"Witness diverse wildlife in a serene environment."
The Pong Lake Sanctuary, also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar, is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Spread over an area of 307 square kilometers, this wildlife sanctuary is named after the Pong Dam, which created the reservoir that serves as a habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.
The Pong Lake Sanctuary is situated at an average altitude of 450 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas on one side and the Shivalik Hills on the other. The sanctuary is located approximately 450 kilometers from Delhi and 120 kilometers from Chandigarh, making it easily accessible by road.
The Pong Lake Sanctuary is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day of the week.
The entry fee for the Pong Lake Sanctuary is INR 50 for Indian nationals and INR 200 for foreign tourists.
The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Some of the commonly spotted animals include sambhar deer, barking deer, wild boar, and various species of birds such as bar-headed geese, common coots, and black-headed gulls.
Visitors to the Pong Lake Sanctuary can enjoy activities such as bird watching, nature walks, and boat rides on the lake. The sanctuary also offers jeep safaris for a closer look at the wildlife.
The charges for a jeep safari in the Pong Lake Sanctuary are INR 500 per person.
Children below the age of 5 are allowed free entry to the sanctuary. The entry fee for males and females above the age of 5 is INR 50.
Senior citizens above the age of 60 are eligible for a 50% discount on the entry fee to the sanctuary.
The best time to visit the Pong Lake Sanctuary is during the winter months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the migratory birds arrive at the lake.
Some of the nearby places to visit from the Pong Lake Sanctuary include the Baijnath Temple, Kangra Fort, and Masroor Rock Cut Temple.
The sanctuary provides ample parking space for visitors who arrive by their own vehicles. Parking facilities are available at a nominal fee.
Visitors are advised to follow certain rules and regulations while visiting the Pong Lake Sanctuary. Littering is strictly prohibited, and smoking or alcohol consumption is not allowed within the premises. It is also recommended to maintain silence and not disturb the wildlife.
The Pong Lake Sanctuary can be reached by road from major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla. The nearest railway station is in Pathankot, which is approximately 80 kilometers away. The closest airport is in Kangra, around 60 kilometers from the sanctuary.
Overall, the Pong Lake Sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat amidst nature for wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, and nature lovers.
