At a distance of 60 km from Amritsar Junction, Harike is one of the largest man-made wetlands of northern India, located in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. Also known as Hari-ke-pattan, Harike Wetland is a famous destination for bird watchers and also one of the best places to visit near Amritsar.

Harike Wetland came into existence in 1953 after the construction of barrage near the confluence of rivers Sutlej and Beas. The popular Harike Lake lies deep within the park. It occupies an area of 4100 hectares and spreads into three districts of Punjab namely Amritsar, Ferozpur and Kapurthala. It is also a water source for the Indira Gandhi Canal, situated in Rajasthan. The area was declared as a sanctuary in 1982 and was declared a Ramsar site by the International Body of Wetlands under the UNDP in 1990.

The sanctuary is a bird watchers paradise and attracts thousands of migratory birds during winter. Around 375 bird species have been recorded in the sanctuary. The lake is particularly famous for diving ducks, such as the crested pochard, common pochard and tufted ducks which occur in very large numbers. Harike also harbours endangered aquatic mammalian as well as reptilian fauna like Indus river dolphin, smooth-coated otter and seven species of rare freshwater turtles. The mammals found at Harike include the smooth Indian otter, the jungle cat, jackal, Indian wild boar and the common mongoose.

For tourists there is only one main entry point into Harike Wetlands. This is from the Nanaksar Gurudwara across the barrage at the southern end on the Ferozpur side of Harike. While entry to the sanctuary is free, an entry permit is required from the Range Officer (Wildlife), Harike.

The best time to visit the Harike Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months. This is when the area is visited by several migratory birds and the weather is also enjoyable.

Harike Wetland also known as "Hari-ke-Pattan", with the Harike Lake in the deeper part of it, is the largest wetland in northern India in the border of Tarn Taran Sahib district and Ferozepur district of the Punjab state in India. The wetland and the lake were formed by constructing the headworks across the Sutlej river in 1953. The headworks is located downstream of the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers just south of Harike village. The rich biodiversity of the wetland which plays a vital role in maintaining the precious hydrological balance in the catchment with its vast concentration of migratory fauna of waterfowls including a number of globally threatened species has been responsible for the recognition accorded to this wetland in 1990, by the Ramsar Convention, as one of the Ramasar sites in India, for conservation, development and preservation of the ecosystem. This man-made, riverine, lacustrine wetland spreads into the three districts of Tarn Taran Sahib, Ferozepur and Kapurthala in Punjab and covers an area of 4100 ha. Wikipedia

yeah the trip was excellent .the planning part with the help of travel agent was best. The cab driver was also good but did tried to skip few local places tough. travel triangle was very responsive and helpfull. U can surely book through them. there were some glitches overall trip was good.

Anand's 5 days trip to Amritsar

1. Excellent co ordination and flexibility of itenary 2. Very decently priced quotation . 3. Excellent cab provided and our Driver Mr Sonu was a very well mannered and great guide for the tour . Very helpful as well.4.Hotel at Dharmsala Maclod regencey was not good lacked in basic amenities the

Nestled in the heart of Punjab, the Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. Located just a short drive from Amritsar, this sanctuary is a sprawling oasis of nature and wildlife.

The Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary is a great place to unwind and connect with nature. With its serene surroundings, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking views, you are in for a pleasant break from the chaos of regular city life.

About Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary Amritsar

Did you know that Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary is a man-made wetland and is the largest in northern India, covering an area of 4100 hectares? Interesting trivia, isn’t it!

It was constructed in 1952 when a barrage was built at the confluence of rivers Beas and Sutlej.

The sanctuary boasts rich biodiversity, with around 375 species of birds and several species of amphibians, turtles, reptiles, and mammals.

Some of the most commonly spotted birds here include the Indian skimmer, northern pintail, black-necked stork, great crested grebe, and common coot.

Besides birds, the sanctuary is home to various animals, including the Indian jackal, smooth-coated otter, and wild boar.

During winter, the wetland attracts exotic and endangered migratory birds from the Arctic and Siberia. It was declared a Ramsar site by the International Body of Wetlands under the UNDP in 1990.

Trivia: It is recommended to wear comfortable footwear and be fully clothed, as insect bites may not be pleasant.

The sanctuary also has a watchtower that provides a panoramic view of the wetlands and is a great spot for bird-watching. The sanctuary also offers facilities for camping, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.

You can take a boat ride to explore the wetlands or take an amphibious bus ride to experience the unique ecosystem.

Image Gallery of Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary Amritsar

Entry fee and timing to Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary Amritsar

Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary do not charge an entry fee. You are free to explore the wetland with prior permission from the Range Officer (Wildlife), Harike. You can visit the wetland between 9 am to 5 pm daily.

Best time to visit Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary Amritsar

The best time to visit Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary in Amritsar is from November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia and Europe arrive in large numbers.

Visiting the sanctuary early in the morning is advisable when the birds are most active and easy to spot.

Trivia: It's important to carry adequate water and food supplies, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as well as binoculars and cameras, to make the most of your visit.

How to reach Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary Amritsar?

Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary is located around 60 km away from Amritsar and can be easily reached by road. One can take a taxi or cab or hire a private vehicle from top car rental companies in Amritsar to reach the sanctuary. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the sanctuary from Amritsar.

The sanctuary is located on the Amritsar-Ferozepur highway, and regular buses and taxis are available from Amritsar.

Once you reach the sanctuary, you can explore the wetland and the bird sanctuary on foot or by hiring a boat or a bicycle.

In addition to its natural beauty, the sanctuary offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can relax and unwind in the serene surroundings and enjoy the tranquillity of being immersed in nature.

So book a Amritsar tour package with Amritsar Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA and have an unforgettable experience in this amazing city. To get in touch with us, please fill the Contact Us form.

How much does it cost to go to the Harike Bird Sanctuary?

There is no entry fee at Harike Wetland and tourists can delight in this park for free. As the best things are precious and can’t be paid for, similarly, Harike Wetland National Park is an area rich in fauna, flora, and especially avifauna, imparting a unique pleasurable experience to visitors.

Is there an entry fee for the Hari

Harike Wetland and Bird Sanctuary do not charge an entry fee. You are free to explore the wetland with prior permission from the Range Officer (Wildlife), Harike.

When to visit Harike Bird Sanctuary?

The best time to visit Harike Bird Sanctuary is during the winter months from October to February. This is when the area is visited by several migratory birds and the weather is also enjoyable.

What is Harike famous for?

Harike is one of the most important Wild Life Sanctuaries of not Only Punjab but also of India being recognized throughout the world. Situated on the confluence of the river Beas and Sutlez at the Ferozepur and Amritsar border the sanctuary encompass an area of approximately 86 sq km.