Introduction

A 60 kilometer (37.5 miles) drive south of Amritsar brings one to a picturesque water body - Harike Lake. A manmade lake, it was the result of a barrage built downstream of the confluence of rivers Sutlej and Beas near the town of Harike in 1953. The idea behind the project was to store and provide irrigation and drinking water to parts of southern Punjab and adjoining Rajasthan. A happy coincidence was that the lake became a fine waterfowl habitat in due course of time. Declared a bird sanctuary in 1982, it was designated as a Ramsar Site in 1990.

Today it plays summer home to migratory birds from places like Siberia, Eastern Europe, China, Central Asia and Ladakh, apart from being home to many avian species round the year.

A combination of the main reservoir adjoining the barrage, and marshy islands, the wetland plays a major role in maintaining the hydrological balance in the catchment area of the Sutlej and Beas River systems. It also provides excellent habitat to endangered species such as the testudine turtle and the smooth Indian otter, both of which are listed in the IUCN Redlist of Threatened Animals.

A vital source of water and fish for the people of Punjab, in recent years it was in danger of being overrun by water hyacinth. The Army launched a massive operation to rid the lake of the weed. The lake is back to its appealing best for its winged visitors that include Cotton Pygmy Goose, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, Yellow-eyed Pigeon, Watercock, Pallas's Gull, Brown-headed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Indian Skimmer, White-winged Tern, White-rumped Vulture, Black-necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, White-browed Fantail, White-crowned Penduline Tit and the Sulphur-bellied Warbler among a host of others. The mammals found at Harike include the Smooth Indian Otter, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Indian Wild Boar and the Common Mongoose.

Another little known fact about Harike town nearby is that it is the birthplace of the second Sikh Guru - Angad Dev back in the 14th century. The local gurudwara on the bank of Harike Lake offers a great view of the largest freshwater wetlands in Northern India.

Special Attributes

Ramsar Site

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Taxi is an option

Enjoyed by

Bird watchers and nature lovers

Exposure

Carry a cap/hat and a pair of sunglasses

Avoidable Season

May, June

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Carry a pair of binoculars for bird watching.

Type of site

Bird Sanctuary