Top 9 Things to Do in Panshet

Panshet is a traditional Maharashtrian town located close to Pune. While Panshet Dam is famous for water sports adventure activities, that’s not all. There are more things to do in Panshet that will make you want to take the scenic route from your city to this village located on the banks of the Muthu River again and again.

Maharashtra is known for its rich heritage and culture. One of the things that you can experience in Panshet is the charming countryside of Maharashtra. You can also savour delicious foods while you learn about the traditional crafts and learn the language of the people. What's more? Let’s dive into all the things to do in Panshet and places around that will make for a great two day trip near Mumbai and Pune.

Things to do in Panshet

While Panshet might seem like an idyllic slow town, there are a bunch of things you can do here. Here is a specially curated list of all the things to do in Panshet that will make you want to go there again and again!

1. Water Sports

A speed boat moving cruising through the river.

The Panshet Dam is a perfect starting point for your fun-filled adventure. The dam is also a hub for water sports enthusiasts. Some of the fun things to do near Panshet Dam is speed boating, kayaking, and other such adventure activities. The picturesque surroundings, of lush greenery and overlooking crystal-clear waters, make the Panshet location ideal for picnics, where you and your friends can unwind over the weekend.

2. Torna Fort

Two hikers enjoying the view from a mountain peak.

One of the best places to visit when in Panshet, that you cannot miss is the Torna, the "Eagle's Nest”. Since it is the highest fort in Pune, one of the things to do near Panshet Dam is to trek to Torna Fort and see some breathtaking panorama views unfold before you. The fort was conquered by the young Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, at the young age of 16.

3. Sinhagad Fort

Visitors ascending stone steps at Sinhagad Fort.

After you have conquered Torna Fort, you can descend from its summit and conquer Sinhagad, popularly known as the "Lion's Fort." This can be a bit of a challenging trek but it is one of the few places to visit in Panshet that you will want to visit again. The fort is known for the famous tale of Tanaji Malusare, whose bravery secured the fort for Shivaji.

For history buffs, one of the things to do in Panshet is to take a walk through the majestic gates, ramparts, and remnants of the fort, whispering stories of a glorious past. Because it is not just about reaching the summits, it's about experiencing the journey that takes you to the summit too.

4. Varasgaon Waterfall

Varasgaon waterfall in all its glory during monsoons.

Located just a short 7-kilometre drive east of Panshet, this is one of the top things to do near Panshet Dam that you should experience. You can spread out a picnic blanket on the surrounding rocks and soak in the breathtaking panorama. It's a great place for all those who have adventurers’ spirit and nature enthusiasts because of the captivating raw beauty that is Varasgaon Waterfall.

5. Pabe Ghat Viewpoint

A breathtaking view from the Pabe Ghat near Panshet.

Just a short 5-kilometre drive from Panshet, Pabe Ghat Viewpoint is nestled between Sinhagad & Rajgadh. This is a must-visit for anyone who is staying at The Hosteller Panshet. Though a hidden gem, it is often overshadowed by the more popular Panshet Dam. The Pabe Ghat viewpoint offers a unique perspective of the surrounding three forts, namely Singhad, Torna and Rajgad, making it one of the things to do in Panshet.
 

6. Neelantheshwar

Neelkanteshwar temple near Panshet. 

If you are looking to visit a historical and spiritual place, visiting this place should be on your list of things to do in Panshet. Located 12 kilometres from Panshet, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Neelkantheshwar which translates to the blue-throated one. The temple itself is a beautiful example of traditional Indian architecture with its intricate stone carvings and detailing all over the temple.

If you are planning to visit this tourist place near Panshet, we would recommend visiting during August and September as the monsoon season transforms the surrounding mountain ranges into greeny-clad mountain ranges with waterfalls making their way through.

7. Varasgaon Dam

Aerial view of the Varasgaon Dam

This is one of the places that you can visit near Panshet; Varasgaon Dam is located near Pune. If you are planning on a two day trip near Mumbai or Pune or a long road trip with your friends, this place needs to be on your list of things to do in Panshet or when visiting a nearby area. On the way to Varasgaon, you can see the small villages nestled around the place, and also enjoy some authentic Maharashtrian food like misal pav and vada pav on the way there.

8. Shirkai Devi Temple

Shirkai Devi Temple near Panshet

Popularly known as Shirkai Devi Mandir, this ancient Hindu temple is believed to have been near Panshet since the Satavahana period (2nd Century BCE to 2nd Century CE. While the original temple was destroyed by the countless invaders who ruled this place, the present structure was built by Rani Lakshmibai of Satara in the 19th century.

