Maharana Pratap Sagar
Details: Maharana Pratap Sagar, widely known as the Pong Dam Lake, is a massive man-made reservoir created in 1975 on the Beas River. It is one of the largest wetlands in North India and was designated as a Ramsar Site in 2002. The lake covers an area of nearly 24,000 hectares and is surrounded by the picturesque Shivalik hills. This destination is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers, as it attracts over 220 species of migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia during the winter months. The sight of thousands of Bar-headed Geese landing on the water is truly mesmerizing. Apart from its ecological importance, the lake offers various water sports activities like boating, rowing, and sailing. The serene blue waters against the backdrop of the snow-capped Dhauladhars create a stunning visual contrast. The area around the lake is also a designated Wildlife Sanctuary, home to animals like the Barking Deer and Sambar. Visitors can explore the many small islands within the lake, some of which house ancient temples like Bathu ki Ladi that remain submerged for most of the year. The dam itself is an engineering marvel, being the highest earth-fill dam in India. It serves the dual purpose of irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The surrounding villages offer a glimpse into the local Himachali lifestyle. Whether you are looking for adventure or a peaceful escape, Pong Dam provides a perfect setting for a day trip from Kangra.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
4 to 6 HoursPlace Type:
Wetland & AdventureEntry Fees:
Entry Fees:
Nominal Charges: Entry to the lake area is usually free, but there are charges for vehicles: 100 INR for cars and 20 INR for bikes.
Water Sports: Activities like boating can cost between 200 to 5...Entry Fees:
Nominal Charges: Entry to the lake area is usually free, but there are charges for vehicles: 100 INR for cars and 20 INR for bikes.
Water Sports: Activities like boating can cost between 200 to 500 INR depending on the duration.
Fishing Permit: A daily permit for angling costs around 50 to 100 INR from the fisheries department.
Camera Fee: While personal mobile photography is free, professional cameras may be charged 50 INR in some sanctuary zones.Timing:
Timings:
Regular Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit for birdwatching is early morning around 7:00 AM.
Ideal Visit Time: November to February for migratory birds and March to June for visiting...Timings:
Regular Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit for birdwatching is early morning around 7:00 AM.
Ideal Visit Time: November to February for migratory birds and March to June for visiting the submerged temples. The water sports center operates mostly during the daytime. Access to the dam top might be restricted during high-security alerts or heavy rains. It is advisable to reach the lake by noon to have enough time for boating and exploring the shorelines.Special Events:
Special Event:
Bird Census Week: Every January, the forest department organizes a bird census which is a major event for environmentalists and students.
Maharana Pratap Jayanti: In May, the birth anniversary...Special Event:
Bird Census Week: Every January, the forest department organizes a bird census which is a major event for environmentalists and students.
Maharana Pratap Jayanti: In May, the birth anniversary of the great warrior is celebrated with local fairs and cultural programs.
Water Sports Competitions: State-level rowing and sailing championships are often held here during the spring season. These events attract athletes and tourists from across the country, making the lake area vibrant and festive.Best Photo Spots:
Photo Spots:
Dam Viewpoint: The top of the dam offers a symmetrical view of the blue reservoir on one side and the green valley on the other.
Bathu ki Ladi Arches: The stone arches of the submerged temples p...Photo Spots:
Dam Viewpoint: The top of the dam offers a symmetrical view of the blue reservoir on one side and the green valley on the other.
Bathu ki Ladi Arches: The stone arches of the submerged temples provide a frame for the lake behind them.
Migratory Bird Clouds: Capture the moment when thousands of birds take flight together against the sunset.
Ransar Island: The dense trees and lake views from the island are perfect for nature photography.
Sunset Point at Dehra: The reflection of the orange sky on the vast water body is a classic shot for any photographer.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Activities:
Boating: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the vast expanse of the lake.
Birdwatching: Use binoculars to spot rare migratory birds like the Pintail and Northern Shoveler.
Water Sports: Participate in kayaking, rowing, or sailing at the Water Sports Centre.
Angling: The lake is famous for Mahseer fishing, though permits are required.
Photography: Capture the reflection of the Dhauladhar peaks in the still waters of the reservoir.
Visit Bathu ki Ladi: If visiting in summer, take a jeep ride to see the ancient stone temples.
Camping: Several sites around the lake offer lakeside camping under the stars.
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Information
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Why Famous:
Famous For:
Birdwatching Hub: Maharana Pratap Sagar is world-famous as a sanctuary for migratory birds. It is the only place in India where you can see such large congregations of Bar-headed Geese. The lake is also famous for the Bathu ki ...Famous For:
Birdwatching Hub: Maharana Pratap Sagar is world-famous as a sanctuary for migratory birds. It is the only place in India where you can see such large congregations of Bar-headed Geese. The lake is also famous for the Bathu ki Ladi temples, a cluster of 8th-century stone temples that emerge from the water only during the summer when the water level recedes. These "submerged temples" attract thousands of tourists and history buffs every year. Furthermore, the Regional Water Sports Centre located here is a major hub for training in kayaking and canoeing. It is a premier destination for eco-tourism in Himachal Pradesh. -
Architecture:
Architecture:
Earth-fill Dam Marvel: The Pong Dam is a massive earth-fill embankment dam with a height of 133 meters and a length of 1,951 meters. The architecture focuses on hydraulic efficiency and structural stability to manage the vast ...Architecture:
Earth-fill Dam Marvel: The Pong Dam is a massive earth-fill embankment dam with a height of 133 meters and a length of 1,951 meters. The architecture focuses on hydraulic efficiency and structural stability to manage the vast volume of the Beas River. The dam features a gated chute spillway on the left bank, designed to handle a maximum flood discharge of over 4 lakh cubic feet per second. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 8,570 million cubic meters, making it one of the largest in the country. The intake structures and the power plant are examples of 20th-century industrial architecture. The surrounding embankments are reinforced with boulders and greenery to prevent erosion and blend with the natural landscape. -
How To Reach:
How to Reach:
By Air: Gaggal Airport is about 75 KMS away from the main dam site.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Pathankot Cantt, located 70 KMS away. There are also local stations like Jawali on ... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Masroor Rock Cut Temple (30 KMS), 2. Jawalamukhi Temple (40 KMS), 3. Kangra Fort (52 KMS), 4. Brajeshwari Temple (53 KMS), 5. Haripur Guler (15 KMS), 6. Pragpur Heritage Village (35 KMS), 7. Dada Siba Temple (20 KMS), 8. Kaleshwar Mahadev (25 KMS), 9. Chintpurni Temple (55 KMS), 10. Nurpur Fort (65 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Tourism Tips:
Carry Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars is a must to enjoy the birdlife from a distance.
Safety First: Always wear life jackets while boating as the lake is very deep in some parts.
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(28+) of Himachal Pradesh. Has Been Added :-
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Akhara BazaarBasheshwar Mahadev TempleBijli Mahadev TempleDechen Choekhor MahaviharaDhakpo Shedrupling MonasteryBir Tibetan ColonyChamunda Devi TempleChokling MonasteryChowgan Tea GardensDeer Park InstituteKotla FortMaharana Pratap Sagar Masroor Rock Cut TempleNaddi View PointSita PaaniShiv MandirTosh VillageTosh WaterfallsMore PlacesNote:-
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