Jadhavwadi Dam

Jadhavwadi Dam is a serene and beautiful spot for a quick getaway, located on the Talegaon MIDC road. It’s a great place to spend quality time with family, enjoying the dam’s backwaters surrounded by mountains. There’s plenty of free parking, and the area is generally safe with basic precautions. Since there aren’t many good dining options nearby, it’s advisable to pack your own food for the trip. Along the way, you’ll find several scenic viewpoints where you can stop and enjoy the view, making it a great spot for photography enthusiasts to practice their skills undisturbed. While the dam is worth visiting year-round, the best time to go is between September and February, with mornings and evenings being particularly pleasant. Nearby attractions include Bhamchandra Caves, Firangai Devi Caves, and Bhandara Buddhist Caves.

Bhama Askhed Dam

Bhama Askhed Dam is a beautiful spot with crystal-clear water where you can even see small fish. Perfect for a family picnic, and swimming is an option too. However, there are no food stalls or shops nearby, so it’s important to bring your own snacks. This place is ideal for water lovers, with stunning scenery all around. You can easily spend the whole day here, as there are no time restrictions.

Bhatghar Dam 

Bhatghar Dam, located near Bhor in Basrapur Village, is a stunning spot. From this viewpoint, you get a panoramic 180° view of the dam’s landscape. The area is peaceful, with clean water and fresh air, and it’s pleasantly uncrowded. It gives off a serene vibe, almost like being at Pangong Lake.

Veer Dam, Sarola

This is a lovely spot for a one-day picnic! The peaceful bike ride along the water for about 5 kilometers from Shirwal to Lonand is a highlight. Located just 5 kilometers from Shirwal and 15 kilometers from Lonand, the clean backwater gives off a beach-like vibe. The area is uncrowded, and you can find snack and meal stalls along the highway where you can also park your vehicle. It’s a must-visit, whether you’re going solo or with friends and family.

Mastani lake

Mastani Lake is an ideal spot to spend quality time, especially during the monsoon season (late June to September). The view from Dive Ghat is breathtaking and adds to the experience. A short staircase in front of the main temple leads to the Mastaneswar Temple. This lake, built by Maratha warrior Peshwa Baji Rao I for Mastani, holds historical significance as it took nearly 300 years to complete. There’s also a tunnel accessible by descending 30–40 steps, rumored to have been built for Bajirao and Mastani, possibly connecting to Shaniwar Wada. Nearby attractions include Malhargad Fort, Vitthal Statue, Purandar Fort, Saswad Temples, Jejuri Temple, and Dive Ghat.

Chas Kaman Dam

This is an ideal spot for nature lovers, offering stunning scenery with lush greenery and tranquil waters. Fishing boats dot the lake, enhancing the picturesque atmosphere. It’s perfect for selfies, and the road to the viewpoint is great for short bike trips. The area is also suitable for camping, making it an excellent place to relax and enjoy peaceful moments in nature.

Devadi Dam

This is a fantastic picnic spot with a peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for a break with family or friends. It’s conveniently located near the city and easy to access. There’s also a boating facility, and food options are available nearby.

Rihe Dam

Rihegaon Dam is a serene and picturesque location, ideal for a weekend getaway from Pune. Surrounded by lush greenery and hills, it offers a peaceful retreat, especially during the monsoon when the water levels rise and the landscape comes alive with fresh vegetation. The tranquil atmosphere makes it perfect for a quiet picnic or a relaxed day trip with family or friends. Its uncommercialized, untouched beauty adds to its appeal. Since there aren’t many amenities around, it’s best to bring your own food and water. This hidden gem is perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts seeking a less-traveled destination.

Kasarsai Dam 

Kasarsai Dam, situated around 30 km from Pune and 120 km from Mumbai, offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s busy life. Located along the banks of the Indrayani River, this serene destination is surrounded by lush green hills and vast fields, creating a scenic view. The calm waters beautifully reflect the clear skies, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the dam’s peaceful waters, priced at ₹100 per person, providing a chance to take in the stunning surroundings. Often referred to as the “backwaters of Hinjewadi,” Kasarsai Dam is conveniently located near Pune’s IT hub.

Which dams should not be visited with pets?

Khadakwasla Dam

The place becomes extremely crowded on weekends. It would be much better if there weren’t any hawkers or street vendors, as they obstruct the view. Basic amenities, such as washrooms, are lacking. People are wandering around carelessly, disturbing the natural tranquility. There’s no designated parking area or safe space for a leisurely walk along the lake, making it feel quite disorganized. Hawkers and ponies occupy the main road, which could pose dangers for visitors. It’s advisable to avoid horse rides, as the animals are kept in poor conditions.

Andra Dam 

The road on Andra Dam is a restricted area for private four-wheelers, and only nearby villagers are permitted to cross it using two-wheelers. Many people have had to turn back as Google Maps inaccurately shows it as a passable road. Please note that private vehicles are not allowed on the dam road. The approach road and surrounding area are also quite dusty due to heavy truck traffic in the vicinity.