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The scenic and adventure sports are one of the getaways here in Pawna Lake, between the Sahyadri hills near Lonavala. Kayaking in Pawna Lake is exciting, with the reflections of the hills and greenery on the calm water. If you’re new and inexperienced or have spent years honing your skills, the lake’s wide, open expanse makes the ideal setting. Sunrise and sunset kayak tours, specifically, are hypnotic, as the colours of the sky are gorgeous while the movement of the water is serene.
Location
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Pawna Lake is located in Maharashtra around 20 km from Lonavala, 35 km from Kamshet, and 55 km from Pune. It is located outside the villages of Thakursai and Dudhiware and is flanked by popular forts. The Pawna Lake is an artificial water reservoir created by the Pawna Dam over the Pawna River.
How To Reach
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By Air: Pune International Airport (55 km) is ideal for reaching Pawna Lake. From here, you can take a taxi or bus to either Lonavala or Pawna Lake directly.
By Rail: The closest railway station is at Lonavala (20 km), which is well connected to Mumbai and Pune. You can hire a taxi or use local Jeeps to travel to the lake from Lonavala.
By Road: Travel by the new Mumbai-Pune Expressway or catch a bus to Lonavala. Once you reach Lonavala, you can hire a cab or catch a shared jeep to get to Pawna Lake. Due to the uneven roads along the lakeside, a two-wheeler or SUV is advisable.
Levels Of Kayaking In Pawna Lake
There are levels of kayaking suitable for everyone, from beginner level to advanced. Kayaking in Pawna Lake is a unique experience of rowing alongside the hills.
1. Beginner Level
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If you’re a novice kayaker, Pawna Lake is a good option with no currents, and the wide-open lake makes it easy to kayak on. If you are a beginner, it is advisable to use a sit-on-top kayak, which is stable and easy to manage. Most rental operators supply life jackets and a quick lesson before taking off. The most beginner-friendly region is around the villages of Thakursai and Kale, when the water is calm. The early morning hours are best when the winds are light. The 30-minute session helps ease you into paddling and positioning yourself. It’s recommended to stay near the shore and avoid deep or choppy areas, practicing basic strokes.
2. Intermediate Level
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Intermediate kayaking at Pawna Lake involves a little experience and also covers longer distances and deeper areas. Light wind on the way to the Tikona Fort reflection or the Lohagad side helps you with a smooth view, as well as a slight resistance. Sit-inside kayaks are the new consumer standard for a faster, more controlled ride. This level essentially goes around the corners of small inlets and occasional border gales in the afternoons. Some of the adventure operators offer kayaking, often on tandem tours combined with short breaks on island-like patches in the lake. Sunset kayaking at this altitude is a rewarding experience, with golden hues dancing off the water’s surface.
3. Advanced Level
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Long-distance paddling, endurance kayaking or even kayak camping is possible for advanced kayakers. A route that calls for endurance is to start near the Pawna dam and paddle towards Dudhiware village through several kilometres in crosswinds. Those with an adventurous spirit can attempt kayaking during light monsoon showers, but they need to be experienced in pounding the waves and know the perfect paddling techniques. Exploring the farther, more secluded shores gives you solitude and a test of endurance. Some even bring fishing poles and waterproof cameras for the experience. Safety and a positive adventure experience often depend on self-rescue skills, stamina, and navigational awareness at this level.
Things To Do At Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake is a perfect spot for kayaking in the beautiful scenery of Maharashtra. But along with kayaking, you can enjoy other activities as well.
1. Camping In Pawna Lake
Photo: Bodkedd / Wikimedia Commons
People visiting Pawna Lake often camp near the shores, which is a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Mostly the campsites provide BBQ, Maharashtrian cuisines and outdoor games like archery and volleyball. Wake up to a beautiful sunrise and go for a hike or kayaking in Pawna Lake. As the night falls, set up your tents and enjoy bonfires, stargazing with live music along the lakeside. You can experience Pawna Lake camping either with friends, and families or a group retreat or a romantic getaway.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
2. Boating And Paddle Boating
Photo: Virginia State Parks / Wikimedia Commons
If kayaking is not your cup of tea, you can rent rowboats, paddle boats or motorboats to enjoy the tranquil waters of Pawna Lake. You can explore the lake at your pace with slow boating and get a chance to immerse yourself in the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and forts. Glide through the calm waters and get a chance to enjoy the sunset or sunrise with its reflection on the water. It is the most kid-friendly activity in the lake and offers you a chance to enjoy the scenery with your family.
