 One of the foremost wildlife parks in Punjab is Hari-ke-pattan, Tarn Taran district in Amritsar. It is also a well known national wetland. This particular place is famous for the migratory birds. There are almost 350 species here. They start to flock into the wetland area from November onwards. Hari-ke-pattan is one of the most important lakes in India and it becomes a safe haven for the migratory birds from Siberia. For nature lovers it would be absolutely wonderful to witness these special guests and feel gleeful at their chirpy welcome. This ancient site is the confluence where the rivers Ravi and Beas converge. It also supports the existence of certain wildlife as well.
For a nature lover the next destination in Punjab will be Kanjli Wetland, Kapurthala. This place is situated on the banks of river Sutlej. It had been created after forming a barrage on Kali Bein, a river. The rivulets discharging into this river has given rise to a lake and it exists even today. To the left of the lake lies the lush green forest that presents a completely different facet of Punjab. While on one hand the state is known for its green fields and fertility, the forest, fertile too, is quite difficult to explore. The interested tourists will even find it intriguing. Although the number of wildlife is scarce but during winter the place comes alive with the chirping of the birds. Kanjli Wetland is abundantly blessed with scenic beauty and hence it can be aptly used as a picnic spot or the visitors can take a smoothly glide over the waters of the lake by riding a boat. 
At Ropar, too, there is a lake that is situated within the wetland. The migratory birds are known to flock here as well. This place is popularly known as Sutlej Water Body Wetland. More than 250 kinds of birds are found here. Apart from nature tourists the adventure lovers will also be lured by the wetland. Outdoor activities, such as, canoeing, boating, angling, swimming and kayaking are possible.
Zoological Park Chhatbir is situated at a distance of 20 kilometers from Chandigarh and 55 km from Patiala. The zoo covers an area of 202 acres of scrubland. The tourists can check out 52 kinds of wild species and 62 species of birds. This place is known for lion safaris.
The state of Punjab is also blessed with a number of gardens. Foremost amongst these is the Bansar Garden, Sangrur. This tourist place is accessible from Chandigarh, Patiala, Bathinda and Ludhiana. The major attraction in this garden is the marble Baradari i.e. a building with 12 doors. Besides the visitors can take a look at the zoo, the walking trails, its plantation and an old Diwan Khana, presently turned into a museum. This museum is situated in the middle of a pool. Although now it is a museum as a Diwan Khana it was decorated with marble slabs and laid with 4 towers as well. The path leading to Baradari is further made interesting and charming by building a bridge that leads to the marble gate. Aam Khas Bagh, Sirhind is reachable from Patiala and Chandigarh along the rail line. Initially it was built by Akbar but the later Mughal Kings, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, beautified it as well. When it was built the garden was divided into two segments- the Aam (public) and the Khas (Emperor or the royal family). the garden was then adorned with some rare species of plants and these are still available here. Another garden in Punjab that deserves mention is the Ram Bagh in Amritsar. This is located in the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The garden is exquisitely designed with fountains, colorful fish, herbal plants and coniferous trees. Some of these are not native to Punjab let alone its gardens. The title of best garden has been conferred upon the Ram Bagh. 
The rulers of Kapurthala had provided the province with a breathing space in the form of Shalimar Garden. It is a charmingly laid out garden with swimming pools and mausoleums of the rulers. It is a perfect place to stroll peacefully and steal a handful of quiet minutes with oneself. The travelers can also spend their leisurely time here.
Last but not the least the Bara Dari Garden in Patiala was once upon a time a favorite haunt for foreigners and VIPs. Hence one would come across huge colonial mansions with compounds. With so many beautiful places to behold the nature tourism will surely find tourists who will be more than pleased to explore these wonderful locations. |
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