Tungarli Dam

Tungarli Dam (the historic 1930s stone masonry reservoir and elevated mountain lake situated high on the scenic Tungarli hills overlooking Lonavala town) in the Sahyadri hill station of Lonavala in Maharashtra, stands as Lonavala's supreme hilltop lake retreat and trekking gateway.

sitting high on the northern ridges of Lonavala and constructed during the British colonial era, this peaceful reservoir captures fresh rainwater to supply the hill station while offering panoramic views of the valley below.

It's the home of the tranquil Tungarli Lake bordered by forested hills and wild grasses, the starting trailhead for the famous 15 km mountain trek to Rajmachi Fort, lakeside tent camping grounds where travelers watch starry night skies by warm campfires, and an intensely peaceful, deeply refreshing mountain ambiance filled with cool hilltop winds, the gentle sound of lake ripples, and sweeping sunset panoramas overlooking Lonavala and Valvan reservoirs.

It represents a rich Maharashtra colonial reservoir heritage apex, Sahyadri wilderness trekking, and eco tourism where hilltop lake vistas, Rajmachi fort trails, Valvan dam gardens, and Lonavala Khandala travel circuits unite in Tungarli Dam.

Located in Tungarli village, it sits 3.5 km north of Lonavala Railway Station, 7 km from Khandala, 68 km from Pune International Airport (PNQ), 92 km from Mumbai via Mumbai Pune Expressway, and 4 km from Ryewood Park, easily reached by auto rickshaw, car, or a scenic uphill trek from the town center.

The 1930s Stone Dam & Elevated Valley Views

Built in the 1930s, the masonry gravity dam wall impounds clear rainwater into a scenic mountain lake that reflects the surrounding green Sahyadri peaks and open skies.

From the top of the earthen embankment, visitors enjoy sweeping bird's eye views overlooking the entire Lonavala plateau, the distant waters of Valvan Lake, and passing trains on the Pune Mumbai rail line.

Truth is, sitting on the quiet stone wall of Tungarli Dam at sunset while the evening breeze cools the air and mist rises from the lake is the most peaceful experience in Lonavala.

Rajmachi Trek Trailhead, Camping & Birdwatching

Gateway to Rajmachi Fort: Tungarli Dam marks the official starting point for the 15 km scenic trek to Rajmachi's twin citadels (Shrivardhan and Manaranjan), walkable or accessible by 4x4 vehicles.

Lakeside Camping & Wildlife: The grassy banks around the lake offer prime spots for weekend tent camping, stargazing, and spotting indigenous bird species like kingfishers and eagles.

Tungarli Dam & Lonavala Nature Day Plan

The Hilltop Panorama & Lake Trail: Early morning drive or uphill walk to Tungarli Dam (7:30 AM to 9:30 AM: photograph lake reflections, watch morning birds & enjoy quiet hilltop breezes) -> breakfast of hot masala chai and batata vada in town (9:45 AM to 10:30 AM) -> stroll through 25 acre Ryewood Park to admire century old trees and visit the ancient Mahadev Temple (10:45 AM to 12:15 PM) -> visit Valvan Dam and its terraced flower gardens (12:30 PM to 1:45 PM) -> authentic Maharashtrian lunch in Lonavala Bazaar -> drive to Tiger Point and Lion's Point for canyon vistas (3:30 PM to 5:30 PM) -> return to Tungarli Lake for evening sunset views and lakeside tea (6:00 PM to 7:30 PM).

Visiting Code & Conduct: Swimming in the reservoir is strictly prohibited due to deep silt and cold currents; carry your own snacks and water as commercial stalls are limited on the hilltop; keep the surrounding camping grounds clean by carrying all trash back.

After taking in the quiet beauty of Tungarli Dam, visit Ryewood Park, explore Valvan Dam, or admire Tiger Point.