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Birding
The size of Pong Dam and its location in the extreme northwest of
the northern plains make it a suitable habitat for migratory birds
entering the plains of India from Central Asia. Over 220 bird species
belonging to 54 families have been recorded. 
The perfect getaway for birding, the Lodge at Pong is situated on
the shores of Maharana Pratap Sagar also known as Pong Dam in district
Kangra in Himachal Pradesh.
The present waterfowl diversity of the bird sanctuary is rich. It
supports 54 species of waterfowl as compared to 39 reported before
creation of the dam.
The sanctuary is an important staging area for an annual migratory
waterfowl population of more than 20,000 birds comprising mainly of
bar-headed geese, northern lapwing, ruddy shell duck, pintail, common
teal, mallard and coot.
The redheaded grebe Podiceps Griseigena was recorded from this reservoir
for the first time in India. This gives the area national as well
as international significance for the conservation of several waterfowl.

The lake also harbors 27 fish species which depend on it for food,
spawning ground and nursery.
The black headed gull, great black headed gull and herring gull species
which are fairly uncommon in India away from the coast, visit the
reservoir each winter, which acts as an important staging area for
migrants such as bar headed geese and northern lapwing while five
species, namely ruddy shell duck, pintail, common teal, mallard and
coot, winter at the reservoir in thousands.
Best time of the Year:
Migratory Water Fowl (ducks, geese etc): Mid November to Mid March
Resident Birds (jungle fowl, francolin etc): All year round
Binoculars, Boats and Floating Hides can be hired from the lodge.
Angling
As far as angling locales go, there are hardly any places in India
which can compare with Pong (Maharana Pratap Sagar). The perfect getaway
for angling in India and a Himalayan angling adventure, the Lodge
at Pong is situated on the shores of Maharana Pratap Sagar also known
as Pong Dam in district Kangra in Himachal Pradesh.
By size definitions, the Pong lake is HUGE (475 sq. km.)! It offers
every kind of angling there is; from riverine to placid lake fishing,
from deep water to jigging in the mud flats. 
Home to over 27 different species of fish, from the mighty Himalayan
Golden Mahseer (Barbus Tor Putitora) to the much overlooked Rohu (Labeo
Rohita), the Lodge at Pong offers excitement to both the game fisher
and the coarse angler.
The lake is home to some record size fish and it entices many an angler
to try their wits against the monsters it holds.
The Lodge at Pong caters to all anglers, whether you are seeking a
trophy Mahseer or a super sized Rohu, Catla or other Carp. Our trained
ghillies will be more than happy to accompany you by boat or on foot,
and guide you in the right direction as you try to get yourself a
trophy Mahseer or other fish.
We follow a strict catch and release program, and encourage all anglers
to do so like wise.
Best time of the year:
Golden Mahseer, Himalayan Red Fin and Black Mahseer: Mid February
to end May (Closed season from 1st June to 15th August) and Mid September
to Late November. (Due to climatic conditions, seasons can vary)
Rohu, Catla and other Carps: Mid February to Late November (Closed
season from 1st June to 15th August). Tackle and boats can be hired
from the lodge.
Water Sports
The Lodge at Pong is one of the few places in Northern India, where
one can take part in water sports such as water skiing and wake boarding.
The perfect getaway from the summer heat, the Lodge at Pong is situated
on the shores of Maharana Pratap Sagar also known as Pong Dam in district
Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, India. 
Pong Lake offers a virtually inexhaustible supply of fun on the water.
We also have a unique 'Island' where we offer hot and spicy barbeques
while you party in the middle of the lake!
Best time of year:
For fun on the water, the best time of the year is from Mid March
to Mid November. The hot summer months of May and June are the ideal
time to cool of in the placid waters of Maharana Pratap Sagar, while
staying at the Lodge at Pong.
We have an assortment of water sports gear that can be hired from
the lodge. |
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