India GOLakes in Pune
Almost every lake around Pune is a reservoir behind a dam, built for water or power, so think of them as viewpoints rather than beaches. Khadakwasla, on the Sinhagad road, is the famous one: a free lakeside promenade with snack carts and a sunset over the water. Pashan, inside the city, is a quiet birding lake, best from November to February. Mulshi, about 45 km west, is the monsoon trip, when the hills around its backwaters turn green. Swimming is not allowed at Khadakwasla, and none of these is a swimming lake.
Three lakes, three different trips
All three are in the list above with their own page; here is what makes each one different.
Khadakwasla: sunset and snack carts
The reservoir on the Mutha River is Pune's main source of water. A British engineer, Captain Fife, proposed it in 1863, and the masonry dam was built between 1869 and 1879; the lake was called Lake Fife until shortly after Independence. In July 1961 the upstream Panshet dam failed and Khadakwasla breached, flooding the old city; the dam was rebuilt afterwards. Today the Sinhagad road along the shore is a picnic strip with a chowpatty of carts selling roast corn, bhel and ice cream. Entry is free, the eastern bank has the best sunset, and Peacock Bay is out of bounds as part of the National Defence Academy. It works well as the end of a day at Sinhagad Fort. Khadakwasla Dam.
Pashan: birds inside the city
A British-era lake about 12 km north-west of the centre, fed by the Ramnadi stream. Birders have recorded well over two hundred species here. From roughly November to February migratory ducks and waders arrive, among them northern pintails, garganeys and sandpipers, alongside resident herons, cormorants and kingfishers; a walking track runs round the water. Entry is free and there are no facilities, so bring water and binoculars and come early. Pashan Lake, and more species on birds of Pune.
Mulshi: monsoon backwaters
The dam on the Mula River was completed in 1927 for Tata's hydroelectric scheme, and its construction set off the Mulshi Satyagraha of 1921–24, a farmers' protest over the land taken for it. The backwaters spread between Sahyadri ridges about 45 km west of Pune, by way of Paud. There is no gate or single viewpoint: people pull over along the rim road, and much of the shore is private or utility land, so keep to the obvious stops. Roadside dhabas and resorts serve village-style thalis. Most people drive it as a loop with the Tamhini Ghat waterfalls. Mulshi Lake.
Water inside the city: gardens on old lakes
Some of Pune's best-known green spaces grew out of water.
- Saras Baug is laid out on the bed of an 18th-century lake that Nanasaheb Peshwa made at the foot of Parvati Hill. The island temple of Talyatla Ganpati, built in 1784, still stands at its centre. Entry is free, and the evening is when the city comes.
- The Katraj zoo is built around a central lake, with enclosures and a snake park on the slopes above it.
- Vetal Tekdi, the hill inside the city, has old quarry lakes along its red-earth trails, walked at sunrise by joggers and birdwatchers.
- The P. L. Deshpande Garden, laid out with the city of Okayama, has ponds, bridges and koi.
When to go
Pune sits on the Deccan plateau at about 560 m, drier and milder than Mumbai. October to February is the main season; April and May are the hottest months, up to about 37–38 °C.
| June to September | Monsoon, with roughly 140–190 mm of rain a month. Mulshi and the Tamhini Ghat are at their greenest; drive slowly in fog on the ghat road. |
| November to February | Dry and cool, with nights around 11–15 °C. Migratory ducks and waders at Pashan; clear sunsets at Khadakwasla. |
| March to May | Hot and dry. Go to the lakes early in the morning or for sunset, and carry water. |
Reservoir rules
These are working reservoirs, and Khadakwasla supplies the city's water. Swimming is not allowed at Khadakwasla, and the shoreline is scruffy in places. At Mulshi much of the shore is private or belongs to the power company, so stop only where others do. In the monsoon the ghat roads beyond Mulshi fill with weekend traffic and fog: start early, and stay out from under waterfalls in spate.
FAQ
Which lake is famous in Pune?
Khadakwasla, the reservoir on the Sinhagad road that supplies the city's water. People come for the sunset over the water and the snack carts along the shore.
Can you swim at Khadakwasla?
No. Swimming is not allowed: it is the city's water reservoir, a place to look at rather than swim.
Is there an entry fee for Pashan or Khadakwasla?
No, both are free. Pashan has no facilities at all; Khadakwasla has food carts along the road.
When is the best time for birdwatching at Pashan Lake?
From about November to February, when migratory ducks and waders join the resident herons and kingfishers. Early morning is best.
What is Pawna Lake famous for?
Pawna (Pavana) Lake is a reservoir formed in 1973 in Maval taluka, about 25 km from Lonavala, popular with people from Pune and Mumbai for weekend camping near the Lohagad, Tikona and Tung forts. The Kamshet paragliding area is on the ridges above the Pawna and Indrayani valleys.
How far is Mulshi Lake from Pune?
About 45 km west, by way of Paud. It is usually combined with the Tamhini Ghat road.
Sources (4)
Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
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