Gobind Sagar Lake

Gobind Sagar was created in the 1960s when the Bhakra Dam impounded the Sutlej; it submerged the old town of Bilaspur, which was rebuilt on higher ground. It runs for tens of kilometres up the valley and is one of India's larger reservoirs. It was declared a waterfowl refuge in 1962 and draws migratory birds in winter; the fishery includes mahseer and introduced carp. The Himachal tourism department runs a water-sports centre near Bilaspur town, and regattas are held in the high-water months. The dam itself, further down, is closed to visitors.

1. Bilaspur town, on the Kiratpur–Manali highway, sits on the lake; Chandigarh is about 90 km.
2. The water-sports complex is a short distance from the Bilaspur bus stand.
3. Nangal (Punjab), at the lower end near the dam, is the nearest railhead.

October to March — the water is high, the light is clear and migratory birds are about. Water sports run only while the level is up, roughly August to January.

• The water level drops a lot before the monsoon, changing the shoreline and limiting boating.
• You cannot approach the Bhakra Dam itself — it is closed on security grounds.
• Use the tourism department's boats or licensed operators; the reservoir is large and open.

Individual pages for these are added as they are reviewed.