National Parks In India

Harike Wetland National Park

Hari-ke-pattan, commonly famous as Harike wetland is the biggest wetland in the northern India. It is located in Tarn Taran Sahib District, Punjab. In the year 1953 the head works over the Sutlej River was constructed which led to the formation of the Harike wetland and the Harike lake (situated in the depth of the wetland).the wetland has been acknowledged by the Ramasar Convention for its rich biodiversity. It is also regarded as one of the sites of Ramasar Convention in India for preservation, development and conservation of the ecosystem. The wealthy biodiversity of the wetland plays an important role sustaining the precious hydrological balance in the drainage with its enormous concentration of seasonal fauna of freshwater aquatic birds comprising a number of universally threatened species (declared to be just after the Keoladeo National Park). 

General Information

State	Punjab
District(s)	Harike
Established	1953
Nearest city	Harike
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area	4100 ha
Elevation	210 m
Climate	Monsoon
Precipitation	900 mm (35 in)
Temperature
Summer	32°C
Winter	20°C

 History

It is a man-made riverine. This Lacustrine Wetland spreads over three districts of Punjab namely Kapurthala, Ferozepur and Amritsar. It envelopes an area of about 4100 ha. The conservation of this wetland has been of great importance since 1987-88 for Government of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Punjab State Government (by its various agencies). And over these years various management programmes and studies have been executed. In the year 1975, The Maharana Pratap Sagar or the Pong Dam Wetland was constructed on the Beas River. It is located in the wetland area of the Shivalik hills in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. The Beas River forms a part of the Indus Basin which comprises of 5 major rivers. The enormous reservoir zone attracts seasonal birds from the other central Asian countries. The wetland possesses 225 species of birds. These facts in tern make Punjab plains as vital sites of birding in the India Wildlife. Besides possessing such a magnificent biodiversity an area of about 86 sq km on the Amritsar-Ferozepur border the plan of making the wetland as an eco-tourism site still remains on papers and is expecting funds and approval. It was with the efforts of the DFO (wildlife) Mr. Sanjeev Tiwari that in February of the last year a plan was formulated to tap the eco- tourism capability of this wetland and to develop it 65km from here. The plan was also discussed elaborately with Mr. Prakash Singh Badal and he ensured its approval but till now the plans is still with the state tourism department and is yet not sanctioned.

Best Time To Visit

The time most suitable and enjoyable for the bird lovers is from November to March as during this stretch migratory bird from Pakistan, China, Siberia and Afghanistan visit the wetland. 360 species of birds have been recorded during this stretch.

Distance From National Park

The wetland is located near Ludhiana (104km) and Amritsar (60 km).it is well accessible by roads, rails and air. Tourists coming by road from Ludhiana can come to Harike via Moga (40 km). 

How To Get There

The wetland is located near Ludhiana (104km) and Amritsar (60 km).it is well accessible by roads, rails and air. Tourists coming by road from Ludhiana can come to Harike via Moga (40 km). 

Things To Do In The Harike Pattan Wildlife Sanctuary

In the year 1982 the Harike Lake was announced as an Indian Wildlife Sanctuary and came to be known as the Harike Lake Pattan Sanctuary. The wetland serves as an heaven for the bird lovers and it is also the largest Indian Bird Sanctuary. The residential and migratory birds both get allured by its highly welcoming terrains. During the migratory season there are about 20,000 ducks in the wetland and also the lake is seen with about 200 species in the winters.

Location Map

Accommodation

Accommodation is available for two people together in accordance with the per package selected. 

• Complete days meal
• Back and forth airport transfers.
• Commutation by Xylo or Innova in super Deluxe & Deluxe and Qualis or Scorpio in standard package.
• Innerline permit.

Photo Gallery