is 14 km from Pawna Lake. Paragliding sport is highly demanding because it's available only 7 months and rarely done cause High prices, less fly time about 10-15 min Also depends on wind direction and speed. The pawna lake Paragliding charges is about 3000 Rs in weekdays and 3500 Rs for weekend. There is 500 Rs extra charges for photos and video.
Pawna lake zipline
A zipline is a system of suspended cables mounted on a hill or slope. Zipline adventure rider uses a pulley system to ride across the stainless steel cables, and with the help of gravity, they can travel up to 20-50 m/sec. Before zipline you should ensure for the safety measures such as helmate, safety harness, etc. Zipline at Pawna Lake is about 250 feet long.
Best Time to visit Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake Camping is done 12 months but most of the tourist prefers to arrive at Pawna Lake in mid of October month upto March due to ending of rainy season. Greenery is everywhere it feels like Hill's pulled over and slept under the green blanket. It's the time to visit Pawna Lake although the water level in Pawna Reservoir is 100% in these days.
Historic Places near Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake contact number
7066664458
9923858088
Website: www.pawnalake.net
Email: campinpawna@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pawna Lake famous for?
Pawna Lake is famous for lakeside camping, scenic views, and peaceful nature near Lonavala.
Is camping allowed at Pawna Lake?
Yes, camping is one of the most popular activities at Pawna Lake with tents, food, and bonfire included.
What is the best time to visit Pawna Lake?
The best time is from October to February when the weather is cool and perfect for camping.
How much does Pawna Lake camping cost?
Camping prices usually range from ₹999 to ₹1500 per person depending on the package.
Is Pawna Lake safe for couples?
Yes, Pawna Lake is considered safe for couples, especially at organized camping sites.
How To Reach Pawna Lake from Mumbai
Pawna Lake is a beautiful getaway located just 120 km from Mumbai and 20 km from Lonavala. There are several ways to reach this serene spot. You can travel via the Old Pune-Mumbai Highway, the Expressway, or even by train. I recommend using your personal vehicle, like a car or bike, for the best experience. Alternatively, you can take a local train or bus, or hire an Ola or Uber for convenience.
How to reach Pawna lake from Mumbai
Routes to Pawna Lake
1) By Mumbai-Pune Expressway
Route: Mumbai > Lonavala > Exit After 2nd Baur Tunnel > Pawna Lake.
This is the fastest route from Mumbai to Pawna Lake. The expressway generally has minimal traffic, except for the Khandala Ghat section. It's important to note that this route is only for four-wheelers; two-wheelers are not allowed on the expressway.
Express Highway Exit Point Location to Pawna Lake:
Google Map Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZhLjszCsLhBTcJff6
How to Know When to Exit
The exit point is 19 km (about 17 minutes) ahead of Lonavala. You will see two tunnels (Baur Tunnel). After crossing the second tunnel, move to the left/outer lane and slow down to about 40 km/h. Use your left indicator. Look for the "Police Check Post / पोलीस मदत चौकी" board on your left. This exit is a sharp U-turn, so be cautious!
Note: If you miss this exit, you will have to travel 15 km to the next toll plaza to make a U-turn. Remember to wear your seatbelt and keep an eye out for online cameras!
Once you take the exit, continue on the off-road for about 500 meters (2 minutes). At the end, you will see the main road. Take a left turn under the bridge, and you'll arrive at the camping property location.
2) By Old Pune-Mumbai Highway
Route: Mumbai > Lonavala > Kamshet > Pawna Lake.
This route is popular and suitable for cars, bikes, auto-rickshaws, and train travelers. It's a 130 km drive from Mumbai to Pawna Lake via Lonavala and Kamshet.
A) By Your Personal Vehicle or Bike
Start from Mumbai on the Old Pune-Mumbai Highway. Head towards Lonavala (Hotel Kumar Resort Chowk). Continue straight for about 29 minutes (18 km) to Kamshet. Take the exit to the service road at Kamshet, then make a right turn under the bridge. Continue for another 27 minutes (17 km) to reach Pawna Lake.
Note: As you reach Lonavala, near Hotel Kumar Resort Chowk, Google Maps may suggest a right turn through Lonavala's main market. I recommend avoiding this route. Although it saves about 5 km, it is often congested with traffic and has rough, twisting roads that can be accident-prone.
B) By Train from Mumbai to Pawna Lake
Start at Mumbai Railway Station and take an express train (check train timings; tickets are about 150 Rs).
Arrive at Lonavala Railway Station.
Take a local train from Lonavala to Kamshet Railway Station (check local train timings; tickets are about 10 Rs).
From Kamshet Railway Station, hire a local auto-rickshaw to reach Pawna Lake (17 km).
Tentative Charges One Way:
Auto-rickshaw: 700-800 Rs
4/7 Seater Car: 1000-1200 Rs
C) By Train from Mumbai to Lonavala and Pawna Lake
Start at Mumbai Railway Station and take an express train.
Arrive at Lonavala Railway Station.
Hire a local auto-rickshaw to reach Pawna Lake (20 km).
Tentative Charges One Way:
Auto-rickshaw: 800-900 Rs
4/7 Seater Car: 1200-1500 Rs
Suggestions for the Best Routes to Pawna Lake
Via Expressway: Mumbai > Exit at 2nd Baur Tunnel > Pawna Lake (105 km) See Google Map
Via Kamshet: Mumbai > Kamshet > Pawna Lake (120 km) See Google Map
Avoid: Mumbai > Lonavala Main Market > Pawna Lake (Rough & Full of Traffic) (110 km) See Google Map
From Pune: Via Kamshet > Pawna Lake (64 km) See Google Map
From Pune: Chandani Chowk > Bhugaon, Pirangut > Via Paud Road > Pawna Lake (55 km) See Google Map
Local Train Timings
(Tentative timings; check for changes)
Kamshet to Pune:
- 10:20 am
- 11:45 am
- 3:00 pm
- 5:20 pm
Pune to Kamshet:
- 11:30 am
- 12:10 pm
- 12:50 pm
- 3:05 pm
- 5:00 pm
Village ST Bus Timings
From Kamshet to Thakursai
7:30 AM
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
2:00 PM
4:30 PM
From Thakursai to Kamshet
6:40 AM
9:30 AM
11:30 AM
12:30 PM
3:30 PM
Pawna Lake Location Details
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/i2vD2yV4wJ55YBx76
Contact: 7066664458
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/+917066664458
Note: Always follow Google Maps closely. Aim to arrive on time; otherwise, you might miss the stunning sunset and evening views of Pawna Lake. The train and bus timings provided are tentative, so feel free to reach out using the contact details above for confirmation.
Pawna Lake does not provide travel facilities, but they can share contacts of local travelers. For peace of mind, consider hiring a traveler in advance.
Drive Safe! Travel Safe!
Comments