Pawna Lake, created by Pavana Dam in Maharashtra, India, attracts visitors from Pune and Mumbai for picnics and camping. It’s 25 km from Lonavala and known for its beauty and calm nature. People enjoy its peaceful atmosphere and scenic views, making it a popular destination for relaxation and outdoor activities. It is a wonderful place to escape the busyness of the city and spend time in nature. It is located in the Western Ghats mountains, not too far from the towns of Lonavala and Khandala. If you love being outdoors, this could be the perfect weekend getaway for you.

In 1973, the construction of the Pavana Dam in Maval taluka led to the creation of the reservoir, which later became known as Pawna Lake. The backwaters from the dam filled up to form this picturesque lake, offering a tranquil retreat amidst the natural beauty of the region.

Introduction

In recent times, the regions near Pavana Dam and its reservoir have experienced a significant surge in tourism. This is attributed to the lake’s vicinity to Lonavala hill station and nearby forts like Lohagad, Tikona, and Tung. Numerous camping sites have emerged around Pawna Lake, while agro-tourism has also thrived. The lake mainly draws visitors from Pune and Mumbai, with approximately 4,000 visitors from these cities flocking to the lake every weekend.

To reach Pawna Lake, you’ll drive along winding roads through green fields and little villages. The scenery on the way is already beautiful, with hills and lush forests. As you get closer, the air starts to feel fresher and cooler. All sorts of pretty birds can be spotted near the lake’s edge, like Brahminy Kites with their reddish-brown feathers, the tiny Little Cormorants diving for fish, and the bright Indian Pittas with their colorful wings. Bring your binoculars and camera to try to spot and capture photos of these lovely birds.

The Main Attraction

For the adventurous type, there are hiking trails of different difficulty levels going up into the hills around the lake. The tougher trails will have you climbing high for amazing panoramic views overlooking the whole lake and valley below. Easier trails are perfect for a relaxing nature walk while still taking in the sights. If you enjoy being out on the water, you can go kayaking or paddleboarding right on Pawna Lake itself. Gliding across the smooth water surface surrounded by greenery is an extremely peaceful experience. You can also rent little sailboats if you’d like.

Camping is a very popular option at Pawna Lake too. You can set up your tent right near the water’s edge and spend the night under a sky full of bright stars. Wake up to the chirping of birds as the sun rises over the hills. Pawna is not just a delight for birdwatchers, but also a paradise for butterfly enthusiasts! The lush forests around the lake area are home to over 100 vibrant butterfly species. From the striking yellow and black patterns of the Lemon Emigrants to the metallic blue hues of the Nigger Butterflies, a kaleidoscope of colors greets you.

Basic campgrounds with fire pits and washrooms make camping here very accessible. For a simpler day trip, Pawna Lake makes a wonderful picnic spot. Find a grassy spot and spread out your picnic blanket close to the water’s edge. Enjoy your snacks while taking in the gorgeous scenery. You can also try fishing with a rod and line since the lake has plenty of fish.

5 Things to Do in Pawna Lake

At Pawna Lake, you can have lots of fun! Camp out with your family and friends, sleep under the stars, and tell stories. Rent a boat and explore the calm water, surrounded by pretty hills and trees. Go for walks to nearby forts for amazing views. Bring food for a picnic by the water, and don’t forget your camera to capture the beautiful scenery, colorful sunsets, and cute animals. You’ll make memories that last a lifetime.

1. Camping: Sleep under the stars in a tent near the peaceful lake. It’s a fun adventure for families and friends.
2. Boating: Rent a boat and explore the calm water. You can see beautiful hills and trees all around.
3. Trekking: Go for a walk to nearby forts. You’ll see amazing views of the lake and mountains.
4. Picnicking: Bring food and have a relaxing day by the water. It’s perfect for enjoying nature with loved ones.
5. Photography: Take pictures of the pretty scenery, colorful sunsets, and animals. You’ll have memories to cherish forever.

The Ultimate Guide to Reach

Pawna Lake is situated in the Western Ghats, around 120 km from Mumbai and 65 km from Pune, in Maharashtra state of India.

Nearest Town/City: The closest major towns/cities to Pawna Lake are:

• Lonavala (approx. 18 km away)
• Khandala (approx. 22 km away)

A) From Mumbai: Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and take the exit towards Lonavala. After entering Lonavala, follow the signs towards Pavna village/Pawna Lake.

B) From Pune: Take the Pune-Mumbai Highway (NH48) towards Mumbai. After around 60 km, take the exit towards Lonavala/Khandala. Then follow the signs to Pavna village/Pawna Lake.