A small but beautiful structure that resembles the temples built by the Maratha emperors. This is one of the places in Panshet that you should not miss out on.

9. Lakeside Camping

Lakeside camping near Panshet

One of the off-beat experiential things to do in Panshet is lakeside camping. After staying at The Hosteller and enjoying the amazing views and food, you can spend another day doing lakeside camping and stargazing. Since Panshet is located on the outskirts of Pune, on a clear night you can watch a sky full of stars with naked eyes. If you are interested in astronomy, you can visit this place around meteor showers or Venus or Jupiter sightings.
 

Things to Do Around Panshet

Panshet is a small town beside the Muthu river, nestled in the heart of the Sahyadri mountains. It is a great option if you are looking for a place for a one day trip near Mumbai or Pune. But if you're seeking adventure, there are quite a few places and things to do near Panshet Dam.

1. Lonavala

Sunset in the mountains at Lonavala

One of the things to do near Panshet and nearby areas is to visit around Panshet, which has to be Lonavala. It has something for the laid-back and chill travellers as well as for adventure enthusiasts who want to have fun on their trip. One of the things that you can do here is to go boating on the Bushi Dam, or simply take a stroll through the bustling Lonavala market or visit the wax museum for some quirky fun.

As for all the folks who want to do some adventure activities, the hike to Tiger’s Leap is known for its mesmerising views. After a day full of fun, you can relax and stay at The Hosteller Lonavala.

2. Bhandardara

Scenic river landscape of Bhandardara

Perfect for a road-trip destination, Bhandardara is another place that you can visit around Panshet. It is the ideal place for all the trekkers who wish to climb the summit of Ratangad fort and Harishchandragad forts. Apart from these, Bhandardara is widely popular for its stargazing and sky photography.

Since the location is far from the bustling cities of Mumbai and Pune, it has little to no light pollution, making it ideal for watching meteor showers or falling stars. The Hosteller Bhandardara offers camping stays perfect for you and your friends.

3. Khadakwasla

Pretty backwater and clear skies at Khadakwasla

A short 50-minute drive will take you to the popular tourist destination Khadadwasla. It is known for its adventure activities like water sports and trekking, which makes it one of the best places to visit around Panshet, but it is a great place for all those who are looking to relax. Surrounded by the Sahyadri mountain ranges, Khadakwasla Dam is an excellent spot to have a picnic and spend the entire day there.

This quaint Maharashtrian town, on the banks of the serene Mutha River, has many more things to do than just stunning landscapes. There are quite a few exciting and fun activities that you can try when in Panshet. Since the town has something to do for adventure enthusiasts, campers, trekkers or laid-back travellers who are there to experience the local way of life, it is a palace for a two-day trip near Mumbai and Pune.
 

FAQs on Panshet

What is distance from Panshet to Torna Fort?

The distance from Panshet to Torna Fort is around 35 kilometres. Formerly known as ‘Prachandagad’, it is the highest hill fort in Pune. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort when he was 16 years old and renamed it Torna Fort.

Where is Varasgaon Dam located?

Varasgaon Dam is located on the outskirts of Pune. It is built on the Mosi River and is a great destination for one day trip near Pune. This is one of the spots you need to visit near Panshet, because of the picturesque views.

What is the best time of day to visit Sinhagad Fort?

For those who want to trek to Sinhagad Fort, the best time to visit is early morning, when the weather is pleasant and it is easy to climb uphill. This is one of the tourist places around Panshet.

What is Panshet to Lonavala distance?

The distance from Panshet to Lonavala is approximately 47 kilometres. If you are travelling from Lonavala to Panshet Dam, it would be best to go by car as it will be easier to reach the Panshet lakeside camping site.

How much is Panshet to Varasgaon Waterfall distance?

By road Panshet to Varasgaon Waterfall distance is around 7 kilometres. The best time to visit this picnic spot near Panshet and Pune is during the monsoon months of June to September. On the drive there, you can see multiple waterfalls through the express highway, making it a great choice for things to do in Panshet and places to visit nearby.

On which river is Panshet dam?

Panshet Dam is built on the Ambi River, which is a tributary of the Muthu River. Situated on the southwest side of Pune city, this dam is also known as Tanaji Sagar Dam. When in Panshet, you must try water sports such as skiing, pedal boating and kayaking.