Birding - Water Birds

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A Grey heron touch-down at Pong dam reservoir near Dehra, Kangra November 25, 2016

Vayu Kutir is located at  the eastern edge of Pong Dam lake or reservoir, a man made water body 45 km long and 15–18 km wide that was created in 1975, by building the highest earthfill dam in India on Beas River.

Indian spot-billed ducks near Vayu Kutir December 20, 2018 


Pong reservoir formed along the migration path of migratory birds from the plains of India, Central Asian countries, and Siberia.

Ruddy Shelduck pair at Pong reservoir near Vayu Kutir


Officially named  Maharana Pratap Sagar, the reservoir was declared a Ramsar Wetland site on account of its rich waterfowl diversity for conservation and sustainable use of the wetland.

Palla's Gull at Pong reservoir near Vayu Kutir


The declaration was based on a proposal formulated by the Himachal State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Shimla submitted to the Ramsar Bureau, Switzerland through the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests of the Government of India.

River tern at Pong reservoir near Vayu Kutir


The reservoir was declared as a bird sanctuary in 1983. A 5-km (3.1 mi) belt from the periphery of the lake was declared as buffer zone for the management of the bird sanctuary.

A Wooly neck stork near Vayu Kutir


A two-day waterfowl census, which ended on 1st Feb 2015, recorded over 130,000 birds in the Pong Dam Wetlands.

A Pond heron near Vayu Kutir

Water Birds Season

The best time to visit Vayu Kutir for birders focused on clicking water birds is from November 15 to March 15. 

A Little gull serves herself a meal near Vayu Kutir

Water Birding Hotspots

There are several wetlands along the periphery of Pong reservoir where waterbirds gather in large numbers during the season. These include Bassi (17-km from Vayu Kutir), Nangal Chowk (25-km from Vayu Kutir) Nagrota Surian (32-km from Vayu Kutir), and Sansarpur Terrace (48-km from Vayu Kutir.) 

Pong reservoir as viewed from Vayu Kutir rooftop

We arrange rides for visitors who are not travelling in their own vehicles to the above mentioned birding hotspots. The visitors can either use a local taxi or use our car and driver at a much more competitive price.

Bar headed goose near Vayu Kutir

Recommended Stay Duration

We recommend at least a 4 day stay at Vayu Kutir for water birds photography which would allow you to visit at least 2 other wetlands besides Dehra. Bird photography enthusiasts with online presence can request special rates through Airbnb for a stay exceeding 4 days.

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About Vayu Kutir

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Vayu Kutir is a home stay resort that can comfortably accommodate upto 8 guests in three independent suites. It's ideally suited for for couples / families / groups visiting Kangra  On pilgrimage to visit Jwala-ji, Chintpurni and Baglamukhi temples To explore destinations such as Kangra fort, Masroor rock cut temple, Pong Reservoir bird sanctuary, Heritage villages Garli & Pragpur To work from home To soak in culture and art, escape into hills and forests, hike along rivers and lake sides, or simply to laze in comfort and style with amazing views all around.  Visiting guests stay in (upto three) independent suites in two adjacent buildings, hosted by an IAF veteran and his lady wife who stay in the ground floor of one of the buildings.  We can accommodate a driver / cook / helper in an independent room and bathroom on the property. Reviews You can read reviews of our property on Google Business here  and on AirBnb here . Location Located within Pong reservoir bird sanctuary
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Accommodation

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Vayu Kutir - Tejas Suite Tejas Suite Living Room Tejas Suite Open Kitchen & Dining Area Tejas Suite Bedroom Tejas Suite Walk-in Closet Tejas Suite Interior Walk Around Marut Suite Marut Suite Living Area Marut Suite Open Kitchen & Dining Area Marut Suite Bedroom Marut Suite Bedroom Marut Suite Bathroom Marut Suite Utility Room Marut Suite External & Interior Walkaround
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Open Kitchen in Vayu Kutir living room. We encourage our guests to use the fully equipped kitchen in their apartment suite to cook and manage their own meals.  On special request and when possible we serve home cooked vegetarian meals in a hot case. Typically, the meal consists of Dal, vegetable and rice. We serve what we have cooked at home for ourselves. There are Dhabas nearby that serve vegetarian food at around Rs 100/- per thali.
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