Located at an altitude of 622 m in the Sahyadri Ranges, Lonavala is a breathtaking hill station in Maharashtra that separates the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan Coast. It is one of the popular hills stations in Maharashtra, and among the top places to visit near Mumbai and Pune. This splendid hill station is blessed with picturesque landscape, fabulous greenery, majestic mountains, scenic waterfalls, magnificent lakes, historic caves, and forts. Of these, the placid lakes top the list of must-visit tourist places as part of Lonavala tour packages.
Check out the tranquil lakes in Lonavala that one should visit during your Lonavala Trip.
Pawna Lake
Situated about 15 km from Lonavala, Pawna Lake is an artificial lake formed due to the construction of the Pawana Dam in the west across the Pawana River which originates in the Western Ghats. The lake is surrounded by rich greenery, making it one of the prominent places to visit in Lonavala. Boating facilities are available at this place, which adds to its popularity. While enjoying a boat ride on the lake, tourists get magnificent views of three ancient forts- Tikona, Lohagad, and Tung. Also, it plays a scenic host for camping, picnics, and sightseeing. Nowadays, Pawna Lake is fastly gaining popularity among the locals who are looking for a quiet weekend getaway from Pune and Mumbai in the lap of nature with their friends and family.
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Lonavala Lake
At the outskirts of Lonavala, Lonavala Lake is a beautiful lake sourced by the Indrayani River. The lake is popularly known as the Monsoon Lake as it gets filled with water during the monsoon season and dries up during the summer season. The monsoon rains bring out the best scenery and make you adore the artistry of nature. One can spot different species of birds and fauna on the banks of the lake in Lonavala, among the top hill stations near Mumbai. The breathtaking landscape surrounding the lake makes it a great spot to relax and rejuvenate. Angling and swimming are some of the activities one can enjoy here. One can also find several food stalls on the banks of the lake that sells authentic Maharashtrian snacks like Mumbai’s vada pav, smoked corn, shaved gola, chaat with hot ginger tea.
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Bhushi Dam
Situated between Lonavala and INS Shivaji, Bhushi Dam is a masonry dam built on the Indrayani River in Lonavala, Maharashtra. It is one of the stunning lakes in Lonavala, among the popular places to visit near Pune and Mumbai. The dam was built in the late 1860s for the Great Indian Peninsular Railway as a source of water for their steam engines. Water from the dam was carried to Lonavala, Khandala, and the reversing station of the railways by cast-iron pipes. It is indeed a sight to watch the water cascade over the dam walls during the monsoon. Even though swimming is prohibited in the dam due to the inconsistent flow of the water, one can always enjoy it on the steps. There is a waterfall located very close to the dam, which is formed when the water gushes out through the dam during the monsoon months.
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Valvan Dam
Valvan Dam is a gravity dam built across the Kundali River located at Valvan village near Lonavala. The dam was originally built by the TATA group for generating hydroelectricity and is now a prominent attraction in Lonavala. The water of the dam forms a beautiful artificial reservoir, which is named Valvan Lake. The lake provides water to the nearby Khopoli Power Plant run by Tata Power and to residents of Lonavla and Khandala and neighborhood villages. A beautifully manicured garden borders the dam, which is a popular evening place for the people of Lonavala, among the most prominent Maharashtra tourist places. Surrounded by a scenic landscape, Valvan Dam is a wonderful spot for photography.
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Tungarli Lake
Tungarli Dam & Lake is another stunning lake situated in the vicinity of Lonavala, Maharashtra. This earthen dam was built alongside Tungarli lake during the British rule in India back in 1930-1935 CE. It is one of the oldest dams in India, and among the must include places in Maharashtra tour packages. Offering a splendid view of the Sahyadri Mountain ranges, the clear, still, and deep waters of this lake offer a serene and romantic ambiance during monsoons where one can relax and unwind under the lush green surroundings. Camping along the lakeside must be done without a thought.
Also Read : Monsoon Destinations in India
