Introduction

The Maharana Pratap Sagar was formerly called the Pong Dam Reservoir and this water-body came into being when the Pong Dam was built. This is 55 km. from Dharamsala and the shimmering waters of the reservoir are visible from parts of McLeodganj. Over the river Beas, this has an area of about 45, 000 hectares at maximum flooding.

In 1983, this was declared a wildlife sanctuary and this water body acts as a stopover for a range of migratory birds - especially from Siberia. 220 species belonging to 54 families have been sighted; these include black-headed gulls, plovers, terns, ducks, water-fowl and egrets - and the first sighting in the region of the red-necked grebe, was made at the Sagar. Its location at the head of the Indian plains has made it a suitable habitat and stopover for migratory birds that enter India from Central Asia.

Twenty-seven species and sub-species of fish belonging to six families have been recorded in these waters. Some of the important commercial varieties are - Labeo dero (Gid), Labeo rohita, Labeo calbasu, Tor putitora( Mahsir), and Mystus seenghala ( Singhara).The land portion of the sanctuary that adjoins the waters holds deer, ‘sambar’, wild boars, ‘nilgai’, leopards and claw-less otters. The land portion of the sanctuary that adjoins the waters holds deer, ‘sambar’, wild boars, ‘nilgai’, leopards and claw-less otters.

The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports has a branch at the Sagar and activities include swimming, water-skiing, surfing, kayaking, rowing, canoeing and sailing. The small town’s placed on this wetland's periphery are Dehra Gopipur, Jawali, Sansarpur Terrace, Dada Siba and Nagrota Surian. The temple at Dada Siba has some superb examples of Kangra wall paintings.

Special Attributes

One of the finest places in north India for bird watching

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Comfortable

Connectivity

Buses and taxis.

Enjoyed by

Nature and art buffs

Exposure

Heavy exposure during the summer months

Avoidable Season

Mid-summer months

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Plan this as at least a full-day excursion

Type of site

Lake