Places To Visit in Pawna

Pawna Lake sits at the base of four Maratha forts and is the centrepiece of one of the most historically and scenically rich areas near Pune.

Pawna Lake

The lake itself is the main attraction. Created by the Pavana Dam on the Pavana River, it stretches for several kilometres through a valley flanked by fort-studded hills. The best lake views are from the road between Pawna village and Tikona — this stretch has multiple pullouts where you can stop and take it all in.

Tikona Fort (Triangle Fort)

The most photogenic of the Pawna forts — a sharp triangular peak rising directly from the lake's shoreline. The 45-minute climb is steep and rewarding. The fort has ancient temples, cisterns and battlements. The view from the summit shows the full extent of Pawna Lake and three other forts. Base village: Tikona Peth, 10 km from Pawna Dam.

Tung Fort

Less visited than Tikona, Tung Fort has an intimate feel. The approach is through a quiet village and the summit offers excellent views of Pawna Lake and Tikona across the water. A great sunrise trek. Base village: Tung, 12 km from Pawna Dam.

Lohagad Fort

One of the most important forts of the Maratha Empire, Lohagad sits 1033 metres above sea level about 20 km from Pawna. The fort has a well-preserved main gate (Ganesh Darwaza) and the famous Vinchu Kata (scorpion's tail) — a long narrow ridge with battlements on both sides. A UNESCO tentative world heritage site.

Visapur Fort

Adjacent to Lohagad and connected by a ridge, Visapur is larger, less visited and more challenging. The views of the surrounding valleys and the Indrayani river are outstanding. Best combined with a Lohagad visit for a full-day fort experience.

Pavana Dam

The dam that created Pawna Lake. The dam road offers a lovely view across the water and is a short detour from the main route. Worth stopping at for 15 minutes, especially in the morning.

Stay at a fort-view villa in Pawna — wake up to Tikona Fort right outside your window.