Pune may not be near the sea, but its vicinity to rivers, dams, and backwaters makes up for that. Amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats and the Sahyadris, these dams and their backwaters make for an amazing setting, especially during the monsoon season! There’s plenty to do in the form of adventure activities, or you could take it easy with a stay-cation instead. Here are 5 dams near Pune which you should check out, this monsoon season.
Make It A Road-Trip: Beautiful Dams Near Pune You Must Drive To
Koyna Dam
Koyna Dam – Koynanagar – is a 4hr drive from Pune (approx 196 km) via NH48. Though the dam itself is inaccessible to the public (for security reasons), you can visit the nearby Nehru Garden (2-3km drive from Koynanagar) for a spectacular view of it from the hillside. The Ozarde Waterfall – one of the largest falls (200m) in the Sahyadris, and a gorgeous sight – are also a point of interest nearby. Read our full recommendation for exploring Koyna, here.
Pawna Dam
The backwaters of Pawna Dam, is another popular spot for locals and tourists, alike. Only an hour and forty minutes’ drive (around 63km) from the city, Pawna provides an opportune setting for kayaking, fishing, swimming, BBQ-ing, and camping. It’s a little slice of paradise for the adventurous traveller. If you’re game for camping at the lake-side, read more about Pawna in our recommendation here.
Panshet Dam
Panshet Dam, aka Tanajisagar Dam – is about 1.5hrs (50km) away from Pune by road. There’s plenty to do here, from banana boat rides, to speed boating, kayaking, rowing, and more that you can find happening here, starting at approx INR 500. The Panshet Valley Resort is an agri-tourism resort in the vicinity and offers rustic accommodation, delicious local-style food, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. We think they’d be a good place to stay at if you’re keen on exploring the area. Read more about them, here.
Mulshi Dam
Undoubtedly one of the most popular dams outside Pune, Mulshi Dam is located approx 2 – 2.5 hrs’ (75km) from the city. Being a popular tourist spot, there are plenty of resorts here that provide accommodation through the year – though of course, monsoon is an ideal time to visit. It’s a stunning destination for a road trip, picnic, day-trip, or a long weekend stay-cation. During the monsoon, excess water from the Mulshi Dam is let out into the Kundalika River at Kolad – which is the only spot in Maharashtra suitable for white water rafting. Read more about it here.
Khadakwasla Dam
Located just an hour’s drive (15km) outside Pune, Khadakwasla Dam is one of the oldest reservoirs (1863), with roots that date back to India’s colonial era. It’s also the main source of water for Pune, and quite a few important facilities are located within its vicinity – like the NDA, CME, and Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS). Picturesque surroundings make it an ideal spot for picnicking, street food at the nearby ‘chowpatty’, and for watching the sunrise/sunset.
Sinhagad Fort is also close by, and if you’d rather stay overnight near Khadakwasla – check out this boat-style cabin that is built over the lake.
Hadashi Dam
There is a beautiful village in Mulshi district which is just an hour away from Pune. Visit Hadashi, a hidden gem which is a lovely lakeside picnic spot by the dam that has an epic temple and a dam. The best time to visit the place is during monsoons as there is greenery everywhere and you will spot different types of plant species while en route. This village is around 60kms away from Chandni Chowk. If you are someone who likes short getaways, this place is ideal for you. Mostly, people visit this place to sit by the serene Hadashi Lake with the popular Hadashi dam. Bask in the tranquility and spot birds, or you can even take a small boat ride for just INR 50.