Are you looking for a refreshing getaway from the hustle and bustle of Pune? Do you want to enjoy the beauty of nature, the tranquility of water, and the thrill of adventure? If yes, then Khadakwasla Dam is the perfect destination for you.
Khadakwasla Dam is one of the largest dams in Maharashtra, located about 20 km from Pune. It is also known as the Chaskaman Dam or the Peacock Dam because of its shape and the presence of peacocks in the area. The dam was built in 1879 by the British engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya to provide water supply and irrigation to Pune and its surroundings.
The dam is not only a marvel of engineering, but also a stunning sight to behold. The dam forms a huge reservoir that is also called the Khadakwasla Lake. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills, forests, and fields that create a picturesque landscape. The lake also attracts a variety of birds and animals, such as ducks, geese, cranes, deer, monkeys, etc.
The best part about Khadakwasla Dam is that it offers something for everyone. Whether you want to relax by the waters, have a picnic with your family, watch the sunrise or sunset, enjoy local snacks, camp by the waters, explore the landscape, or indulge in some water sports, you will find it all at Khadakwasla Dam.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Khadakwasla Dam, such as its history and engineering, things to do, how to reach, resorts nearby, and more.
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History and Engineering of Khadakwasla Dam
Before we dive into the fun part, let us first learn a little bit about the history and engineering of Khadakwasla Dam. After all, it is always good to know more about the places we visit, right?
Khadakwasla Dam was built in 1879 by Sir M. Visvesvaraya, who was a renowned engineer, scholar, and statesman. He was also known as the Father of Modern Mysore for his contributions to the development of Karnataka. He designed and supervised the construction of Khadakwasla Dam as part of the Mutha Canal Project, which aimed to provide water supply and irrigation to Pune and its surroundings.
The dam is made of stone masonry and concrete and has a length of 1.6 km and a height of 31.8 m. The dam has four radial gates that control the flow of water from the reservoir. The reservoir has a capacity of 174 million cubic meters and covers an area of 22 square km.
The dam is also an important source of hydroelectric power generation. It has two power stations that produce 12 MW and 10 MW of electricity respectively. The dam also provides water for drinking and industrial purposes to Pune and its neighboring areas.
Also Read: Top Things to Do in Pune
Things to do at Khadakwasla Dam
Here are some of the activities and attractions that you can enjoy at Khadakwasla Dam:
Have a picnic with your family: One of the most popular things to do at Khadakwasla Dam is to have a picnic with your family or friends. You can find many spots along the lake where you can spread a mat, enjoy some food, play some games, or just relax and chat. You can also find many vendors selling local snacks such as bhel puri, vada pav, misal pav, etc.
Watch the sunrise or sunset: Another popular thing to do at Khadakwasla Dam is to watch the sunrise or sunset over the lake. The view is simply breathtaking as you can see the sky changing colors and reflecting on the water. You can also capture some amazing photos or videos of the scenery. The best time to visit Khadakwasla Dam for this activity is early morning or evening.
Enjoy local snacks: If you are feeling hungry or thirsty, you can also enjoy some local snacks at Khadakwasla Dam. You can find many stalls and shops selling delicious and affordable food and drinks near the dam. Some of the most famous snacks are bhakri, pithla, thecha, kanda bhaji, solkadhi, etc. You can also try some fresh fruits, juices, ice creams, etc.
Camp by the waters: If you want to spend a night at Khadakwasla Dam, you can also camp by the waters. You can find many camping resorts near the dam that offer tents, mattresses, blankets, pillows, etc. You can also enjoy bonfires, music, games, barbecue, etc. Camping by the waters is a great way to experience the beauty and tranquility of Khadakwasla Dam at night.
Explore the landscape: If you are feeling adventurous, you can also explore the landscape around Khadakwasla Dam. You can find many trails and paths that lead you to different places such as hills, forests, fields, etc. You can also visit some of the nearby forts and attractions such as Sinhagad Fort, Peacock Bay, Nilkantheshwar Temple, etc. You can also enjoy some birdwatching and wildlife spotting along the way.
Indulge in some water sports: If you are feeling sporty, you can also indulge in some water sports at Khadakwasla Dam. You can find many operators and agencies that offer various water activities such as boating, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, etc. You can also enjoy some fishing or swimming in the lake. Water sports are a great way to have some fun and excitement at Khadakwasla Dam.
How to Reach Khadakwasla Dam
Khadakwasla Dam is located about 20 km from Pune and is easily accessible by various modes of transport. Here are some of the ways you can reach Khadakwasla Dam:
By car: The easiest and most convenient way to reach Khadakwasla Dam is by car. You can either drive your own car or hire a taxi or cab from Pune. The road to Khadakwasla Dam is well-maintained and scenic. You can follow the Pune-Satara Road or the Pune-Sinhagad Road to reach Khadakwasla Dam. The journey takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on the traffic and weather conditions.
By bus: Another way to reach Khadakwasla Dam is by bus. You can find many buses that ply from Pune to Khadakwasla Dam at regular intervals. You can board a bus from Swargate Bus Stand or Shivajinagar Bus Stand in Pune and get down at Khadakwasla Bus Stop near the dam. The bus fare is around Rs. 20 to Rs. 30 per person. The journey takes about 45 to 60 minutes depending on the traffic and weather conditions.
By bike: Another way to reach Khadakwasla Dam is by bike. You can either ride your own bike or rent a bike from Pune. The road to Khadakwasla Dam is ideal for biking as it offers a smooth and scenic ride. You can follow the same routes as mentioned above for car or bus to reach Khadakwasla Dam. The journey takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on the traffic and weather conditions.
Resorts in Khadakwasla
If you want to extend your visit to Khadakwasla Dam or spend a night near the dam, you can find many resorts in Khadakwasla that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation options. Here are some of the best resorts in Khadakwasla that you can choose from:
Wildernest Hilltop Resort: This resort is located on a hilltop overlooking the lake and offers a panoramic view of the surroundings. The resort has cottages, tents, and dormitories that are well-equipped with amenities such as beds, mattresses, blankets, pillows, fans, lights, etc. The resort also has a restaurant, a swimming pool, a garden, a playground, etc. The resort charges around Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000 per person per night depending on the type of accommodation.
Lakeview Resort: This resort is located on the banks of the lake and offers a serene and peaceful environment. The resort has rooms, cottages, and tents that are well-equipped with amenities such as beds, mattresses, blankets, pillows, fans, lights, etc. The resort also has a restaurant, a swimming pool, a garden, a playground, etc. The resort charges around Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per person per night depending on the type of accommodation.
Rutugandh Resort: This resort is located near the dam and offers a rustic and cozy ambiance. The resort has rooms and cottages that are well-equipped with amenities such as beds, mattresses, blankets, pillows, fans, lights, etc. The resort also has a restaurant, a swimming pool, a garden, a playground, etc. The resort charges around Rs. 1200 to Rs. 2500 per person per night depending on the type of accommodation.
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you enough information and inspiration to plan your trip to Khadakwasla Dam with Tripoto. Khadakwasla Dam is a wonderful place to visit near Pune that offers a scenic escape, relaxing atmosphere, and various activities.
You can enjoy the beauty of nature, the tranquility of water, and the thrill of adventure at Khadakwasla Dam.
