Are you looking for a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you want to experience the beauty and diversity of nature in a serene and tranquil setting? If yes, then you should visit harike wetland, the largest wetland in northern India and a paradise for avian enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Harike wetland is a natural wonder that was formed by the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers in Punjab. It is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including over 400 species of birds, some of which are rare and endangered. It is also a Ramsar site and a national wildlife sanctuary, which means it is recognized as a wetland of international importance and protected by law.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about harike wetland, such as how to reach there, what to do there, where to stay, and what to expect. We will also share some tips and recommendations from previous visitors and experts to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time there. So, let’s get started!
How to Reach Harike Wetland
Harike wetland is located about 60 km from Amritsar, the nearest major city and airport. You can take a taxi, bus, or train from Amritsar to reach the wetland. The journey takes about an hour and a half by road and two hours by rail. You can also drive your own car or bike, but make sure you have a valid permit and follow the traffic rules.
The wetland is spread over an area of about 86 sq km, so you will need to hire a local guide or a boat to explore it. You can also take a bus ride that covers the main attractions of the wetland, such as the harike barrage, the harike lake, and the gurudwara nanaksar sahib. The bus ride costs Rs. 50 per person and takes about an hour.
What to Do in Harike Wetland
The main attraction of harike wetland is, of course, the bird watching. You can see a variety of migratory and resident birds, such as the bar-headed goose, the painted stork, the black-necked stork, the sarus crane, the white-eyed pochard, and the common teal. You can also spot some rare and endangered species, such as the Indus river dolphin, the smooth Indian otter, the fishing cat, and the hog deer.
The best time to visit the wetland for bird watching is between November and March, when the migratory birds arrive from different parts of the world. You can also visit during the monsoon season, when the wetland is lush green and full of life. The best timings to visit the wetland are early morning and late afternoon, when the birds are most active and visible.
You can also enjoy some other activities in the wetland, such as boating, fishing, photography, and nature walks. You can hire a boat from the harike bird sanctuary office, which is located near the barrage. The boat ride costs Rs. 100 per person and takes about 30 minutes. You can also fish in the lake, but you will need to get a license from the wildlife department. You can also take a walk along the banks of the lake or the barrage, and admire the scenic views and the fresh air.
Where to Stay in Harike Wetland
There are not many options for accommodation in the wetland, as it is a protected area and a wildlife sanctuary. You can either stay in Amritsar, which has plenty of hotels, guest houses, and homestays to suit your budget and preferences, or you can stay in Makhu, which is a small town near the wetland. Makhu has some basic lodges and campsites, where you can stay for a night or two. You can also stay in Ferozepur, which is another nearby city that has some decent hotels and resorts.
If you want to stay in the wetland, you will need to get a special permission from the wildlife department, and you will have to camp in designated areas. You will also have to bring your own tents, sleeping bags, food, and water. Camping in the wetland can be a thrilling and adventurous experience, but you will also have to be careful and respectful of the wildlife and the environment.
What to Expect in Harike Wetland
Harike wetland is a place where you can experience the wonders of nature and the diversity of life. It is a place where you can relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. It is also a place where you can learn about the history and culture of Punjab, and the importance of conservation and sustainability.
However, you should also be prepared for some challenges and inconveniences, such as the lack of facilities, the unpredictable weather, the mosquitoes and insects, and the strict rules and regulations. You should also be aware of the potential dangers and risks, such as the wild animals, the water currents, and the human interference. You should always follow the guidelines and instructions of the authorities and the guides, and respect the rights and privacy of the locals and the wildlife.
Harike wetland is not a typical tourist destination, but a unique and rewarding one. It is a place that will leave you with unforgettable memories and impressions, and a place that will inspire you to appreciate and protect the natural world.
Harike wetland is a bird lover’s dream destination in Punjab, and a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. It is a place that will surprise you with its beauty and diversity, and a place that will enrich you with its knowledge and wisdom.
If you are planning to visit harike wetland, we hope this article has given you some useful information and tips to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time there.
We also hope this article has motivated you to book your tickets and pack your bags, and get ready for an amazing and unforgettable adventure.
