How to Reach Pawna Lake From Pune
Pawna Lake in Lonavala is becoming a sought-after camping site near Pune. Lakeside camping events and holiday homes near Pawna Lake draw families, groups of friends and couples. Winter is particularly popular for camping and sitting around a bonfire under a sky full of stars. The route to Pawna Lake from Pune is pretty straightforward, taking about 2 hours drive, accounting for traffic. But camping and private properties are spread across different stretches of the lake. Here’s how to reach Pawna Lake from Pune by road, train or bus.
Pune to Pawna Lake Distance and Travel Time
Pawna Lake is approximately 55-65 km from Pune by road. The drive takes 1.5–2 hours, although weekend traffic can add more time to the journey. If you're travelling to a campsite, check its exact location before setting off, as different properties may have different approach routes. The same applies to villas in Lonavala near Pawna Lake; they may have different internal routes to reach them.
How to Reach Pawna Lake From Pune by Road
You can conveniently drive down to Pawna Lake from Pune. If you don’t have your car, you can always book a private cab. It’s the best way for families with kids or a group of friends travelling together.
The common route is via Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kamshet, and Pawna. An alternate route is to drive via the old Mumbai-Pune highway towards Kamshet and then go towards Thakursai/Pawnanagar. Depending on where you are staying, check the routes via Google Maps with approximate times.
The interior roads in the village, especially leading towards the lake, are narrow. Post-monsoon, road conditions could be bad, so account for that as well. To be sure, call up the property and ask about it; this is advisable if you’re travelling with elderly people.
How to Reach Pawna Lake From Pune by Train
If you wish to take public transport, you have the option of train but you will need a locally arranged transport to reach until the lake. If you stay around Pune station area, you can take the Pune-Lonavala local train. Get down at Kamshet, which is about 17 km away from Pawna Lake. You will have to look for local share cabs or rickshaws that take you up to the lakeside or wherever your stay is.
However, the local timings and options are limited so plan your journey around the train timings.
Can I Go to Pawna Lake by Bus?
There are no direct public bus services that go towards Pawna Lake. You can take a bus until Lonavala or Kamshet and then arrange a taxi or local transport for the remaining journey.
If you’re in a group, it is cost-effective to hire a cab from Pune to Pawna Lake and split the expense among yourselves. It is faster, assured and comfortable to reach directly into the Pawna village.
FAQs
1. Is it a good time to visit Pawna Lake?
Yes, post-monsoon is a good time to visit Pawna Lake and around. If you’re planning for camping and bonfire activities, winters are the perfect time to spend the evenings around the lakeside.
2. Which station is near to Pawna Lake?
Kamshet Railway Station is a convenient option for travellers coming from Pune, while Lonavala Railway Station may suit those arriving from Mumbai. From either station, you'll need a taxi or pre-arranged local transport to reach your campsite or villa accommodation.
3. Is swimming allowed at Pawna Lake?
No, swimming is prohibited at Pawna because of the water’s depth and underwater rocky hazards. Some providers offer kayaking and boating under supervision, subject to local safety restrictions.
4. What is Pawna Lake famous for?
Pawna Lake is best known for lakeside camping, sunset views, bonfires and stargazing. The backdrop of Sahyadri Hills adds to its pristine beauty. Its location also makes it a popular base for exploring nearby forts, including Tikona, Tung and Lohagad.
