Khadakwasla Dam is a working water-storage dam on the Mutha River in Pune district, where the river and reservoir meet the city’s water infrastructure. Its setting makes it a different kind of outing from a fort or garden visit; check public access and visitor rules before you go.
- Setting: On the Mutha River, in Pune district.
- Nearby places: Sinhagad Fort, Panshet Dam and Varasgaon Dam lie farther along the road.
- Visitor details: Check access, hours and any entry requirements before setting out.
What to expect at Khadakwasla Dam
Khadakwasla Dam is a working water resource, not simply a scenic stop: it is one of Pune’s main water sources. The National Defence Academy and Central Water & Power Research Station are in the dam’s vicinity, so the surrounding area includes important institutions as well as the river and reservoir landscape.
Construction began in 1874 and was completed in 1879. Khadakwasla is a composite dam with a maximum height of 36.09 m, and its purposes include irrigation and non-irrigation.
Because the dam is part of water infrastructure, don’t assume that every viewpoint or area beside the water is open to the public. Access arrangements and visitor rules can matter as much as the landscape when planning a stop.
How do you get from Pune to Khadakwasla Dam?
The district administration gives distances of about 15–20 km from Pune city. Pune Airport is the nearest airport and Pune railway station is the nearest railway station.
Buses to the dam are available from Swargate, Pune station and Shivajinagar. Check current details with the transport operator before relying on a bus connection.
From Hotel Jagannath, Pune city centre is about 20 minutes by car; continue from there using current directions to Khadakwasla Dam. Sinhagad Fort is farther along the road, so you can pair the dam visit with a stop there.
If you’re arranging a car or auto-rickshaw from Pune, keep in mind that the dam is outside the city limits and auto-rickshaw drivers may sometimes be reluctant to go there or may charge extra. Hotel Jagannath offers a place to stay while visiting the dam.
For current visitor and travel information, check the Pune district administration’s official site before you go.
Access points and visitor safety
Confirm where public access is permitted before setting off, and follow any instructions in place around the dam. PMRDA’s tourism-center connectivity work for the dam includes road access, security-related work, vehicle parking and toilets; confirm which facilities are available before you travel.
Check current local guidance for safety, accessibility, water levels and access conditions rather than assuming conditions at the water’s edge.
When to go and what to bring
Opening days, hours and an entry fee are not stated. Check the current details before you travel, and plan your schedule around the access information you can confirm.
Weather and water levels can affect conditions around a reservoir. Check current local guidance before going, and bring what you need for the conditions on the day. Avoid treating the dam as an unrestricted lakeside recreation area: permitted access and visitor rules should guide where you go.
Can you combine the outing with Sinhagad Fort?
Sinhagad Fort lies a few kilometres farther along the road from Khadakwasla Dam. The Sinhagad Fort day trip from Pune guide covers routes and planning. Panshet and Varasgaon dams are farther along that road too; both primarily supply water for irrigation.
That makes the dam a possible stop on a wider drive, but the available journey times and recommended visit durations can vary. Check access and travel details for the stops you choose before setting your schedule.
A one-day Pune itinerary can help shape the rest of your city schedule around the outing.
FAQs
Where is Khadakwasla Dam?
It is on the Mutha River in Pune district, Maharashtra, outside Pune city limits.
Is there an entry fee?
Check current visitor access and any charges with the relevant authorities before travelling.
Can you reach the dam by bus?
Buses are available from Swargate, Pune station and Shivajinagar. Check current route and timetable details with the transport operator.
What other places are along the road?
Sinhagad Fort, Panshet Dam and Varasgaon Dam lie a few kilometres farther along the road from Khadakwasla Dam.