Overview:
Gobind Sagar Lake is a vast man-made reservoir formed by the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River. Spanning 90 km in length and covering an area of 170 sq. km, it is one of India’s largest reservoirs and a vital ecological and recreational hub in Bilaspur and Una districts of Himachal Pradesh. Named in honor of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, the lake is a serene blend of engineering marvel and natural beauty.
📍 Location & Geography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 31.417°N, 76.500°E |
| Elevation | ~481 meters (1,578 feet) above sea level |
| Districts Covered | Bilaspur and Una |
| Created By | Bhakra Dam (completed in 1963) |
| River Source | Sutlej River |
| Max Depth | 163 meters (535 feet) |
🧭 How to Reach Gobind Sagar Lake
By Road:
- From Chandigarh: Take NH-205 via Ropar and Kiratpur Sahib to Bilaspur (~135 km / 4.5 hours).
- From Shimla: Via NH-205 through Sunni and Ghumarwin (~120 km / 4 hours).
- From Delhi: Approx. 370 km via NH-44 and NH-205 (~8–9 hours).
By Train:
- Nearest major railway stations: Nangal Dam (12 km), Bhanupli (14 km), and Una (45 km).
- From these stations, taxis and buses are available to Bilaspur and onward to the lake.
By Air:
- Nearest airport: Chandigarh International Airport (~135 km).
- Alternate: Gaggal Airport, Kangra (~180 km).
🚤 Water Sports & Adventure
- Boating & Sailing: Paddle boats, motorboats, and ferry rides available at Luhnu Ground Water Sports Complex.
- Jet Skiing & Water Skiing: Seasonal activities (August–January) during tourism festivals.
- Kayaking & Canoeing: Ideal in calmer stretches of the lake.
- White Water Rafting: On the Sutlej River near Bilaspur—suitable even for beginners.
🎣 Fishing & Aquatic Life
- Declared a waterfowl refuge in 1962.
- Home to 50+ fish species, including:
- Tor Putitora (Golden Mahseer)
- Labeo Dero (Gid)
- Mystus Seenghala (Singhara)
- Mirror Carp
- Annual angling competitions attract fishing enthusiasts from across India.
🐦 Birdwatching & Wildlife
- Winter months bring migratory birds like:
- Bar-headed Geese
- Ruddy Shelducks
- Cormorants
- Surrounding forests host wildlife such as sambar, hyena, wild boar, and nilgai.
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Bhakra Dam Viewpoint – One of the world’s highest gravity dams.
- Naina Devi Temple – A revered Shaktipeeth, just 20 km away.
- Swarghat – A peaceful hilltop stopover with panoramic views.
- Submerged Temples – Ancient shrines visible when water levels recede in winter.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| October–March | Ideal for birdwatching, fishing, and sightseeing |
| April–June | Best for water sports and boating |
| Monsoon (July–Sept) | Scenic but water sports may be limited due to safety |