The lake is located inside the Pavna village area, around 3-4 km off the main Lonavala-Khandala road. There are signboards along the way that guide you to the lake premises. So while there is no specific address, following the directions to Pavna village near Lonavala/Khandala will lead you to the beautiful Pawna Lake in the Western Ghats.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reach Pawna Lake and what to do to spend one day there:

Getting There:

1. If driving from Mumbai, take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and exit at Lonavala. From Pune, take NH48 towards Mumbai and exit at Lonavala/Khandala.
2. After entering Lonavala, follow signs towards Pavna/Pawna village.
3. The lake is around 3-4 km off the main Lonavala-Khandala road inside Pavna village. Keep following signboards directing you to “Pawna Lake”.
4. There is a main entry gate and parking area for the lake premises.

One Day Itinerary

9 AM – Arrive at Pawna Lake and begin your day by walking along the lake periphery to take in the scenic beauty. Stop at viewpoints for photo-ops.

10:30 AM – Go on an easy/moderate-level trek. Trail which loops around the lake vicinity through forests (2-3 hours).

1 PM – Stop for lunch at one of the simple food stalls/eateries located near the lake entrance.

2:30 PM – Head out on the lake itself by renting a pedal boat, or kayak or getting on a boating deck for a leisurely experience on the waters.

4 PM – Find a scenic spot by the lakeside to relax, and have some snacks/tea while enjoying the lovely views as the day winds down.

5 PM – Visit the Guns Point area for magnificent sunset vistas overlooking Pawna Lake from a high viewpoint.

7 PM – As it gets dark, drive back to your starting point in Lonavala/Khandala for dinner before returning to Mumbai/Pune.

Tips

• Carry snacks, water, sunscreen, a hat, and proper footwear for trekking
• Check in advance about fees for activities like boating
• Avoid weekends/holidays if you want fewer crowds
• Allow buffer time for traffic towards Lonavala

With natural beauty, adventure trails, and relaxing lake cruises – this one-day Pawna Lake itinerary lets you sample the best of this fantastic destination!

Conclusion

This beautiful lake is the perfect spot to take a break from your busy, stressful life. You can breathe the fresh air, listen to the soothing sounds of the lake’s waves and birds singing, and let yourself completely unwind. Spending time at Pawna Lake’s calming environment is guaranteed to refresh your mind, body, and spirit. After visiting Pawna Lake, you’ll leave feeling renewed and relaxed. The memories you make admiring the gorgeous scenery and exploring the great outdoors will stay with you forever. You’ll want to come back to this wonderful nature getaway again and again.

Don’t miss out on the chance to disconnect from your worries and recharge at the simple beauty of Pawna Lake. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

FAQs

1) How do I reach Pawna Lake?

Pawna Lake is located around 120 km from Mumbai and 65 km from Pune. The easiest way is by car/taxi to reach there. From Mumbai, take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and exit towards Lonavala. From Pune, take NH48 towards Mumbai and exit at Lonavala/Khandala. Then follow signs to Pavna village where the lake is located.

2) How many days are needed to visit Pawna Lake?  

You can cover most of the major attractions at Pawna Lake in 1-2 days. A day is enough if you just want to enjoy the lake views, do some easy hiking, boating/kayaking, and have a picnic. For a more relaxed pace with camping, trekking, and exploring nearby areas, 2 days and 1 night would be ideal.

3) What are the best things to do at Pawna Lake?

Some of the top activities include hiking/trekking the trails around the lake, camping and staying overnight, boating/kayaking on the lake, birdwatching, having a scenic picnic by the water, and visiting viewpoints for panoramic vistas. The lake is also great for photography and simply unwinding in nature.

4) What adventure activities can I enjoy at Pawna Lake?

For adventure enthusiasts, Pawna Lake offers opportunities for trekking ranging from easy to challenging trails, camping under the stars, kayaking/paddle boarding on the lake waters, rappelling, rock climbing on the surrounding cliffs, and even paragliding and ziplining operated by local vendors.

5) Are there good places to eat around Pawna Lake?

There are basic food stalls and small local eateries located near the lake entrance serving snacks, beverages, and simple vegetarian meals. For fuller meals, head to the nearby towns of Lonavala or Khandala which have a wide array of restaurants and street food options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Also Read:

Chilika Lake: No. 1 Natural Wonder of Odisha

Dal Lake Srinagar – No. 1 Tourism Place in Kashmir

References:

https://maharashtratourism.gov.in/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pavana_Lake

https://www.thepawnalake.com/