In Himachal Pradesh, there are many places that attract a large number of visitors from around the world. Kinnaur, Chamba, Shimla, Dharamshala, Kasol, etc. receive visitors throughout the season. But there is a district, Kangra, that has many places to offer in the background of the Dhauladhar range. Pong lake, a reservoir, is one such unexplored location built on the Beas River.
Pong Lake, or Maharana Pratap Sagar, named in honor of Maharana Pratap, is one of the 49 international wetland sites in India. It was designated as a Ramsar site in November 2002.
Pong Reservoir, as a source of fish, attracts a large number of migratory birds in the winter season. 220 species belonging to 54 families travel from as far as Siberia and the Hindukush Mountains to avoid the harsh winters of the north.
The reservoir is rich in flora and fauna. Understanding its ecological importance, the Himachal government declared the entire reservoir a wildlife sanctuary in 1983.
In 1994, the reservoir was elevated to a “wetland of National importance”.
Flora:
The lake is surrounded by a dense forest cover, which includes trees such as sal, khair, sissoo, shisham, neem, jamun, eucalyptus, and acacia. There are also several aquatic and marshy plants found in the lake, including species of water lily, lotus, hyacinth, and duckweed.
Fauna:
Pong Lake is home to a large number of migratory and resident birds, making it a popular destination for bird watchers. Some of the commonly sighted species include the bar-headed goose, Brahminy duck, common teal, pintail, common pochard, northern shoveler, and gadwall. The lake also supports several species of fish, including rohu, catla, mrigal, and common carp, which provide a livelihood for the local fishing community.
Around the reservoir, water sports activities like sailing, rowing, and canoeing are organized to promote tourism. You can go paddling to feel the scenic beauty of the lake. During certain seasons, a large number of bird watchers come to photograph the area.
How to reach Pong lake
By Road:
Pong Dam is well connected by road. One can easily take a bus or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Pathankot, Kangra, Dharamshala, and Palampur. The nearest major town is Nagrota Bagwan, which is located about 10 kilometers from Pong Dam.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Pong Dam is Nagrota Bagwan, which is located on the Pathankot-Joginder Nagar narrow gauge line. One can easily take a train from nearby cities like Pathankot, Kangra, and Palampur to Nagrota Bagwan. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pong Dam.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Pong Dam is the Gaggal Airport, also known as the Kangra Airport, which is located about 40 km away. One can easily take a flight from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh to Kangra Airport. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pong Dam.