Pawna Dam

About Pawna Dam

Offering much-needed solitude and some peace and quiet, the Pavana Lake is not a crowded place like Lonavala. Tucked away around 19 kilometres somewhere inside Kamshet, the Pavana Lake offers a soothing outing for the tired city soul. A tiny getaway in Kamshet, Pavana Lake is fast gaining popularity among the locals, most of who are looking for a quiet weekend getaway, with friends and family. A popular picnic spot, the areas around the Lake and the Dam can often be seen teeming with families out on a pleasantly sunny morning, enjoying the view and munching on the loot in the picnic basket.

If you’re looking to go beyond the Pavana Lake and wish to explore the areas in and around there, you will find the forts of Lohgad, Tikona and Tungi ostensibly visible from the Lake. Make your way tol either of the forts and enjoy a piece from our country’s history, set against the backdrop of the lush Pavana Lake and the areas around it.

Interesting things to Visit

Karla & Bhaja Caves Karla and Bhaja Caves, located in the hills at a distance of 11-km from Lonavala, are important places to visit. These rock-cut cave temples dating back to 2nd century BC and are amongst the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock cut temple art in India, belonging to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Adventure seekers can try their hand at rock climbing at the Duke’s Nose peak and other locations in the Karla hills, near Lonavala.

Rajmachi Park On the way to Mumbai from Lonavala there is a beautiful garden before the beginning of the Ghat. It gives a spectacular view of the surroundings. On the East Side two towers of the Rajmachi Fort can be seen and at the bottom is the huge valley. There is a restaurant here and a temple close by. The Ghat begins from this point so many people come to enjoy the view. There is children’s park here and there are regular bus services from lonavala bus station.

Ryewood This is a big and beautiful garden situated near Lonavala. This garden covers a lot of ground and it is full of majestic tall trees. There is an old Mahadeo temple in this park. There is history behind the name Ryewood. An English officer Mr. Rye stayed in this place for quite some time. Hence this woods are named after him. The name may also have come from the Marathi words “Rai” which means thick forest. Earlier it was under the care of civil dept. In 1959 it was transferred to the State Government’s Forest Department. This garden has plenty of place for children to play.

Duke’s Nose This place is named after Duke Wellington whose pointed nose this cliff resembles. It also looks like a hood of a snake, which is why it is also called as “Nagfani” (Hood of Snake). This point can be approach from INS Shivaji and Kurwande Village. Watching the nature’s beauty here is an unforgettable experience.

Kune Falls This water falls where water comes down from a height of more than 100 feet is majestic in appearance one can have bath in the water that flows through the valley. This place is between Lonavala and Khandala. This fall can be seen in Khandala Ghat while coming from Mumbai. It runs for many days long after the monsoon is over.

Tiger’s Leap This is a special spot in this area. If one looks at the valley carefully from this spot it appears as if a tiger is leaping into the valley, that is why this name. This spot is a furlong away from INS Shivaji. It gives a fascinating view of the valley. There is provision for viewing the valley from the safe confines of a big hole. A stone thrown down from here ricochets at many places and gets destroyed here. Making it as an another unique experience.

Monkey Hill All the trains coming down from Khandala halt here for brake testing. There is a huge flat land to south of the railway tracks. This place is exactly above Khopoli town and it can be approach from Khopoli as well as Borghat reversing station. It is a favorite picnic spot.

Nearest Visiting places

• Lonavala provides a panoramic view of the lush green surroundings of the Sahyadri ranges. The peaceful environs of the town, which provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city, attract tourists to this place. Travelers can take a walk along the waterfalls, the grassy abundance and hills in and around Lonavala. The mountainous terrain of Lonavala is ideal for trekking and hiking.
• Tugauli, Lonavala and Bhushi lakes
• Walvan Dam
• Khandala is just 5 km away
• Rock-cut cave temples dating back to 2nd century bc

Help Line/Phone Number

Karla Caves is an complex of ancient Buddhist Indian rock-cut architecture cave shrines built over the period of 3rd to 2nd century B.C. Even though the caves were constructed over a period of time and the oldest one is believed to date back to 160 BC. Located in Karli near Lonavala, Maharashtra, the caves are on an major ancient trade route, running eastward from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan. Karli’s location in Maharashtra places it in a region that is the division between North India and South India……more

Mulshi is the name of a major dam on the Mula river located in the Taluka Mulshi administrative division of the Pune district of Maharashtra State, India.Water from the dam is used for irrigation as well as for producing electricity at the Bhira hydroelectric power plant, operated by Tata Power Company LTD. The station operates six 25MW Pelton turbines and was established in 1927. It mostly supplies power to Mumbai……more

Rajmachi consists of two beautiful peaks namely ‘Shrivardhan’ and ‘Manaranjan’. Rajmachi is very famous fort near twin hill stations in Maharashtra - Lonavala and Khanadala. Rajmachi fort is nearby 18/20 Kms from Lonavala but a nice way to reach the fort is from Tungarli Lake. This trek is very good for the beginners.Shrivardhan and Manaranjan can also be considered as two separate forts. There is one small platue in between them…..more

