Constructed over the mighty Beas river upstream of Talwara in Himachal Pradesh, the Pong Dam is one of the most beautiful embankments in India. Apart from supplying the surrounding areas with irrigation water, this dam boasts stunning environs that have captured tourist interest for decades. It is, undoubtedly, one of the few uncrowded places where nature’s beauty goes hand in hand with adventurous opportunities for tourists. The primary reasons for Pong Dam being a tourist attraction include the neighboring Maharana Pratap Sagar lake and lush forests surrounding it.
Following the independence of India, the Indus Water Treaty was signed between it and Pakistan. This granted India exclusive access to three significant Indus tributaries – The Beas, Sutlej, and Ravi. India embanked the Beas with the multipurpose Pong dam. Till date, the dam supports irrigation and hydroelectric power generation
The Punjab Government, in 1926, conducted extensive surveys of the Indus river and its tributaries. Being one of the most important of Indus’ branches, the Beas river received special attention and was considered appropriate for dam construction. By 1927, the creation of the Pong Dam had been ordered.
Designing of the dam completed by 1955 and construction by 1974. As a result, the people of the Kangra district were blessed with an adequate source of irrigation water. Later, with the commissioning of the hydroelectric power unit, the importance of the Pong Dam increased further.
The height of this earth-fill embankment dam is close to 133 m, while the width at the bottom remains 610 m. Currently, the Pong dam is the highest earth-fill dam in India. The dam’s spillway is controlled by six radial gates affixed on the southern side of it. The base of the dam contains a powerhouse equipped with a Francis turbine generator that receives water through three penstocks. This system is within Bhatoli phakorian.
The dam’s construction became the reason for the formation of the utterly beautiful Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake. Known widely as the Pong Reservoir or the Pong Dam Lake, it is one of the leading causes of tourist interest in the area. The lake overlooks the majestic Shivalik hills and is surrounded by forests that add an incredible dash of nature to this place.
The Dhauladhar mountains ensconce the Pong dam lake from all sides. Since the lake is an extension of the perennial Beas river that flows from the Rohtang Pass, it contains water throughout the year. Also, the Pong Dam ensures adequate water levels in the lake at all times.
For its rich waterfowl diversity and property of conserving wetlands sustainably, the Pong Dam lake was named a Ramsar Wetland site a few years ago. This international recognition has boosted tourism in the area further. Once you witness the Pong Dam lake’s serenity with your eyes, you will understand the reason it deserved the Ramsar recognition. If tempted, stay to watch the sky being colored in auburn hues during sunrise and sunset off the lake’s coast.
Heavy eco-tourism dominates this area because of its favorable topography and weather. Due to the extensive tourism opportunities here, you will never find yourself short of things to do when you visit the Pong Dam.
Since it is located in the trans-Himalayan fly path of various migratory birds, tourists who come here witness vibrantly colored birds flocking in and around the lake. These migratory birds include bar-headed geese, ansur indicus, northern pintail, common teal, ruddy shelduck, and Eurasian coot. Most tourists enjoy camping on the shores of the lake while watching the birds. You can also enjoy an intimate picnic or a calm boat ride to witness the avian life of the Pong Dam Lake. If you want to enjoy bird watching at its finest, arrive at this place in the winter months and take a boat to the magnificent Ransar Islands.
The vibrant ecosystem of the lake facilitates thriving water life. You can fish to entertain yourself at the Pong Dam lake. Fish species such as mahseer, Catla, mirror carp, and singhara are the most populous in this lake. Due to the wide variety of fishes available in this lake, a total of 1500 professional fishers also find their livelihood here. Your fishing experience will be even more enriched if you collaborate with the local fishermen.
The forests that surround the Pong Dam lake bear animals like sambar deer, leopards, wild boars, cobras, monkeys, and langurs. Go on a guided tour of the forests or hike on the green trails that cut through them to enjoy nature and its miracles.
Since the water of the lake is a pleasant temperature for most of the year, those of you who can’t imagine a perfect vacation void of adventure can enjoy a range of exciting watersports. These include activities like canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, sailing, and swimming. Situated in an area of the lake where waterfowl is scarce, the Ransar island is a hub for most water sport activities. The exquisite coastline of the Pong Dam reservoir will create the perfect mesh of adventure and aesthetic for you as you enjoy your choice of water sports.
Trekking is a popular activity in the region because of the verdant green vegetation that surrounds this lake. The deciduous and perennial pine forests of the area make hiking, trekking, and cycling immensely enjoyable. Recently, new cycling trails have been constructed around the river for tourists who desire a morning jog or a cycling tour of the dam. You may either go on a guided hiking or trekking expedition or choose to camp in the forests for a thrilling vacation.
Pong Dam is a favored spot for history, art and architecture lovers because of its proximity to several forts and temples. Explore the below-mentioned places for an unforgettable vacation full of variety.
The Chintpurni temple is one of the 51 Shakti peethas of India. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims offer their prayers in the intimate sanctum sanctorum of this temple. If you visit this temple in the Hindu month of Shravan (June-July), you will witness a grand fete organized by locals. Come here to meditate in peace or participate in the unique worshipping rituals of the temple.
Having witnessed countless invasions, rulers and dynasties, the Kangra Fort stands tall as a reminder of Indian grandeur. It is the most massive fort in the Himalayan foothills and was built during the reign of the ancient Trigarta kingdom. Take a quick detour from the Pong dam to arrive at the Kangra fort to satisfy your inner history buff.
The Jwala Devi temple is another temple where you can offer prayers to the goddess Shakti, the origin of all power, according to Hindu myths. Unlike other Hindu temples, it does not have an idol. Instead, a perpetual oil lamp burns here. This lamp does not source oil from outside and is considered to be the Goddess’ blessing.
Traditional Himachali cuisine is famous in the villages and towns that surround the Pong dam reservoir. You can try dishes like pakoras, dal makhani, mash dal, mittha, and chana gosht. You can also try dishes made using the exotic fish found in the lake. While there are few options for fine dining enthusiasts, indulging yourself in local dishes and street food will prove fulfilling for you.
The annual water sports Regatta Gala organized at the Pong Dam lake is an extravagant festival that attracts sportspeople from around the world. Many visits to absorb the beautiful surroundings while others participate in the competitions held as a part of the Regatta. The nearby areas of Dharamshala and Kangra celebrate festivals like Holi, Eid, New Years’ Day, and Guru Nanak Jayanti. During these festivals, the humdrum and vibrancy of the Pong Dam will captivate you.
The dam itself does not have many shopping options around it, but the bustling markets of the nearby towns certainly make up for the shortcoming. You can shop for Tibetan textiles and art, local handicrafts, sculptures, and woolens. Fishing and swimming gear is also available at specialized shops.
You can use cameras and mobile phones freely around Pong Dam. If you visit the nearby towns or head to some museums or religious sites, take the utmost care to check with the authorities before carrying a camera or a phone with you.
With its radiant surroundings and picturesque outlook, the Pong Dam will give you an unrivaled vacation. It is the perfect mixture of nature and adventure in a paradisiacal location. Whether you wish for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family time, spend your next holiday at the Pong dam and be mesmerized by nature’s beauty.
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