We almost didn’t make that choice.
A last-minute plan. A place I had only read about. No fancy hotel reservations or meticulously planned itineraries—just a tent, a bunch of pals, a suitcase full of junk food, and one wild, moonlit night near the backwaters of Temghar Dam.
And to be honest? It ended up being one of the most wonderful nights of my life.
Camping at Temghar Dam with a full moon is one of those special things that Pune has been keeping to itself. If you’ve been looking for a camping place that feels less crowded, more spiritual, and extremely stunning, you’ve found it. I’m going to tell you everything in this guide: how we found it, what the night was like, useful information, and why you need to put this on your bucket list.
Let’s go.
What Makes Camping at Temghar Dam on a Full Moon So Special
Let me tell you what made this so great.
In the last few years, Pune’s camping scene has grown a lot. Local travel organizers said that camping reservations in and around Pune rose by more than 60% during the holiday season. There are now more than 30 beautiful places to camp in the area. A lot of them? You already know about Panshet, Lonavala, and Pawna Lake.
But what about the Temghar Dam? Not many people talk about it.
That’s what makes camping near Temghar Dam during the full moon so special. You don’t have to struggle for a position. There aren’t 200 other tents around you. You’re alone with nature, the quiet of the backwaters, a fire crackling at your feet, and a full moon that shines so brightly that it makes the whole dam look silver.
It’s the secret treasure that Pune has been missing out on.
Where is Temghar Dam?
Temghar Dam is a dam made of earth and gravity that crosses the Mutha River. It is near Mulshi in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is one of the four dams that give water to Pune city and is located on the Pirangut–Lavasa Road.
The backwater campsite is around 47 miles from Pune city, and it takes roughly two hours to get there by car.
Facts about the location:
- About 47 km from Pune
- Time to travel: about 2 hours
- Route: Pune -> Pirangut → Lavasa Road → Temghar Dam
- Pin on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RgAQHCQeKVwefzaQ9
Important: The camping place is a private location near the Temghar Dam backwaters. You must get permission from the owner of the campsite before you arrive. For more information, call Pandharinath Bavdhane at 9145238788.
The Real Story of Our Full Moon Camping near Temghar Dam
I recall pausing when I got to the backwaters. For a moment, I stood there in perfect quiet, thinking, “How is this place only 47 km from Pune but feels like a whole new world?”
The campsite is in a great spot, with nature all around it, and it is clean and well-kept. When we got there and got out of the car, the first thing we noticed was how quiet it was. No noise from the city. No cars on the road. Nothing but the sound of water and wind.
Putting Up Camp
As the sun began to set behind the hills, we set up our tents. The golden light on the dam backwaters was so beautiful that it was one of those sunsets you don’t take pictures of because you’re too busy viewing it.
What was on the menu for our junk food party that night? Burgers, fries, and all the other bad things us city dwellers don’t let ourselves have on weekdays. There’s a type of happiness in the simple things that no five-star hotel can match. Cooking and eating by the water while watching the sky change from orange to deep blue is one of those things.
The Moonrise That Made Everything Different
And then it occurred.
The moon slowly rose from behind a hill in the distance. It was huge, bright, and beautiful. The whole campsite changed as soon as it showed up. I’m not kidding. The water in the dam started to shine with silver light. The tents were lit up. The backwaters appeared like they were composed of liquid moonlight. “Chaaand ki roshni se yeh campsite jagmaga uthi”—that moment was truly unreal.
This is what makes camping at Temghar Dam so special with the full moon. The dam’s broad backwaters make a huge natural mirror for the moonlight. It looks like something out of a dream when you add the hundreds of fireflies that come out after dark and dance in the trees.
We were fortunate. We had both the full moon and the fireflies. Twice the magic, twice the amazement.
A campfire, some talking, and singing
After dinner, we sat around the campfire. We played music, told stories, and laughed until our stomachs hurt. It was the kind of talk that only happens when the stars are out and the phones are off.
The cold came at about 4:30 AM. I realized this is what I left 22 years of corporate life for when I sat in a sleeping bag and heard the dam water ripple in the wind. Not the best hotel. Not a vista that would look well on Instagram. Just this true, raw, magnificent moment of living.
The Morning Magic: Sunrise at Temghar Dam
No one wanted to go away from the campfire.
But the promise of dawn got us out of our sleeping blankets just before daybreak. We walked down to the water’s edge as the sky changed from deep blue to lavender to gold.
There is a little lake near the campsite that most people don’t know about. It’s a great place to take pictures in the morning mist. We took hundreds of pictures, but none of them really got the idea across.
