Maharana Pratap Sagar, a milestone of
Kangra District, has been named in honor of
Maharana Pratap, a great warrior. Once known as Pong Dam Reservoir, it is situated at an altitude of 450 m. Its reservoir, with an area of 45,000 hectares, is a man-made wetland built over the
River Beas.
The Sagar was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1983. A number of migratory birds of over 220 species from Siberia and Central Asia can be found here. Most popular of them are black buck, surkhab, cranes and pintails. The lake is also a perfect base for fishing. Other significant residents here are barking deer, sambhar, wild boars and leopards.
Maharana Pratap Sagar is home to a variety of activities including swimming, surfing, rowing and sailing. A branch of Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports performs here to assist the tourists. In addition, the most advanced equipments like sale boats, paddleboats and speed aero boats are supplied by the Directorate of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
Maharana Pratap Sagar is 55 km from Dharamshala and 170 km from Chandigarh. Gaggal Dharamsala Airport, 40 km away, is the closest airport. The nearest railway stations are at the distances of 30 km and 32 km at Mukerian and Pathankot respectively.
Accommodation facilities are available in nearby hotels, guesthouses and forest and PWD rest houses.
