History of Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake is essentially an artificial lake brought into existence due to the Pawna Dam (Pavana Dam). Located in Maval taluka, around 35 km from the borders of Pimpri Chinchwad city, Pawna Dam is situated on the Pawna river. Its capacity is around 10 TMC. The construction of the dam began in 1963 and ended in 1972, is 1,329 m (4,360 ft) long and 42.37 m (139.0 ft) high, with a gross storage capacity of 0.24 km (0.058 cu mi). The backwaters of Pawna Dam formed a reservoir, and the Pawna Dam backwaters subsequently came to be known as Pawna Lake.
The Geography of Pawna Lake
Due to its location in the Western Ghats, Pawna Lake is a natural hotspot for flora and fauna. The Pawna Dam is operated by Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Hydroelectric power generation and water supply are the main objectives of the Pawna dam's construction. With a power generation capacity of 1250 MW, the Pawna hydroelectric project and Multipurpose Project are constructed on the Pawna dam.
Distances
Navi Mumbai to Pawna lake :
– Via Dudhiware khind = 82 km Navi Mumbai > Lonavala > Bhangarwadi > Dudhiware khind > Ambegaon > Pawna lake.
– Via Kamshet = 95 km Mumbai > Lonavala > Kamshet > Pawna lake.
Pune to Pawna lake :
-Via Kamshet = 62km Pune > Pimpri Chinchwad > Kamshet > Pawna lake
-Via Paud road = 45km Pune > Paud > Kolvan > Jovan > Thakursai > Pawna lake
How To Get Here
Pawna Lake is easily accessible from Lonavala due to its proximity. Only about 20 kilometers separate it from Lonavala Railway Station. You can hire a taxi or a cab from Lonavala if you want to travel easily. Pawna Lake is well connected by road from Pune, Lonavala, and Mumbai. There are a lot of transport facilities in the nearby town of Kamshet, located off the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Lonavala is the nearest railway station, and the train route there is quite scenic.
Pawna Lake Tourism
Pawna Dam Reservoir has seen a rapid rise in tourism due to its proximity to Lonavala hill station and forts like Lohagad, Tikona, and Tung. In the area of Pawna Dam Lake, various camping-site businesses have been established. The Agro-tourism industry has also flourished. Pune and Mumbai are the two major cities adjacent to Pawna Lake that attract the majority of visitors. Every weekend. 5,000 people from these two cities visit the lake
Things To Do At Pawna Lake
Camping at Pawna lake
Kayaking at Pawna lake
Paragliding
Tikona Fort Trek
Trek up to the Lohagad or Visapur
1) Camping at Pawna lake
Pawna Lake Camping, Outdoorthrilcamp.com
Located at Pawna Dam Reservoir, Pawna Lake is also known as Pawna Dam Lake. Located 16 km from Lonavala, the reservoir is becoming increasingly popular with Pune and Mumbai visitors as a picnic and camping destination. A quick weekend getaway, this is considered to be one of the best camping spots near Pune and Mumbai. Among the wonderful nature in all seasons and for people of all ages, camping is one such experience where the soul becomes rejuvenated and relaxed. It is refreshing to sleep under the stars with the sound of crickets and a faint breeze behind you, flushing out tiredness and filling it with new energy.
Pawna Lake camping area is really popular and attracts both corporate groups and young people. A waterfront area is set up with tents around the lake's perimeter where meals can be enjoyed and recreation can be enjoyed. Live music, bonfires, games and barbeque dinner turn the establishment into a perfect getaway.
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2) Kayaking at Pawna lake
Though kayaking has slowly gained popularity among the adventure community, it is still outside the mainstream in India. Rather than being a competitive sport, it remains a relaxing activity. However, kayaking is now available at Pawna Lake near Lonavala.
It is a great experience to kayak on Pawna Lake because it is so peaceful, yet you are in the middle of nature. However, taking up kayaking can have more long-term benefits to your physical and mental well-being than you realize.
3) Paragliding at Pawna lake
Paragliding at Pawna lake
A great place for adventure lovers, paragliding at Pawna Dam offers a wonderful flight over the dam. Moreover, watching the sunset on the horizon while flying like a kite is certainly an exhilarating experience. In paragliding, you break the chains of gravity and open the gates to the sky. A paragliding experience is not just about flying, it's about looking at life from a different perspective!
