Oktatabyebye

India is rich in birds, with over 13% of the world’s birds being found here. Blessed with the cool snows of the Himalayas, the dry heat of the Thar, the humid green of the South and the swamps and sea of our coastlines, India is home to some of the most sought after birds in the world. Watching birds in India is not just incredibly rewarding; it’s a step closer to truly understanding the Indian wild.

Located just 40km from Dehradun, the Assan Barrage wetland has become popular as a bird sanctuary. Though not very large in size (just 4 sq km) the sheer abundance of birds that visit it, ensures that among both serious bird watchers and beginner enthusiasts frequently visit Assan Barrage.

The wetland at Assan Barrage is situated near the confluence of two perennial rivers the Yamuna and Assan (identified as the ‘Asmanvati’ of the Rigveda). The Assan Lake, which is commonly known as the Dhalipur Lake, has gained popularity as an important bird sanctuary, attracting a large variety of water-fowl - both waders and divers while the Sal forest nearby, is home to many woodland and scrubland bird species.

The uniqueness of the Assan Barrage is that it serves as a winter passage halt for trans- Himalayan migratory birds. These birds are spotted here on their way to southern India (October - November) and again on their way back (February - March). October-end the Assan barrage witnesses the arrival of migrants from Pale arctic region when over 90% of the water bird population comprises migrants. Many of the birds seen here are listed as globally threatened and in the IUCN Red Data book.

While the winter migrants that start arriving in October make winters the most exciting season for the bird lovers, but for the serious birdwatcher the other months of the year (early May to September end) offer just as exciting opportunities to see robust flocks of local migrants like Painted Stork, Open Billed Stork, Night Heron.

Thanks to its easy accessibility from Dehradun, good stay options and the large numbers of birds that have started showing up at the Assan Barrage, its reputation as a bird sanctuary is growing. Tourism being the focus of the Uttarakhand state, as more and more people will frequent the Assan Barrage, the infrastructure will only improve.

The Assan barrage reservoir is recommended as one of the better emerging places for bird lovers. As it is very easy to get here and the surroundings are very scenic, a trip to Assan would be well worth it.

Reaching Assan Barrage, Bird Sanctuary

Getting to Assan Barrage For reaching the Assan Barrage wetlands, one would have to travel from Dehradun, which is the nearest large city. Best time to go: October end to March for the Migratory birds & Year round for domestics By Air: The nearest airport to Dehradun is Jolly Grant, 23 km from the city centre. By Rail: Dehradun is very well connected by daily trains from all major cities. By Road: Assan Barrage is 38km from Dehradun on the way to Paonta Sahib. State Transport & local buses ply regularly between Assan and Dehradun ( 45 kms.) Haridwar (100 kms.), Delhi(275 kms. via Dehradun). Regular bus and Taxi services are available from the Dehradun Roadways bus stand or the railway station. Places to stay near Assan Barrage Govt. Tourist Rest Houses PWD Inspection House, Rajpur Road, Dehradun Railway Rest House, Railway Station Forest Rest House, 5 Tilak Road F.R.I Inspection House, Near F.R.I. Survey of India Guest House, Hathi Barkala Y.M.C.A., Rajpur Road There are numerous places to stay at Dehradun, with easy access to the Assan Barrage. Hotels and guest houses across a range of budgets abound in Dehradun. Details A good place for information would be the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd. Office at 74/1 Rajpur Road, Dehradun Tel:0135-2746817, 2747898.

About Assan Barrage: Assan Barrage Information & Fact File

Altitude 350 meters Temp Summer 34 (Max) & 22(Min) Degrees Celsius Winter 26 (Max) & 2 (Min) Degrees Celsius Best time to Go October – March Monsoon July - September Summer April - June Winter December – February Clothes Cottons in  summer and light-woolens in winter Nearest Airport Jolly Grant (Dehradun), 55 km Nearest Railway Station Dehradun, 38 km Bus Station Well connected with Dehradun (38Km) Hospital & Doctor At Dehradun (38km) One Civil Hospital, One District Hospital with emergency services is available  Places to see Dehradun city, Paonta Sahib Gurudwara, Barrage, Renuka Ji...