Situated 32 km south west of Pune, and standing at an imposing 1215 m above msl overlooking Pune city, Sinhagad, even today stands testimony to the grand Maratha Regime.On top of the fort, the trekkers must try the traditional breakfast of Kanda Bhaji, a delicacy enjoyed by most. Check out Tanaji Kada, Kalyan Darwaza, Tanajis memorial…Perched on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar range of the Sahyadri Mountains, its height above sea-level is 1350 metres. Given natural protection by its very steep slopes, the walls and bastions were constructed at only key places; it has two gates – the Kalyan Darwaza in the south-east and the Pune Darwaza in the north-east…..more

Tikona (also known as Vitandgad) is the dominant hill fort in Maval in western India. It is located near Kamshet around 60 km from Pune The village nearest the fort is called Tikona-Peth. The 3500 ft high hill is pyramidal in shape and the name Tikona means “triangle”.The fort is a trekking destination noted for the large doors, the temple of ‘Trimbakeshwar Mahadev’, a water tank and some Satvahan caves. Trek organisers also commend the views of Pawna dam and the nearby forts of Tung, Lohagad and Visapur. There is a lake at the summit…..more

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Location info

• Address:14 kilometres away from Lonavla.40km from Pune.

• District: Lonavala

• Nearest City: Pune/Lonavala/Khandala.

• Best time to visit: Any Time.

Things to do at Pawna Dam

Trekking , Photgraphy and enjoying the beauty of the place.

How to reach Pawna Dam

• Nearest Railway Station:Main railway line between Mumbai and Pune

• Nearest Airport:Pune City Airport

• Road Transport: Mumbai Pune Highway

Things to carry

Water and clothes are essential.Carry binoculars and camera to see and capture the beauty of the place, so u can save it as your memories.

Best time to visit Pawna Dam

July to March: post-monsoon when water levels are high. During peak summer, water levels may be low.

Timings & opening hours

Typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. May be restricted during monsoon or high water levels.

Entry fee & tickets

Free entry or nominal fee of INR 10–30 per person. Some dams have separate parking charges.

Duration needed

1–2 hours to view the dam and surrounding area. Combine with nearby picnic spots for a half-day outing.

Safety tips

Follow safety instructions from dam authorities. Do not venture into restricted areas or deep water. Be cautious near spillways during monsoon — water levels can rise suddenly.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: depends on location. Nearest railway station: the nearest station on the Central or Konkan Railway. Accessible by state highways and district roads.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide excellent coverage across Maharashtra’s cities (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur) and major tourist areas. 4G is reliable along highways and in most towns. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Tadoba, Melghat, and certain ghat sections. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Maharashtrian cuisine — missal pav, vada pav, puran poli, and local thalis — is widely available.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. MTDC resorts, budget hotels, and mid-range options are widely available.

History of Pawna Dam

This dam was constructed to serve the irrigation and drinking water needs of the region. Many dams in Maharashtra were built in the post-independence era as part of major river valley projects. They also contribute to hydroelectric power generation.

Climate & weather

Maharashtra has a diverse climate spanning coastal Konkan, the Western Ghats, and the interior Deccan plateau. Winter (November–February) is the best time to visit: temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C depending on region. Summer (March–June) is hot, with interior areas reaching 40°C+ while hill stations (Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala) remain pleasant. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape into lush green. October–November is pleasant post-monsoon.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road to Pawna Dam. It is advisable to fill fuel before heading to remote areas, especially hill forts and wildlife sanctuaries.

Frequently asked questions

Is the dam open to the public? Most dams have designated viewing areas open to the public. Access to the dam structure itself may be restricted for security reasons.

When is the best time to visit? Post-monsoon (October–February) when the reservoir is full offers the best views. During summer, water levels may be low.

Are there any boating facilities? Some dams have boating facilities on the reservoir. Check locally for availability and safety regulations.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Quick facts

• Location: Maharashtra
• Best time to visit: August to February when water levels are high
• Ideal duration: 1-2 hours
• Entry: Free entry; parking may have nominal charges
• Access: Well-connected by road; scenic drive to the location

Visitor information

• Timings: Generally open from sunrise to sunset. Verify local timings before planning your visit.
• Entry fee: Free entry. Some dams may have nominal visitor fees.
• Best time to visit: October to March for the most comfortable weather conditions.
• Duration needed: 1 to 2 hours recommended for a comfortable visit.

Map & location view

• Destination: Pawna Dam
• State: Maharashtra, India
• Region: river valley region of Maharashtra
• How to reach: Accessible by road from nearby towns and cities. Local transport options include buses and taxis.
• Google Maps: Search for “Pawna Dam, Maharashtra” on Google Maps for precise directions and navigation.

Photo gallery of Pawna Dam

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Pawna Dam on popular travel photography sites and social media.