Panshet camping is also a popular option for adventure lovers. There are many campsites available around the lake, offering a peaceful nature. Panshet is a popular picnic spot in Pune that attracts many visitors from Mumbai. The lake, created from the backwaters of Panshet Dam, sits about 50 km from Pune city. At Panshet Lake, visitors can delight in activities like boating, kayaking, and swimming. Plus, you can rent boats at pocket-friendly prices, making it a great choice for a fun day out! You can choose to stay in tents or cottages and enjoy bonfires and look for stars at night.
Table of Contents
Overview of Panshet Camping
-
- Location: Backwaters of Panshet Dam, around 35-50 km from Pune, India
- Ideal for: Weekend getaways with friends or family, nature lovers
- Activities: Camping in tents, bonfire, barbeque, games, stargazing (depending on organizer)
- Season: Open all year round, best during post-monsoon, winter (until March), or pleasant evenings/nights in summer
- Facilities: Varies by organiser, but may include meals, tents, snacks, and basic amenities
- Highlights: Lake view, scenic beauty, escape from the city, relaxation
Map
History of Panshet Dam
Panshet Dam was built in the late 1950s to irrigate the surrounding areas. Alongside Panshet Dam, three more dams – Temghar, Varasgaon, and Khadakwasla – were also constructed. Today, it serves as a crucial source of drinking water for most regions in Pune. Unfortunately, in its first year, Panshet Dam faced a major accident when it burst on July 12, 1961. Due to a lack of necessary cement concrete reinforcement, the dam walls were the first to give way, leading to severe flooding in Pune. The incident resulted in a tragic loss of around 1000 lives.
Panshet Dam Camping Highlights
-
- Enjoy the beautiful scenery around the huge Panshet Dam.
- Take the family on a picnic by the lake for a day.
- Take a loved one on a romantic boat ride on the beautiful Panshet Lake.
- Take the younger members of your group to the playground for a while.
- Take a hike through the beautiful Sahyadris that surround the Panshet Dam.
- Enjoy a barbecue to-go with a bonfire by the lake.
Places to Visit near Panshet Dam
Panshet Dam itself is a scenic spot, offering beautiful views of the surrounding Western Ghats. Here are some other places you can visit near Panshet Dam:
-
- Panshet Water Park: This is a popular amusement park located close to the dam. It has a variety of water rides and attractions for all ages, including water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
- Sinhagad Fort: This historic fort is located about 20 km from Panshet Dam. The fort offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for trekking and hiking.
- Varasgaon Waterfall: This waterfall is located about 10 km from Panshet Dam. It’s a great spot for picnics and swimming!
- Lavasa: This hill station is located about 30 km from Panshet Dam. It is a popular getaway destination for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Lavasa offers a variety of resorts, spas, and other attractions.
- Temghar Dam: This dam is located about 15 km from Panshet Dam. It is a smaller dam, but it offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Places to Stay near Panshet Dam
Panshet Dam offers a variety of stay options depending on your budget and preferences. Here are a few choices:
-
- MTDC Resort – This is a government-run property that offers budget-friendly rooms and cottages. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a simple place to stay with basic amenities.
- Subhedar Machi Panshet Resort – This resort offers a variety of rooms and cottages, as well as a swimming pool and a spa. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a more luxurious stay.
- Anushankar Farms and The River-town Resort – This resort is located on the banks of the Mutha River and offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and bird-watching. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway.
- Panshet Camping and Resort – This resort offers camping facilities, as well as rooms and cottages. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a more adventurous stay.
Best Time To Visit Panshet Camping
There are two main times to visit Panshet Camping:
-
- The monsoon season (June to September): This is the time when Panshet is at its most lush and green. The waterfalls are flowing, and the landscape is a photographer’s paradise. However, it can also be quite crowded during this time, and the monsoon rains can make the roads slippery.
- Early winter (November to February): This is a great time to visit Panshet if you want to avoid the crowds and the rain. The weather is pleasant, and the landscape is still quite green. However, the waterfalls will not be flowing as much during this time.
Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding when to visit Panshet Camping:
-
- The weather: If you are looking for pleasant weather, then early winter is the best time to visit. However, if you don’t mind the rain and want to see the waterfalls at their best, then the monsoon season is a good option.
- The crowds: Panshet Camping can get quite crowded during the monsoon season. If you are looking for a more peaceful experience, then early winter is a better time to visit.
- The activities: If you are interested in water sports, then the monsoon season is the best time to visit. However, if you are more interested in hiking and trekking, then early winter is a better option.
Panshet Camping 2 Days Itinerary
This itinerary is designed for a relaxing and fun-filled 2-day camping trip at Panshet Dam, incorporating nearby attractions for daily activities.