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4) Tikona Fort Trek
A hill fort known as Tikona, or Vitandgad, dominates the landscape of Mawal. It is located near Kamshet around 28 km from Lonavala. The 3500 ft high hill is pyramidal in shape and the name Tikona means 'triangular'. Known for its large doors, the temple of 'Trimbakeshwar Mahadev', seven water tanks, and Satvahan caves, the fort is a trekking destination. A temple and a water cistern are located inside the cave, which is the main attraction of the fort. The entry to the entrance of the fort is a bit steep with curved stairs. One can get eye-catching views of the Pawna Dam and the forts at Visapur, Tung, and Lohagad. In short, the view from the fort is spectacular.
4) Trek to Lohagad or Visapur
Lonavala or Mawal is home to beautiful mountains and forts. Lohagad Fort and Visapur Fort are also located in Lonavala. No matter what time of year you visit Lohagad, it is an excellent fort to visit. Lohagad fort is connected to Visapur fort, which is also an excellent trekking location if you have time to cover both forts in one day. Lohagad's twin fort Visapur is larger and higher in elevation than its twin fort Visapur. The treks described here are very easy, so even a novice trekker should have no problems. In Lohagad, there are only steps to climb, and there is not much trekking to do, but trekking to Visapur Fort is a real treat for someone who enjoys adventure.
Local economies, and camping
The development of agro-tourism at Pawna Lake has improved relationships between farmers and the community. A thriving, reputable agro-tourism destination is usually an asset to the community, in contrast to many conventional farms that can justly be seen as liabilities. Agritourism put Pawna Lake on the map. As a result, it is extremely compatible with a balanced definition of sustainable agriculture. As a result of agritourism, a farmer has become a price maker rather than a pricetaker. With this one, you can generate additional income from your existing land base. Those with knowledge of agritourism have found it to be very profitable. In addition to improving the farmer's family's lives, the boosted income enabled him to create new paying jobs for several family members, possibly including some future farmers. But the economic impact of agritourism is often considered significant but small.
Pawna Lake Agriculture
There is a large water retaining structure at Pawna Lake. The stored water is used for agricultural purposes during periods of low rainfall or during summer. Since there is a huge amount of water stored underground, it passes down to underground water streams and increases the water level. Consequently, this increased water level increases the water content in nearby villages' wells.
There are mainly wheat, groundnuts, pulses, bajri, jowar, and seasonal crops such as tomato, cucumber, etc., grown around Pawna Lake during summer.Rice is grown in large quantities during the monsoon season. Sugarcane is also the crop taken on large scale.
Around Pawna Lake: Sightseeing
The Pawna Dam is one of the most explored spots around is the city. This is the perfect getaway for a relaxing one-day trip. It is the lake that provides fresh water to the Pimpri Chinchwad area. There are also several forts nearby, such as Tungi, Lohgad, and Tikona, as well as many temples. In the Sahyadri ranges, Pawna Dam is an artificial lake about 15 km from Lonavala. This area offers a great view of the hills and greenery surrounding it. As a result of the Pawna Dam being built in the area, Pawna Lake was created, which now serves as a source of fresh water along with being a popular place for tourists to camp and picnic. Trekkers also often explore this area. There are many advertisements that use this lake as a background. Its beauty is enhanced by an island in the middle of the water body. Blue waters, green vegetation, brown hills, and the open blue sky make this place like an artist's palette.
After monsoon season photo
Pawna Lake's Best Time To Visit
Its pleasant climate throughout the year makes Pawna Lake an underrated favorite that can be enjoyed whenever you like. In Lonavala and the surrounding areas, most water bodies dry up in summer, but this dam had water even in May. Summers at Pawna lake are short yet vivaciously hot and humid. During the summer, the town experiences high humidity and temperatures that reach 40 degrees Celsius, which may make visiting uncomfortable for tourists. The summer at Pawna Lake starts in March and extends till the end of April. However, the nights are comfortable and cool. It has a tropical climate and receives considerable rainfall throughout the year. Nature's eye-pleasing gifts are on display during the monsoon months when pastures and meadows turn vivid green. A cool and pleasant winter welcomes tourists looking for a relaxing vacation in Southern India. With a minimum temperature drop of 13 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature rise of 30 degrees Celsius, winter is considered an excellent time to visit Pawna Lake.
Foggy Morning at Pawna Morning
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