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
3. Trekking To Lohagad Fort
Photo: Rashmi.parab / Wikimedia Commons
With a short drive from Pawna Lake, you can get on an easy-to-moderate trek with rock-cut steps and narrow pathways. The trek to Tikona Fort and Lohagad Fort is moderately easy and is ideal for beginners. Lohagad Fort was once used by Shivaji Maharaj and has a unique scorpion-tail architecture. On your way to Tikona Fort, you can explore the ancient caves and a temple at the summit. Early morning is best to go for the trek avoid heat, and enjoy the misty landscape.
Trekking Time: 1.5 hours
Best Time To Visit: June to February
4. Paragliding In Kamshet
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After or before kayaking in Pawna Lake, you can get on an adventurous paragliding paradise in Kamshet. The area has stable wind conditions and hilltops, which make it one of the top choices for paragliding in India. With certified instructors, you can enjoy tandem flights for beginners with complete safety. 2,000 to 3,000 feet above, you can see Pawna Lake, lush valleys and forts and sunset flights are particularly popular. You can also get into paragliding schools that offer multi-day training programs if you want to learn the adrenaline sport.
Duration: 10 – 30 minutes
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Where To Stay
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Camping sites, as well as luxury resorts, are available near Pawna Lake for a stay. The most common is lakeside camping, priced at ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per person, and it covers meals, tents, and bonfire activities. Several private cottages and homestays near the villages of Thakursai, Kale and Dudhiware offer comfortable accommodation for ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 a night. For more premium stays, resorts like Jalsrushti Island Resort and The Machan close to Lonavala have lake-view rooms for a starting price of about ₹7,000 per night. For ₹800 to ₹1,500 a night, budget tourists can stay in dormitories in Lonavala.
Where To Eat
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Local Maharashtra dhabas near Pawna Lake offer delightful meals to enjoy a Bhakri, Pitla, Misal Pav, and fresh fish thali for ₹200 to ₹400 per head. A variety of food options are available from popular roadside eateries such as Shree Datta Snacks near Lonavala, serving Vada Pav, Poha and Tea. Meal packages are provided for in-house dining at resorts and campsites. For a fine dining experience, try Rama Krishna in Lonavala (₹500 to ₹800 per meal), which has a North and South Indian menu. Some campsites have DIY grilling options (₹500 per kit) for barbecue lovers.
Best Time For Kayaking In Pawna Lake
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If you decide to go kayaking in Pawna Lake, visit between October and March, as it is the best time since the weather is pleasant and the water is still. The monsoon season (June to September) brings verdant foliage, but strong winds and rains make kayaking more dangerous. The best conditions are during winter mornings (November to February); mist over the lake makes it even more magical. Summer months, especially (April to May), can get hot, although it is still pleasurable to kayak in the early morning or at sunset.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
At a budget, you can end up paying around ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 per person, including tent stays, food, and water activities, for a trip to Pawna Lake, kayaking and all. A mid-range trip with a decent private cottage and meals amounts to ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 per person with transport. Resort stays, guided kayaking and quality dining can hike costs up to ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 per person for a luxury experience. Extra expenses like travel, food, and activities can cost ₹1,000 to ₹3,000. You can save costs by booking group packages and taking advantage of lower weekday prices.
Tips For Travellers
- Dress Smart: Wear light, quick-dry clothes and pack an extra set in case you get wet.
- Protect Your Gear: Use waterproof bags for valuables and wear non-slip footwear for safety.
- Plan Ahead: Arrive early to avoid crowds and book your kayak slot in advance, especially on weekends.
- Be Weather-Ready: Carry rain gear during monsoons and avoid deep waters due to strong currents.
- Respect Nature: Follow local rules and leave no trash behind to protect the environment.
The hours of kayaking in Pawna Lake are a fun-filled moment of combining the adventure of water sports with the beauty of nature. The neighbouring forts, waterfalls and ancient caves just make it that much more appealing, putting it high up on the list of ideal long weekend trips in India. Plan your trip properly with TripXL and get out on the water for a little peace, adventure, and some incredible views.
Cover Photo: Guillaume Bonastre / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
