Maharana Pratap Sagar Sanctuary, situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, is a lake sanctuary nestled in the snow robed mountains of the Himalayas. It spans over an area of 450 square kilometres and lies towards the southwest of Dharamsala. In the year 1983 the region around the lake Maharana Pratap Sagar was notified as a wildlife sanctuary. It has been named after the Rajput ruler of Mewar Maharana Pratap. It is located at an altitude of 1476 feet above the mean sea level. The sanctuary has earned fame owing to the vast variety of gorgeous winged species which flock around the sanctuary. It is also adorned with sprawling greenery. The scenic landscapes of the Maharana Pratap Sagar Sanctuary enthral the nature lovers and photographers.
Birds of Maharana Pratap Sagar Sanctuary
Maharana Pratap Sagar Sanctuary host a wide array of avian population including Lack-Headed Gulls, Ducks, Water Fowl Egrets, Red Necked Grebes, Terns, Plovers, Surkhab and others. About 220 species of birds have been spotted here. Numerous migratory ducks hailing from Siberia can be spotted here in the swamp and shallow regions of the lake. Dense alpine forests form an exquisite backdrop for the sanctuary. The place also offers panoramic view of the green Kangra Valley and snowy Dhauladhar Ranges. Flora and fauna of the region exhibit a great diversity. It is the home to wild animals like Black Buck, Cheetals, Leopards, Wild Boar, Barking Deer and many more. The sanctuary is the abode of 27 varieties of fishes. There is an island located in the lake known as Ransar Island which is the treasure house of rich Himalayan flora and fauna. The island is dominated by Black Bucks and Cheetals.
Visiting Information
Maharana Pratap Sagar Sanctuary offers a delightful opportunity for trekking as it hosts a number of trekking trails with varying difficulty owing to the terrains. Water sports can also be greatly enjoyed here such as canoeing, water skiing, sailing, rowing and swimming. Angling is also preferred here due to the abundant fish population. Between the months of November and March, vibrant assortment of birds can be seen. Nearby attractions of the sanctuary include the Haripur Fort and the Masroor rock-cut temples. The lush greenery and sparkling water of the Maharana Pratap Sagar Sanctuary makes it a fascinating tourist destination.
