Pavananagar is a village near Pavana Dam. It is about 45 km via Paud and 65 km via Kamshet from Pune. There are roads to Pavananagar from Pune & Lonavla. Lonavla to Pavana Dam is 20 km; 40 minutes journey from Lonavla. Pavana Dam is constructed across the Pavana River. This is a nice place to spend some time with family and friends. The backwaters of this dam provide a wonderful view. The Pavana River is a notable river crossing the cities of Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Pavana River originates from the Western Ghats, about 6 km south of Lonavala. Flowing eastwards initially, it becomes southbound and passes through the suburbs of Dehu, Chinchwad, Pimpri and Dapodi before its confluence with the Mula river near Sangvi. Monsoons are the best time to visit the place.
History: Pawna dam was established in 1972 in Pune district. Before construction of this dam, more than 2350.67 acres of land was being irrigated from Pawna River but in an unorganised manner. Required water was not received by the farmers any time. Rainwater was only the media which was depending upon monsoon conditions. Due to this problem, drought was faced by the area several times. To avoid such situations, a detailed survey was done and the area near Maval was found fit for construction of a dam. Construction work of Pawna dam was started in 1964 but soon stopped due to Indo-Pak war in 1965. For the next one year, no construction activity was done but later the job got pace and after a tough work of six years, the dam completed in 1972. Though in this period another Indo-Pak war was fought but no adverse effect put on the construction of this dam.
Transport:
Airport: The nearest commercial airports are Pune International Airport at 64 km andChhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 104 km.
Rail: Lonavla is well-connected by train. Local trains run from Pune at 2-hour intervals. Those originating from Mumbai along the central line have Khopoli as their last station. It takes 2.5 hours by train from Mumbai and 1 to 1.5 hour from Pune. All trains, travelling between Mumbai and Pune, halt at Lonavala. Trains from Mumbai halt at Karjat to attach banner locomotives before the train starts journey up the western ghats to reach Lonavla.
Road: Lonavala is on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and is well-connected to several towns of Khopoli, Karjat, Talegaon Dabhade, etc. Buses are available at regular intervals from Khopoli bus station to Lonavala. Lonavla to Pavana Dam is 20 km.
Local: Auto Rickshaws are available to commute within Lonavala and Khandala. Regular State Transport buses ply between Pavananagar and Lonavla from the State Transport Bus Stand.
Tourist Interest:
This place has been developed as a picnic spot also. Maharashtra Tourism department has also arranged some amenities around this dam to enhance tourism. Approach road is in good condition. Transportation facilities are better in Pune and outskirts. The dam and its water reservoir is also a habitat for various species of fish. In the month of June and July, some migratory birds are also seen here.
Tour Planner: Pavana Dam is a place for one-day outing and picnic. One can travel to this place by making Pune or Mumbai or Lonavala as the base.
Hotels: All accommodation of various rates are available in Lonavala and Khandala. Some of them are Picaddle Boutique Resort, Whispering Woods Resort, Orchard Resort, Upper Deck Resort, Della Adventure Resort, Fariyas Resort, The Metropole, Girivihar Holiday, Royal Park, Indus Valley Resort and more.