Shirota Lake Camping
Shirota village near Lonavala, Maval taluka, Pune district
If you are looking for lake camping near Lonavala without the Pawna weekend rush, Shirota Lake is a great choice. The backwaters sit past Lonavala in Maval taluka, ringed by low Sahyadri hills, and the camps here stay smaller and quieter than the famous lakes nearby. Nights are about bonfires, barbecues and a sky full of stars, with the fort silhouettes of the Rajmachi belt around you. It works equally well from Mumbai or Pune. Lonavala station is about 18 km away, and jeeps from town handle the rough last stretch to the lakeside.
Why go
- Quiet backwater camping past Lonavala
- Stargazing without the Pawna crowds
- Barbecue and bonfire by the lake
Travel at a glance
How to reach
Drive to Lonavala and continue towards the Shirota village side; the last few km are rough and best in an SUV or camp-arranged jeep. Lonavala station is about 18 km away and camps coordinate pickups.
Nearest railway station
Lonavala, about 18 km away
Things to carry
The lakeshore track gets slushy in and after monsoon, so avoid low-clearance cars. Do not swim without checking depth with camp staff, and keep a torch handy as the area is unlit.
FAQs
How is Shirota different from Pawna?
Same Lonavala backwater charm with a fraction of the crowd. Camps are smaller and the night sky is darker, but facilities are simpler too.
Is the road to Shirota lake motorable?
Mostly yes, but the final stretch is a rough track. Camps usually arrange jeeps from Lonavala, which is the stress-free option.
Best season for Shirota camping?
October to February, with cool nights and clear skies. Monsoon is green but the track gets messy.