Punjab: Wild Life, Zoo, Wet Lands

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Waheguru Waheguru
Hari-ke-pattan, Amritsar, National Wetland & Wildlife Sanctuary

The colorful and exuberant state of Punjab abounds in tradition, history, folklore, grandeur, architectural splendor as well as panoramic natural beauty. Among the various parks and sanctuaries in Punjab, the Hari-ke-pattan, Amritsar, National Wetland & Wildlife Sanctuary deserves special mention.

Punjab is noted for a multitude of reasons. The state with its rambling meadows also possesses a diverse natural heritage that is evinced by its numerous wetlands, bird reserves as well as menageries. Tourists have plenty of options ranging from the scintillating Lion Safari at the Chhatbir Zoo to kayaking in the waters of the Sutlej Wetlands or bird watching at Hari Ke Pattan.

Hari-ke-pattan, Amritsar, National Wetland & Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Punjab's eminent wetlands and bird reserves. The oasis of idyllic green is situated near the districts of Harike, Amritsar, Kapurthala and Ferozepur and hence is flooded with local citizens as well as tourists.
Hari-ke-pattan sanctuary also encloses a sparkling, sylvan lake that gleams like a mirage of quicksilver in the streaming sunlight. The lake is possibly the most significant water body of the state and witnesses the influx of nearly 350 species of exotic migratory birds from as far as Siberia during the freezing winters.

Cormorants, Darters, Herons, Egrets, Open billed Stork, Spoonbill and White Ibis, Little Grebe, Indian Moorhen, Black Winged Stilts, a few migratory ducks and occasionally Grey Pelicans are some of the rare species of birds that are the pride of the place. Another feather in the reserve's cap is its sweet water fish market, supposedly the largest in the country.

Hari-ke-pattan, Amritsar, National Wetland and Wildlife Sanctuary is a coveted haunt of ornithologists and bird and animal lovers who sit in the wilderness and watch the colorful and disciplined birds go about their daily lives as the hours while away.



Kanjli Wetland, Kapurthala

Maharaja of Kapurthala had built a lake after making a barrage on river Kali Bein. Many rivulet discharges into this river and a beautiful lake is still there. On the left side of lake lies a green forest with some wildlife. Maharaja had built a retreat called The Villa on French design on the banks of this lake. The present descendant of Maharaja uses as their residence. The lake is a beautiful home of migratory birds in winters, has been developed as a still more beautiful picnic spot with all the infrastructure facilities. The tourist can go for boating in this lake.



Satluj Water Body Wetland, Ropar

Over 250 species of migratory birds have been spotted here. 30 km of crystal clear water in scenic surroundings makes it a popular spot for angling, kayaking, canoeing, boating and long distance swimming.




Zoological Park Chhatbir

20 km from Chandigarh and 55 km from Patiala spread over 202 Acres of raw scrubland; it houses 52 species of animal and 62species of birds in a simulated natural habitat. It is famous for its Lion Safari and is the biggest park of its type in India.




Tiger Safari Ludhiana & Deer Park at Neelon

Tiger Safari Ludhiana & Deer Park at Neelon on Ludhiana- Chandigarh road are also worth visiting. Tiger Safari is situated on GT Road (Ludhiana-Jalandhar Highway); it is 6 kms from the main city. Tiger Safari here is stretched out on 25 acres. Since tigers have delighted 1993 people here, black bucks, sambhars, rabbits and lots of peacocks in the safari. Majestic tigers roaming about in the dense jungle offer a thrilling experience.

Of course, the Tiger Safari is one place where the children love going. It is quite exciting for children to see the tigers bathing and roaming freely from the windows of the van. We all have seen the tigers in a zoo. But it was exciting to see the tigers sleeping under the bushes to protect themselves from the fierce sun. It is really enjoyable & thrilling to see the tigers bathing in the pool. It was a very thrilling experience.
 
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