Ramsar International wetland -Pong dam lake (Maharana Pratap Sagar)
Pong Dam Lake was declared a Ramsar Wetland site on account of its rich waterfowl diversity for conservation and sustainable use of the wetland. This recognition was based on a proposal formulated by the Himachal State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Shimla submitted to the Ramsar Bureau, Switzerland through the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests of the Government of India
Bird Sanctuary – The reservoir was declared as a bird sanctuary in 1983. A 5-kilometre (3.1 mi) belt from the periphery of the lake has been declared as buffer zone for the management of the bird sanctuary. The national, as well as international, significance of the sanctuary is enhanced because of its waterfowl diversity, which was evidenced by the increase of water fowl species from 39 prior to the reservoir to 54 species at post-reservoir stage. The number of birds reported, particularly during the winter period of November to March, has steadily increased over the years. The recent records indicate a water fowl count of 155,000 migratory birds. The main bird species reported are the barheaded geese, Anser indicus, northern lapwing, ruddy shelduck, northern pintail, common teal, spot-billed duck, Eurasian coot, red-necked grebe, black-headed gulls, plovers, black stork, terns, water-fowl and egrets.
Rancer Island – A beautiful small Island in the middle of Pong lake is an ideal place to explore the nature. It is located at just 8 kms from Saidham farm. We will help to arrange a boat to reach to this beautiful Island.
Masroor temples (A Cultural Heritage declared by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI))- Also known as architectural marvel of north India or Ellora of north India, Masroor temples present an exception to the monolithic rock-cut temple architecture. Located in the Dhauladhar range of lower Himalayan region, Masoor temples are the only example of monolithic rock-cut temples in the sub-Himalayan region. More significantly, they are the only example of Nagara style temple built as the rock-cut construction. Masroor temples are a unique permutation of form and construction method. It is located at just 7 kms from Saidham farm.
Mcloedganj – Mcleodganj is a hill station near Dharamshala, popular among trekkers. Its culture is a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence.Also known as Little Lhasa and famous around the world for being home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Mcleodganj is a beautiful town situated near upper Dharamsala. Nestled amidst majestic hills and lush greenery, this town is culturally blessed by a prominent Tibetan influence owing to the major settlement of Tibetans here. Mcleodganj has one of the most mesmerising landscapes in the entire state of Himachal Pradesh and attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. Tourists also visit the scenic Dal Lake and Triund, which are apt for quiet picnics.
Water sports – A regional water-sports centre has been established in the Pong Dam Reservoir, which offers focused activities such as canoeing, rowing, sailing, and water skiing, apart from swimming. Training programs are organized in water safety and rescue measures with three-tier water-sports courses: the basic course, intermediate course, and advanced course. To know more about the institute please visit the website of the institute:
Bathu Temples (Bathu ki Ladi) – These temples were submerged in Maharana Pratap Sagar, a reservoir created by Pong dam in early 1970s. Since then these temples are approachable only in months of May–June when the water level decreases. These temples are approachable by boat from Sai Dham Farm, Nagrota Surian. Despite being submerged in water for such a long period, you won’t notice any major damage in the structure of the temple. It is because the temple is made up of a powerful stone called ‘bathu’.