The sunrise at Temghar Dam is calm, slow, and quite tranquil. The morning light sparkled off the dam wall, and the water slowly came to life. I felt something settle inside me, a type of serenity that only comes when you’ve completely broken your routine.
We walked back down the off-road track to the dam wall after the sun came up. It was a hard but scenic drive that took about an hour from the campsite. Every bump is worth it.
A Complete Guide to Camping at Temghar Dam During the Full Moon
Are you ready to make your own plans? This is all the information you need.
When to Go
The best time to go camping is from October to February, when the weather is chilly and clear enough for a full moon night. The monsoon has its own beauty (beautiful green surroundings, a dam that is full), but camping in the rain is harder.
For the finest experience, always arrange your vacation around the Purnima (full moon) period. Before you book, look at the lunar calendar.
How to Get to the Backwaters of Temghar Dam
by Car:
- From Pune, go to Pirangut and take the Pirangut–Lavasa Road.
- Distance: about 47 km; time to drive: about 2 hours
- Use Google Maps Pin to find your way: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RgAQHCQeKVwefzaQ9.
by bus:
- There are state buses that go to Pirangut. From there, get a local car or cab to the campsite.
- For the off-road part, it’s best to have your car or drive yourself.
Booking the Campsite
You can’t just turn up at this exclusive campsite.
Call to get authorization and make reservations:
Bavdhane Pandharinath: 9145238788
Call ahead to confirm your dates and for directions to the backwater entry point. The owner is helpful, and the facility is clean and well-kept.
What to Bring: Items in the Category
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Camping Essentials | Tent, sleeping bag, mat |
| Clothing | Warm layers (it gets cold post-midnight), thermals in winter |
| Food | Carry your own snacks, cooking supplies, or ready-to-eat meals |
| Light | Headlamps, lanterns (there’s no electricity at the site) |
| Safety | First aid kit, insect repellent, warm socks |
| Entertainment | A guitar if you play, a portable speaker, card games |
| Photography | Camera or phone with night mode—you’ll want to capture that moonrise |
Also read the Camping Gear Guide
Campfire Tips
The location usually has wood, but check with the owner first to be sure. If you want to ignite the campfire yourself, bring fire starters. And please don’t leave any evidence. This is a clean, secluded place. Don’t let it get dirty.
Is Full Moon Camping at Temghar Dam Right for You?
Yes, if you:
- Want to tent in a quiet, strange place away from other people?
- I love the thought of waking up to a sunrise across the dam.
- Want to experience nature for real without the resort package?
- Are okay with limited amenities and the rough outdoors
Think twice if you:
- Need full facilities (there is no electricity and only rudimentary toilet access)
- Are you going camping alone for the first time and don’t know what to do?
- Want a camping event that is well-planned and organized
Why Temghar Dam Needs More Love
The problem about places like Temghar Dam is that they stay mystical since not many people know about them.
Pune’s camping industry is growing quickly, and more and more travelers want real, unique experiences instead of packaged trips. Full moon camping near Temghar Dam is the perfect example of this. The dam itself is a working water source for the city of Pune, which means that the area around it is mostly undisturbed, clean, and quite beautiful.
You can’t plan for the fireflies, the moonrise over the backwaters, the quiet at 3 AM, or the walk at sunrise. They happen when you come with an open mind and a sense of adventure.
That night at Temghar Dam made me remember why I think so strongly that life is a never-ending vacation. It’s not because you’re always on the go; it’s because if you look for them, you’ll always find moments like these.
See our video of camping at Temghar Dam under the full moon.
Want to see everything before you make plans to go? On the Life is an Endless Vacation YouTube channel, I recorded everything that happened, from the junk food party to the moonrise to the firefly to the morning.
Watch: Full Moon Camping at Temghar Dam | Junk Food Party | Life is an Endless Vacation
Final Thoughts
Camping near Temghar Dam with the full moon is more than just a camping excursion. It’s a new start. It’s a reminder that Pune has some amazing natural gems just two hours away; you just have to know where to look.
Go on a night when the moon is full. Bring delicious cuisine. Set up a campfire. See the moon rise over the backwaters. And if you’re lucky, which I hope you are, the fireflies will come out too.
Believe me. You won’t forget it.
Do you have any questions regarding camping near Temghar Dam during the full moon? Please leave them in the comments below. I read every one. I’d also like to hear your experience if you’ve been to Temghar Dam.
Until next time, keep exploring and asking questions.