Day – 1
Morning (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM):
-
- Wake up to the scenic view of the lake and enjoy the fresh morning air.
- Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at your campsite (many campsites include breakfast in the package)!
- Take a leisurely walk around the campsite and soak in the natural beauty.
Lunch (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
-
- Feel free to pack a lovely picnic lunch or swing by the campsite for a tasty lunch buffet (available at select campsites).
- While enjoying your lunch, decide on your activity for the afternoon.
Afternoon (12:00 PM–5:00 PM):
-
- Visit nearby Sinhagad Fort: This historic 17th-century fort offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a great place for a trek. You can take a hired cab or your vehicle to the fort (around a 40-minute drive from Panshet Dam). Allow 2-3 hours to explore the fort.
Evening (5:00 PM–9:00 PM):
-
- Return to the campsite and relax by the lake.
- Enjoy some tea or coffee with snacks provided by the campsite.
- Join in the games arranged by the campsite, or have fun playing your games with friends and family!
Day – 2
Enjoy a wonderful dinner that the campground provides.
Morning (7:00 a.m.–10 a.m.):
-
- Wake up to the sound of nature and enjoy the sunrise over the lake.
- Enjoy a full breakfast that the campground provides.
Lunch (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.):
-
- Pack a picnic lunch or have lunch at the campsite before checking out.
Afternoon (12:00 PM–2:00 PM):
-
- Depending on when you’re leaving, you may spend a little time chilling out! by the lake or go boating (some campsites provide this activity for an extra fee).
Departure (2:00 PM onwards):
-
- Check out of the campsite and pack your belongings.
- Head back home or explore other nearby fun places to visit, like:
- Warje Urban Park: This is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. It has a lake, gardens, and a children’s play area.
- Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park: This zoo is home to a variety of animals and birds. It’s a fantastic spot to visit with the little ones!
How To Reach Panshet Camping
Depending on your preference and budget, there are a few ways to reach Panshet Camping.
By car or bike: This is the most convenient option, especially if you are coming from a nearby city. The distance from Pune to Panshet is about 40 kilometers, and the drive takes about 1.5 hours. Here are the directions:
-
-
- Start from Kothrud, Rajaram Bridge, and head towards the Khadakwasla Dam.
- Upon reaching Khadakwasla, take a right turn at a place named Donaje Phata to reach Panshet.
-
By Bus: State-run buses are available from Swargate Pune that go directly to Panshet Dam. Buses are starting at around 8 am and 11 am.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Panshet is Pune Junction, which is roughly 25 kilometers away from the dam. To reach Panshet, you’ll need to take a bus from Swargate or Kothrud that’s bound for the dam.
Know Before You Go to Panshet Camping
-
- Book your campsite in advance. Panshet is a popular camping destination, especially during the peak season. Be sure to book your campsite well in advance, especially if you are planning on going during a holiday weekend.
- Bring the right gear. You will need to bring a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camping chair, and a headlamp. You may also want to bring a camp stove, cooking supplies, and a cooler.
- Be prepared for the weather. The weather in Panshet can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack for both hot and cold weather.
- Leave no trace. When you leave your campsite, be sure to pack out all of your trash and leave the campsite as you found it.
- Have fun! Panshet is a beautiful place to camp and enjoy the outdoors. Relax, have fun, and make some great memories.
- Bring plenty of water. There is no potable water available at most campsites, so be sure to bring enough water for your entire trip.
- Let someone know where you are going. Before you head out on your camping trip, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Dress in layers. The temperature can drop significantly at night, so be sure to dress in layers so you can stay warm.
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent. The sun can be strong in Panshet, so be sure to wear sunscreen and insect repellent.
FAQ’s of Panshet Camping
Is Panshet Camping family-friendly?
Yes, Panshet Camping is generally considered family-friendly.
How far is Panshet Camping from Pune?
The distance is between 45 and 50 kilometers, depending on the specific location of the campsite.
Do I need to bring my tent?
It depends on the administrators. Some Panshet camping experiences may include tent rental in the package price, while others may require you to bring your own.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Timings can vary depending on the planner. They typically fall around afternoon check-in (2-4 pm) and morning check-out (10-12 pm).
What amenities are available at Panshet Camping?
This depends on the administrators. Some may offer basic amenities like power supply and wifi, while others may be more rustic.
Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?
The planners may prohibit activities like drinking, smoking, or loud music. Make sure you confirm in advance with them.
Are there any ATMs near Panshet Camping?
There are no ATMs located near Panshet Camping. It is advisable to withdraw cash
Is there a network connection at Panshet Camping?
The network connection at Panshet Camping can be spotty. It is advisable to carry a power bank with you so that you can stay connected if needed.