Pawna Lake - Complete Information (Updated Details 2025)

Pawna Lake Located in Maharashtra’s verdant Sahyadri Hills is a magnificent man-made reservoir renowned for its serene atmosphere, gorgeous scenery, and exciting adventures.

This tranquil retreat, which is close to Lonavala, is well-liked by weekend visitors from Pune and Mumbai as well as wildlife enthusiasts and campers.

The lake, which was first formed by the Pawna Dam, is now a popular destination for camping, hiking, and water sports and provides the ideal getaway from the city. Pawna Lake offers something for everyone, whether you want to camp under the stars, tour neighboring forts, or just unwind by the serene waters.

History And Geography

In essence, Pawna Lake is a manmade lake created by the Pawna dam, also known as the Pavana dam. The Pawna dam is situated on the Pawna river in Maval taluka, approximately 40 kilometers from Pimpri Chinchwad city’s boundaries.

It can hold about 10 TMC. The dam is 1,329 meters (4,360 feet) long, 42.37 meters (139.0 feet) high, and has a gross storage capacity of 0.24 kilometers (0.058 cubic miles). Construction started in 1963 and was completed in 1972. Eventually, the backwaters of the Pawna Dam became known as Pawna Lake because they created a reservoir.

The Lake is a natural hot spot for flora and fauna because of its position in the Western Ghats. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation is in charge of running Pawna Dam. The primary goals of the Pawna dam’s development were water supply and hydroelectric power generation.

The Pawna dam, which has a 1250 MW power-producing capacity, is the site of the Pawna hydropower project and the Multipurpose Project.

How To Reach?

By Road

Via Lonavala: Take the Lonavala exit off the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. After leaving Lonavala, continue on to Bhangarwadi, Dudhiware Khind, and Pawna Lake. Approximately 108 kilometers long, this path is renowned for its picturesque views.
Via Kamshet: As an alternative, proceed past Lonavala on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to Kamshet. Take the path to the Lake from Kamshet. This route, which is around 114.7 kilometers long, is preferred because of its comparatively smoother highways.

Note: Especially during the monsoon season, road conditions can change. Verify the existing situation and think about driving a car with plenty of ground clearance.

By Train

To Lonavala: Take a train to Lonavala Station from Mumbai. Trains run frequently, leaving roughly every forty-five minutes.
From Lonavala to Pawna Lake: Take a private taxi or Jeep to the lake, which is roughly 25–30 kilometers distant, after you arrive in Lonavala. There are beautiful vistas of the Western Ghats along the way.

Using the Bangalore-Mumbai Highway, Mumbai Pandharpur Road, or Mumbai-Pune Highway, it takes approximately two hours and twenty-seven minutes to go from Mumbai to Pawna Lake. source

Pawna Lake: Things To Do

Pawna Lake has a number of attractions in addition to its natural beauty:

Camping: There are many campsites along the lakefront that offer outdoor activities, tents, and bonfires. A common pastime is camping with the serene lake waters in the background, under the stars.

Adventure seekers can engage in water sports including kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding.

Trekking: There are trekking options with excellent views in the nearby hills, which include forts like Tung, Tikona, and Lohagad.

Resorts Near Pawna Lake

The Machan: The eco-friendly resort is just 5.1 miles from Pawna Lake and offers distinctive treehouse apartments. It provides a calm setting that is ideal for those who love the outdoors and want a quiet getaway.
Fariyas Resort Lonavala: About 7.9 miles from Pawna Lake, this upscale resort is well-known for its first-rate service, contemporary conveniences, and close proximity to nearby attractions.
The Lagoona Resort: Approximately 7.8 kilometers from Pawna Lake, this environmentally friendly resort offers cozy lodging, a swimming pool, and a range of recreational amenities.
Sterling Lonavala: This resort, which is roughly 7.7 miles from Pawna Lake, offers a variety of facilities to make visitors’ stays comfortable, such as a spa, indoor games, and a swimming pool.
Radisson Resort & Spa: About 8.3 miles from Pawna Lake, this opulent resort offers luxurious lodging, excellent cuisine, and a spa for restorative treatments. source