Planning to take a short break from work? If you’re in Mumbai or Pune, Lonavala is the most obvious choice for a weekend getaway. Over the years, both Khandala and Lonavala offer a great short holiday experience to residents from Mumbai and Pune. During the rainy season, this tiny hill station transforms into a paradise for nature lovers. Bhushi Dam in Lonavala particularly gets plenty of audiences once it overflows.
While Bhushi Dam is not the biggest dam in Lonavala it becomes a tourist hot spot during the monsoons. People come here to splash in the cold water and have some great time with their friends and family members.
Bhushi Dam History
While Bushi Dam is way too far from the Lonavala railway station, little do people know that the dam was built by the railways. The dam was built by the Great Indian Peninsular Railway (now known as the Central Railways) in 1860 to provide water for their steam engines.
Indian Railways have been instrumental in developing many cities and towns along the mainline. Lonavala is just one of those small towns.
In 1856, the Great Indian Peninsular Railway extended their line from Tanna (Thane) to Campoolie (Khopoli). Two years later in 1858, the line was further extended to Poona (Pune).
The railways ran train services through Lonavala and required water for their steam engines. To tackle this situation, a masonry dam was built in 1860 with the help of the railways and local municipal funding. Bhushi Dam is built on the Indrayani River in Lonavala.
Cast iron pipes carried water from the dam to Lonavala and Khandala railway stations. Later, the railways decided to share the water supply with the town of Lonavala.
On November 5, 1951, the Great Indian Peninsular Railway became defunct and incorporated into the Central Railway.
Today, this dam is a property of the Central Railway zone of the Indian Railways.
Where is Bhushi Dam Located?
Bhushi Dam is located in Lonavala close to the Jalvaayu Marg.
How to Reach Bhushi Dam?
By Train – Exit the Lonavala station on the west side. You can hire a rickshaw from Jaichand Chowk or Shivaji Chowk that will take you to Bhushi Dam via the Jalvaayu Road. The dam is almost 5 kilometres from the Lonavala railway station.
By Road from Mumbai – If you’re coming from Mumbai, take the regular road till Mumbai Pune Highway and exit at Old Khandala Road. Use that road to reach Triose Plaza.
If you don’t want to use the Old Khandala Road, you can use the old Mumbai Pune Highway and take a right just after Kumar Resort. Take the Main Bazaar Road through Ryewood Park and reach Triose Plaza.
Follow the Jalvaayu Road along the Lonavala Lake until you reach the dam.
By Road from Pune – Take the regular Pune Mumbai Highway and reach Lonavala. Take a left from Kumar Resort. Take the Main Bazaar Road through Ryewood Park and reach Triose Plaza. Follow the Jalvaayu Road along the Lonavala Lake until you reach Bhushi Dam.
When to Visit Bhushi Dam?
The month of July, August and September would offer you the right experiences.
Places to Visit Near Bhushi Dam
- Tiger Point
- Lonavala Lake
- Bhaja Caves
- Karla Caves
- Lohagad Fort
- Visapur Fort
Conclusion
If you enjoy getting wet Bhushi Dam is the most obvious choice for you. Being one of the top Lonavala attractions, it is usually overcrowded on weekends and sometimes even on weekdays. Hence, you need to ensure that you are okay with the crowd at the dam.
Also, you must be careful and ensure that you be responsible for your actions. There are various drowning incidents that happen here annually. However, that is only because of irresponsible tourists.
The good part about visiting Bhushi Dam is:
- Get soaking wet
- Enjoy the Indrayani River water
The bad part about visiting Bhushi Dam is:
- Overcrowded on weekends
- Only recommended during monsoon months
- Poorly maintained and unclean
More Images:
11 comments
Sharukh, Incredible place and photos, plus your hike to the top with views! There are so many beautiful places in India away from the crowded cities. People learn about them from your interesting travels & blog posts! Happy week! 💛 Elizabeth
Thanks. I’m trying my best to bring out some great places across my state and the country at large.
Great photos and lots of interesting information and history here Sharukh. It’s funny that you mentioned the railroad connection. My brother lives in a city that was basically created as s water stop for the railroads.
I love the photos you share as yours hiking. It seems to encourage your inner child 🙂
I added the history because most people don’t know how these places were built or came into existence. They only know that it’s a great place to hangout.
Amazing photos Sharukh! What a beautiful place. I especially loke the one of you and Ronald. 😉
Probably my only picture with Ronald. I actually beat him in terms of handsomeness, don’t I? Ha Ha Ha.
Without a doubt! 😀
Breath-taking clicks, Sharukh. Passed through in the train but never stopped and now feel like kicking my own butt for missing it out. Enjoyed reading the history behind:)
Well, Vishal, the rains come in every year, so try and visit this place this August, if you can make it. I would recommend you to choose a weekday and carry some extra clothes and a towel and enjoy the splash-perience.
That’s a beautiful area and dam. I can see why it attracts tourists and why you and Sarah spent time there.
To be honest, I have been here so many times, I know the area at the back of my mind. I usually keep hunting for such places where I get some peace of mind, less crowd and where I can be one with the universe.