Khadakwasla Dam, Pune Overview

Khadakwasla Dam is a famous tourist attraction and a significant work of engineering in Pune. It is built on River Mutha which flows through the city and aids water supply to Pune and its suburban regions. The dam forms a reservoir, called Khadakwasla Lake which offers a quick and pleasant getaway too. Its proximity to Pune City and the scenic surroundings make Khadakwasla Dam a preferred picnic spot. The roadways around Khadakwasla Dam is also a favourite cycling route amongst the city cyclists. Monsoons, in particular, draw a considerable number of people to the attraction. They mostly visit to see the transformation of the landscapes and also enjoy the scenic beauty.

Khadakwasla Dam extends about 1.6 kilometres over River Mutha which actually begins at the confluence of two other rivers, River Ambi and River Mose. These two rivers have Panshet Dam and Varasgaon Dam built over them respectively. They control the water flowing into Mutha from Ambi and Mose. Further, the outflow from the Temghar Dam also entres Khadakwasla Lake. The reservoir thus occupies about 22,000 square kilometres area and runs over 35 metres deep. The dam stands a little over 31 metres tall and is built over the hard rock in the Mutha riverbed. This work of engineering often draws students and enthusiasts too. Otherwise, most people visit to explore the surroundings and other attractions around.

Things to do in and around Khadakwasla Dam

Khadakwasla Dam is a good option for a weekend getaway. Its picturesque location and the quiet catchment area provide a perfect environment to feel replenished. Although there is no infrastructure for people to hang around, some can find a place to spend a few minutes watching water ripples in the lake. Photography freaks can explore the surroundings of the lake and capture some stunning pictures, especially during sunrises and sunsets.

Other than the ambience, people also visit the attraction for local snacks. Vendors selling corns, roasted groundnuts, juices, ice cream, fruits, bhel, pani puri etc. are often found around the area of the lake where people tend to gather the most. Parking vehicles very close to the reservoir might be an issue as there is less or no space. One can, however, park them a little distance away and then walk towards the lake.

Usually, the dam can be explored in one/ two hours, and travellers can return to Pune. But, if one desires to spend a couple more days close to nature, they can opt to stay at one of the resorts or hotels near Khadakwasla Dam. Aquarius Resorts, Wildernest Resort, Gulmohar Village Resort and Farms, Rutu Gandh Lakeside Leisure Resort are some options located very close to the dam. Others are either located in Pune City or on the outskirts. Travellers may choose the one most convenient to them.

The area where Khadakwasla Dam is located is also quite close to other attractions like Sinhagad, Taljai Hills (both approximately 17 kilometres away from the dam), Karla Caves (80 kilometres away), Torna Fort (44 kilometres away approximately), Lavasa (51 kilometres from the dam), Lonavla (74 kilometres away), Mulshi Dam (45 kilometres away) etc. Pune itself has several other attractions within the city limits. With a little bit of planning, those attractions can also be explored along with Khadakwasla Dam.

How To Reach Khadakwasla Dam

By car/taxi: Khadakwasla Dam is located about 22 kilometres from the city centre. Pune has a well-connected network of roadways. Also, one can easily find a Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal LTD. bus heading to Khadakwasla from most bus stops in the city. Auto rickshaws, OLA or Uber cabs can also be a decent option other than driving self-owned vehicles. From the city centre, three routes lead to the dam. One goes via Sinhagad, the second goes via Karve Road – N D A Road and the third goes via NH 60 – Sinhagad Road. The shortest of these three routes is the first one.
By bus: Travellers disembarking at Pune Station Bus Stand and Pune Railway Station would have to commute a distance of 18.5 kilometres approximately. The route goes through Sanjay Gandhi Road – Sadhu Vaswani Road – Raja Bahadur Motilal Road – R T O Chowk – Abhiyantriki Maha Vidyalay Chowk – NH 65/ SH 50/ NH 60 – SH 60/ Jangli Maharaj Road – Lakadi Bridge – Lal Bahadur Shastri Road – Sinhagad Road – Narveer Tanaji Malusare Path – Sinhagad Road – Khadakwasla Kudje Road. Khadakwasla Dam is located about a kilometre ahead on Khadakwasla Kudje Road.
By air: If one wishes to fly down to Pune instead, they can easily get a cab from Pune Airport, which is located about 28 kilometres away from Khadakwasla Dam. Travellers need to head towards Visharantwadi Lohegoan Road and then travel further through Airport Road – Golf Club Chowk – SH 60/ Gunjan Chowk – Bund Garden Road – Raja Bahadur Motilal Road – R T O Chowk – NH 65/ NH 60/ SH 60 – Jungli Maharaj Road – Lakadi Bridge - Lal Bahadur Shastri Road – Sinhagad Road – Khadakwasla Kudje Road. They then need to commute another kilometre or so to reach Khadakwasla Dam.