Pong Dam, Kangra Overview

Built on the Beas River in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh, Pong Dam Lake is an earthfill reservoir constructed for generating hydroelectricity and for irrigation purposes. Constructed in 1975, the dam is based on the foothills of the Shivaliks. Also known as the Beas Dam, Maharana Pratap Sagar and Pong Reservoir, the region boasts of rich wildlife and is a breeding ground of commercially viable fish. The reservoir is home to a large number of birds and hence, has been converted into a Bird Sanctuary. The region has been declared as one of the 27 international wetland sites by Ramsar Conventions owing to its rich wildlife and vegetation cover.

Places to Visit at Pong Dam

Maharana Pratap Bird Sanctuary

The Pong Reservoir, known as Maharana Pratap Sagar, formed by the accumulated water of the dam, was declared as a bird sanctuary in 1983 due to its waterfowl diversity. It is home to several species of avifauna some of which include Barheaded Geese, Red-neck Grebe, northern lapwing, common teal, spot-billed duck, Eurasian coot, black stork, egrests etc. Sprawling over an area of over 240 kms, the lake is also an important fish reservoir that acts as a fish breeding ground for commercial purposes. Besides the regular bird watchers, the place is also frequented by photographers and nature lovers.

Activities at Pong Dam

1. Water Sports

The reservoir and the dam have a booming tourism industry. It has a water sports centre which offers water sports and activities like boating, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, sailing, water skiing, swimming etc. You can also take a course at the centre depending on the difficulty level you want to learn.

Water Sports at Maharana Pratap Sagar — (Source)

2. Birdwatching

Pong Dam is also a hub for migratory birds who visit here every season- summer or winter, depending on their nature. The reservoir behind the dam- Maharana Pratap Sagar has been especially converted into a bird sanctuary for the same reason. The number of migratory birds and waterfowl species visiting the region has increased significantly over the years. This has also encouraged the eco-tourism industry; more than five thousand tourists visit the sanctuary during the winter season annually.

3. Fishing

The lake at Pong Dam is an ideal breeding ground for fish. Some of the common fish found here include mahseer, catla, singhara, mirror carp etc. Fish from here is caught and sold on a commercial scale. Fishing is also a popular recreational activity in the area. You will find several tourists with a fish stick and a hook trying their hand at fishing or angling.

4. Trekking

The dam and the lake is enveloped in verdant green vegetation. The dense forest cover has mixed deciduous and perennial pine forest. There are several clear trails where you can embark on a trek or a hiking expedition. Several camping packages offer trekking and camping facilities which you can avail. You can also go on a guided tour of the area which comes along with the package.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Pong Dam is during winters. It is the season where the population of migratory birds is the maximum. So most tourists, especially birdwatchers visit during the winter months of November, December and January. However, summer season also experiences a large tourist influx as most water sports and annual competitions are held around this time of the year.

How To Reach Pong Dam

The nearest airport to Pong Dam is Gaggal Airport located in Kangra which is barely 75 kms from the destination. The nearest railway station is Pathankot, also at an approx. distance of 70 km from Pong Dam. Regular buses also ply from Kangra to Pong Dam on an everyday basis.