Main Info
Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur (HP)
The incomparable scenic beauty of rolling mountains and plains that overlook the plain blue shade of the human-made water body of this Lake is a breathtaking view to watch upon. This huge reservoir is made by the Bhakra Dam, beside the River Sutlej. In the whole world, Gobind Sagar Lake is considered to be amongst the dams that have maximum gravity. The Bhakra dam was set up in the year 1963 and is an iconic milestone in dam engineering. This gigantic dam has led to the formation of a huge artificial lake which is 90 kilometers long and 170 kilometers wide. The lake owes its site and closeness to the Himalayan Mountains and is enclosed by beautiful floral and faunal beauty.
This reservoir is the 3rd major reservoir in the country. It is told to be the lifeline of Himachal Pradesh and other states of North India like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab. The dam provides a huge amount of water taking into account the irrigation to the fields of approximately 10 million acres these regions. Guru Gobind Singh is the 10th Guru of Sikhs and the lake is named after him. A certain feeling of calmness and serenity surrounds the lake. The views one can witness from the elevated areas around the lake or from the superior dam are very enchanting and rejuvenating. A huge number of visitors come here to enjoy the picturesque splendor of this lake. People also come here to enjoy some water sports and picnic. The view of this lake is bliss to the eyes and makes it worth visiting.
More on Gobind Sagar Lake
Know about the Water Sports here
In this lake, the Water sports are only held during the months from August to January. Because of the level of water is at its peak during these years, the sports and other activities are held. Tourism And Civil Aviation Department organizes boat racing competitions which are called Regattas. Sailing, boating, and rowing are the various types of water sports popular in this region. Visitors go for ferry rides and adventure lovers enjoy speed boating. White Water River rafting, Canoeing, and kayaking in the Sutlej River are also gaining popularity.
In tourist visiting seasons, three types of courses are carried out for visitors, beginners, intermediate and advanced. Tourism Department of Himachal Pradesh has made a large water sports complex to promote water activities at Luhnoo Grounds in Bilaspur. This place has its own lodges and boarding facilities.
The Sutlej River and Gobind Sagar Lake have chilled waters and offer a variety of water sports which can be paralleled by only a few other destinations.
Underwater Temples in Gobind Sagar Lake
Mysterious temples are lying beneath the water. They only emerge when the level of water goes lower. All the villages have been submerged but only because of the way these temples are constructed and these are still standing. The bases of those temples still exist. Only during the months of winter and early summer, the water level of Gobind Sagar Lake goes low and the ruined remaining of the temples are exposed and can be seen. In other times of the year, they stay underwater. They evoke the ancient times of Himachal Pradesh. There are a total of 28 temples. Among them, 12 have great historical significance as they belong to 18th and 19th century AD.
Activities to Indulge in at Gobind Sagar Lake
This dam is a must-visit for all because of its gigantic size and scenic view. The flora and fauna surrounding the azure blue lake augment to the scenic beauty. The Nangal Dam lies at only 15 kilometers away from this dam and they are called together as Bhakra-Nangal Dam. Fifty types of fishes can be found in this dam so this dam is also used for fishing purposes. It has a huge commercial significance.
History of Gobind Sagar Lake
The erection of Bhakra Dam was approved and initiated by the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab – Sir Louis Dane, in the year 1948. As a representational commencement of the construction, it was 17th November in the year 1955 that Jawaharlal Nehru emptied the very first bucket of solid on the dry bed of River Sutlej. The construction of this dam had given away the idea of creating the huge artificial lake of Gobind Sagar. As a result of the construction of the Bhakra Dam, Gobind Sagar Lake was formed in 1976.
When to Visit Gobind Sagar Lake
You can visit any time throughout the year to visiting Gobind Sagar Lake because of its magnificent beauty which can hypnotize anyone. But from June to August, nature takes its best form due to heavy rainfall. During this time the scenic beauty of this lake is breathtaking and worth the visit.
For adventure lovers, the months of September to December will be the best. The Department Of Tourism organizes different types of water sports and leisure activities during these months when the level of water is very high and at its peak. This can be a great thrill for visitors.
Guidelines to keep in mind for Visiting Gobind Sagar Lake
- All the visitors are required to get an admission pass from the Nangal town to enter the Bhakra dam. They must present their proper identity proofs to collect the pass.
- There is a piece of bad news for photographers. Taking photos is strictly banned in this area for safekeeping purposes.
- You can enjoy swimming here but only in some specific areas and that too at your responsibility. People should be aware of deep waters and whirlpools.
How to Reach Gobind Sagar Lake
At a distance of only 13 kilometers, The Bhakra Dam lies from the small town of Punjab named Nangal. One can easily hire a taxi or a cab to reach the lake. Bilaspur is 50 kilometers away from this lake. Visitors can easily reach Bilaspur located in Himachal Pradesh. This place is nicely linked to other tourist places like Chandigarh and Shimla.
There are trains available from Haridwar, New Delhi, Amritsar, Ambala, and Kolkata to the railway station of Nangal Dam which lies on the border of the Nangal town.
