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More Than Just a Night by the Lake
Most people come to Pawna Lake for a night of camping, and that alone is worth the trip. But the area around the lake is one of the richest parts of the Sahyadri range, with old hill forts, ancient rock-cut caves, temples and plenty of open countryside. If you have a spare morning or want to turn your trip into a full weekend, here are ten things to do near Pawna Lake.
If you have not booked your stay yet, start with our Pawna Lake camping page.
1. Trek to Tikona Fort
Tikona, also called Vitandgad, is the triangular peak you see from the Pawna shore. The trek is short but steep in places, with rock-cut steps near the top. From the summit you get a wide view over the lake and the surrounding hills. Start early in the morning, before it gets warm, and carry water. Most reasonably fit beginners can manage it at a steady pace.
2. Climb Tung Fort
Tung fort sits on a sharp, cone-shaped hill on the other side of the lake. The climb is steeper and more exposed than Tikona in places, so it suits people who are comfortable with heights and have decent shoes. The reward is one of the best views of Pawna Lake from above.
3. Explore Lohagad Fort
Lohagad is one of the most visited forts near Pune and Lonavala. A long stone staircase and several old gates lead up to the top, which makes it beginner-friendly. The fort is known for its long ridge, often called Vinchu Kata, which stretches out from the main plateau. It gets crowded on weekends, so an early start helps.
4. Visit Visapur Fort
Right next to Lohagad, Visapur is larger and less crowded. The trail is a little rougher, and in the monsoon it turns very green with small streams running down the slope. Many trekkers combine Lohagad and Visapur in a single day.
For a detailed plan that combines treks with a night at the lake, read Trek and Camp: Tikona, Tung and Lohagad.
5. See the Bhaje Caves
The Bhaje caves are a group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves near Malavli, on the way between Pawna and Lonavala. The main prayer hall with its curved ceiling and the carvings on the walls are worth seeing up close. A short climb of steps leads up to the caves.
6. See the Karla Caves
The Karla caves are another important group of Buddhist rock-cut caves near Lonavala, known for a large and beautifully carved prayer hall. They are close to the Bhaje caves, so you can see both in a single morning.
7. Pray at the Ekvira Temple
The Ekvira Devi temple sits on the same hill as the Karla caves and is an important place of worship for many families from the Konkan and Mumbai region. It is busy during festivals, so plan your timing accordingly.
8. Visit the Pawna Dam
The Pawna dam is what forms the lake. The area around it gives a different perspective of the reservoir and the hills, and is a pleasant spot for photographs, especially when the lake is full after the monsoon. Follow any local restrictions on access near the dam.
9. Kayaking and Boating on the Lake
Some camps offer kayaking (around ₹150 per person) and speed boating (around ₹250 per person), paid separately. Kayaking in the calm late-afternoon light is one of the nicest ways to experience the lake. Always wear the life jacket provided and stay within the area the camp staff mark out.
10. Sunsets, Stargazing and a Day at Wet n Joy
Two of the best things to do at Pawna cost nothing: watching the sunset over the water and stargazing after dark. On clear winter nights, the sky away from city lights is a treat. If you are travelling with children or want something completely different, Wet n Joy near Lonavala is a water and amusement park that can be added on the way to or from the lake.
Where to Stay While You Explore
Staying at the lake puts you within easy reach of every place on this list. The Classic Camp Tent (₹999 per adult) is a budget-friendly base with dinner, breakfast, a bonfire and parking included, which is handy if you are driving around during the day. Couples might prefer Triangle Nest (₹1,499 per adult), while the Diamond House AC cottage (₹2,999 per person, minimum 2 charged) is welcome after a hot day of sightseeing. Groups of up to 10 can take Silva Villa at Patan/Malavli near Lonavala (₹15,000 per night), which is close to the Bhaje and Karla caves and Lohagad. Prices vary by date. See the best camps in Pawna to compare.
How to Plan Your Weekend
Here is a simple two-day plan:
- Day 1 morning — Leave Pune or Mumbai. Stop at the Karla caves and Ekvira temple, or the Bhaje caves.
- Day 1 afternoon — Reach your camp for check-in around 2 PM.
- Day 1 evening — Kayaking, sunset, bonfire and dinner.
- Day 2 early morning — Trek to Tikona or Tung and return for breakfast, or simply enjoy the sunrise.
- Day 2 late morning — Check out around 11 AM and visit Lohagad or Pawna dam on the way home.
Check-in and check-out times vary slightly by camp, so confirm before you plan a trek around them.
Tips
- Start treks early, ideally soon after sunrise, especially from March to May.
- Carry water, a light snack and good shoes for any fort.
- In the monsoon (June to September), trails get slippery; go slow and carry rain gear.
- Respect heritage sites: do not scratch walls or leave litter.
- Transport is not included with camp bookings, so having your own vehicle makes sightseeing much easier.
To decide when to go, see the best time to visit Pawna Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fort is closest to Pawna Lake?
Tikona and Tung are the two forts right around the lake. Lohagad and Visapur are a little further but still an easy drive.
Which fort trek is easiest for beginners?
Lohagad is generally the most beginner-friendly thanks to its long stone staircase. Tikona is short but has a steeper section near the top.
Is kayaking available at every camp?
No. Kayaking and speed boating are available at some camps and are charged extra, at around ₹150 and ₹250 per person respectively.
Can I visit the caves and still reach my camp in time?
Yes. The Bhaje and Karla caves are near Lonavala and fit easily into a morning before a 2 PM check-in.
What is there for kids near Pawna Lake?
Kids usually enjoy the campsite itself, kayaking with a parent, and a day at Wet n Joy near Lonavala. Read our family camping guide for more ideas.
