1) Overview of Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake is an artificial reservoir formed by the backwaters of the Pawna Dam. Since its creation in 1973, it has evolved into a peaceful retreat surrounded by scenic landscapes, hills, and historical forts. Popularized around 2010 as a camping destination, it provides a tranquil escape from the bustling cities of Mumbai and Pune.
This place is increasingly getting popular as a camping
spot and picnic spot. It is the best place to chill out with friends and
family. The forts around it make it a more beautiful place.
The reservoir was formed as a consequence of the Pawna
Hydroelectric Project and Multipurpose Project in Maval taluka, it was opened
in 1972. The formation period of the Pawna dam is about 10 years. Due to the
Pawna dam, the village that is called Pawnanagar is formed in 1962. Pawnanagar
is the market place for the villages that are surrounded by the lake.
The primary purpose of Pawna lake is water supply and
hydroelectric power generation. It is the essential water source for Pimpri-Chinchwad
and it provides electricity over 40 villages near this lake. The Power
generation capacity of Pawna Dam is 1250MV.
2) Construction of Pawna Dam
Construction of Pawna Dam is started in 1962 and completed in 1972. It is medium size reservoir with a storage capacity of 7,300 m3 The catchment area is 113.36 km2. length of the Pawna dam is about 1,329 meters and the height is 42.37 meters
The Pawna dam is operated by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Many industries in Pimpri-Chinchwad are mainly dependent on the water source of Pawna lake.
Migration:- In 1961 the collector office send the notice to the villages which are chosen for migration for pawna lake. many families were got homeless and jobless due to pawna lake but they have done this happily. 1,203 people were affected due to land acquisition for pawna dam construction, only 340 people get 4 acre of land as compensation. The Pavana Dharangrasta Samiti said that “The state government gave a time-bound schedule for providing the 4-acre area land compensation until May 2020 “.
Dam Name – Pawna Dam (Pavana Dam)
State Name –
Maharashtra
District name – Pune
Taluka – Maval
Nearest City – Lonavala
Type of Dam – Earthen/gravity/masonry
Catchment Area – 114.5 m3
Lat/ Long – 18.681559, 73.495070
Total Storage Capacity – 8.51 TMC
Construction Start – in 1962
Construction End – in 1972
Height – 42.37 meters
Length – 1,329 meters
Power generation capacity of Pavana Dam – 1250 MW
Spillway Gates – 6
Type of Spillway Gates – Radial
4) Best season to visit Pawna lake
Winter (October to March):
This is the ideal season to visit. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C. Perfect for camping, trekking, and kayaking. The site becomes a hotspot for New Year celebrations, attracting nearly 15,000 visitors during the last week of December.
Major Events:
- Navratri and Dussehra Celebrations
- New Year Camping Festivities
- Republic Day Camps
Travel Tips: Carry light woollens as temperatures drop to 10°C in the early mornings. Book tents and accommodations at least a week in advance.
Monsoon (June to September):
Monsoon enhances the lake’s natural beauty with lush greenery and misty surroundings. Rainy bonfire camps and DJ nights make it a memorable experience.
Major Events:
- Rainy Bonfire and Barbecue Nights
- Monsoon Camping Festivals
Travel Tips: Carry umbrellas, raincoats, and extra clothes.
Summer (March to May):
Although hotter than winter, summer mornings and evenings at Pawna are still cooler than city weather. Best for sunrise/sunset views and summer camps.
Major Events:
- Holi Celebrations with rain dance
- Summer Camp Experiences
Travel Tips: Pack sunblock and sunglasses. Carry extra clothes for Holi events.
Things to know before the visit: – If you are coming here in this season carry an sunblock and sunglasses to protect yourself from sun. If you are coming for Holi event then don’t forget to carry some extra pair of clothes. For Holi event book your tents at Pawna Lake Camping before at least 1 week of Holi.
You can book your summer camp and Holi event here to get lot of mesmerising memories
4) Places of interest around Pawna lake.
- Lohagad Fort
- Visapur Fort
- Ekvira Devi Temple (Karla Caves)
- Dudhiware Waterfall
- Dinosaurs Park
- Tikona Fort (वितंडगड)
- Tung Fort (कठीणगड)
- Tiger’s leap / Tiger’s point
- Lion’s Point
- Hadshi Temple (Shri Satya Sai Baba Temple)
- Prati Pandharpur
- Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum
- Bhaja Caves
- Bhushi Dam
- Koraigad Fort
.