Tungarli Lake / Dam in Lonavala

Tungarli Lake

Lonavala has tons of lakes and ponds; some natural ones and several ones created due to the innumerable dams built in this area. One such lake known as Tungarli lake is formed by a small dam. Calling this a lake would be geographically incorrect usage of the term "lake". At best it can be said to be a pond since it's size seems to be quite small even though the rainy season was just ending. I doubt the water will exist even beyond winter.

It's about 4 kms from Lonavala. The approach road is a narrow one and uphill enough. It's probably tarred because some resort have opened here near the lake. While on the road you will encounter the dam wall. Its quite old and was probably built during the British era.

Once near the lake there is plenty of evidence of human litter, some eatable bags and plates; plastics and all but this was still minimal. The main problem is innumerable glass shards of broken bottles all obviously alcoholic. I think going in the lake barefoot will surely leave you bruised in several places. In case you plan to spend the time here, search for a place not littered with glass for your safety. Better still clean the place for yourself. I think the other bank of the lake could be much more cleaner than this place since this is the first point of contact.
Inspite of all this the place is still not that dirty, still visitable.


Lake view from the road:









The opposite bank has a good forest cover and is possibly devoid of much human intervention. Also towards the right are the walls of the dam.






Facing the lake on opposite site of the road should have been a once nice view with natural beauty; now its completely artificial beauty thanks to the innumerable bungalows.






We were here at midday and it was extremely hot, so no sign of anyone here other than some school children walking along the road and a couple of youngsters drinking. This ensured complete silence and peacefulness in the area. The heat did not allow us to stay here long and there weren't many trees around either, so we left in about 10 minutes.

Tiger Valley:

Next we visited Tiger valley for a few photography sessions the results of which were good enough. It was sunny this time unlike last year when it was rainy. Since it was quite hot, we first had sugarcane juice and then proceeded to the Tiger valley garden.













Ifrahim trying friendship:

Amrutanjan Point:

Final stop on the list was this point. Here the old highway, new expressway as well as the railway line converge at a point. Also from here the Duke' nose is seen at a distance though not so clearly.