Are you looking for a place to enjoy nature, wildlife, culture, and adventure in India? If yes, then you should visit Gobind Sagar Lake, a beautiful and serene lake in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. This lake is not only a source of water and power for the region, but also a hub of tourism and recreation. You can explore the lake’s history, significance, attractions, and activities in this article, and find out why it is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
History and Culture of Gobind Sagar Lake
Gobind Sagar Lake is a man-made reservoir that was created by the construction of the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River in the 1950s and 1960s. The dam is one of the largest and highest in India, and is considered one of the engineering marvels of the country. The dam provides irrigation and hydroelectric power to several states, and has also helped in flood control and soil conservation.
The lake is named after Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh guru, who spent some time in the region during his military campaigns. The lake is also known as Gobind Sagar Khalsa, which means the lake of the Khalsa, the collective name of the Sikhs who follow the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh. The lake is revered by the Sikhs as a sacred place, and many gurdwaras (Sikh temples) are located along its banks.
The lake is situated in the district of Bilaspur, which is one of the oldest and smallest districts in Himachal Pradesh. Bilaspur has a rich and diverse history and culture, dating back to the ancient and medieval times. The district was ruled by various dynasties, such as the Chandela, Katoch, Mughal, Sikh, and British, and has witnessed many battles and events. The district is known for its folk art, music, dance, festivals, and cuisine, which reflect the influence of different religions and communities.
Attractions and Activities at Gobind Sagar Lake
Gobind Sagar Lake is a paradise for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. The lake covers an area of about 170 square kilometers, and has a length of about 90 kilometers. The lake offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, forests, and sky, and is a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
The lake is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and is a designated waterfowl refuge. You can spot many birds and animals in and around the lake, such as ducks, geese, cranes, herons, kingfishers, deer, leopards, bears, and monkeys. The lake also has a rich diversity of fish species, such as mahseer, trout, carp, and catfish. The best time and place to see the wildlife and fish are early morning and evening, and near the shores and islands of the lake.
The lake is also a hub of water sports and adventure activities, which are offered by the tourism department of Himachal Pradesh. You can enjoy various types and levels of water sports, such as boating, kayaking, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, and parasailing. You can also participate or watch the regattas, which are a series of boat races organized by the tourism department every year. The water sports and regattas are usually held from October to February, when the water level is high and stable.
How to Reach and Where to Stay at Gobind Sagar Lake
Gobind Sagar Lake is easily accessible by air, train, and road from different parts of India. The nearest airport is Chandigarh, which is about 135 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is Kiratpur Sahib, which is about 65 kilometers away. The lake is well connected by road to major cities and towns, such as Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, and Delhi. You can also take a bus or taxi from these places to reach the lake.
There are many options for accommodation near the lake, depending on your budget and preference. You can choose from hotels, resorts, camps, or homestays, which offer comfortable and cozy rooms, amenities, and services. Some of the popular places to stay near the lake are:
Hotel Lake View: A budget hotel that offers a splendid view of the lake and the mountains, and has a restaurant, a bar, and a garden.
Hotel Hill Top: A deluxe hotel that offers spacious and luxurious rooms, and has a swimming pool, a gym, a spa, and a conference hall.
Camp Gobind Sagar: A campsite that offers tents, cottages, and dormitories, and has a dining area, a bonfire, and a playground.
Gobind Sagar Homestay: A homestay that offers a homely and authentic experience, and has a kitchen, a living room, and a balcony.
Where to Eat and What to Shop at Gobind Sagar Lake
There are many places to eat near the lake, where you can savor the local and regional cuisine, as well as the continental and Chinese cuisine. You can find restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls, which offer delicious and hygienic food, drinks, and snacks. Some of the popular places to eat near the lake are:
Lake View Restaurant: A restaurant that offers a variety of dishes, such as Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Himachali, and has a scenic view of the lake and the mountains.
Cafe Coffee Day: A cafe that offers a range of beverages, such as coffee, tea, smoothies, and shakes, and has a cozy and relaxing ambiance.
Chacha Dhaba: A street food stall that offers mouth-watering snacks, such as samosas, pakoras, chaat, and kulfi, and has a friendly and lively atmosphere.
There are also many places to shop near the lake, where you can buy local and regional handicrafts, souvenirs, and products. You can find local markets, shops, and vendors, which offer unique and quality items, such as shawls, carpets, paintings, pottery, jewelry, and honey. Some of the popular places to shop near the lake are:
Bilaspur Market: A local market that offers a variety of items, such as clothes, accessories, books, and electronics, and has a vibrant and colorful vibe.
Naina Devi Market: A local market that offers a variety of items, such as religious idols, statues, candles, and incense, and has a spiritual and serene vibe.
Bhakra Dam Souvenir Shop: A souvenir shop that offers a variety of items, such as mugs, t-shirts, caps, and keychains, and has a souvenir and informative vibe.
Gobind Sagar Lake is a scenic and adventurous destination in Himachal Pradesh, where you can enjoy nature, wildlife, culture, and adventure. You can explore the lake’s history, significance, attractions, and activities, and find out why it is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. You can also enjoy the lake’s beauty, hospitality, and cuisine, and make your trip memorable and fun.
If you are interested in visiting Gobind Sagar Lake, you can book a tour package with Tripoto, the leading online travel platform in India. Tripoto offers customized and affordable tour packages, which include flights, hotels, transfers, sightseeing, and activities. You can also read reviews, ratings, and blogs from other travelers, who have visited Gobind Sagar Lake, and get tips and suggestions for your trip.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tour package to Gobind Sagar Lake today, and experience the scenic and adventurous destination in Himachal Pradesh. And don’t forget to share your experience and feedback with us, and help us improve our service and quality. Thank you for choosing Tripoto, and happy traveling!
