Asan Barrage

Situated at the confluence of Yamuna and Asan rivers, Asan Barrage is a bird sanctuary of more than 53 species of birds. It's nothing less than a paradise for those who love birds and often call themselves ornithologists. The lake's natural beauty and diverse bird species make it a great attraction for photographers. The importance of this wetland is highlighted from the fact that, in 2020, it has been declared Uttarakhand's first Ramsar Site.
 

Every year, a number of tourists visit to witness the arrival of migratory birds. The panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, especially during the morning and evening are truly stunning. In a world full of chaos, this lake seems slow down its pace and allows you to connect with and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature. Apart from this, Aasan Barrage also serves as a gateway to popular nearby locations such as Jaunsar Bawar, Chakrata, and Paonta Sahib.
 

Man Made Lake
 

Situated on the Uttarakhand-Himachal border, this man-made lake is just 43 km from Dehradun. The green-blue waters of the lake and over 53 species of migratory birds give it a different status in the country. In addition to bird watching, tourists can enjoy boating with the picturesque views of Asan Lake.
 

Round the year, the barrage remains filled with water, majorly sourced from the Yamuna and Asan rivers. After flowing about 3 miles this water reaches the Kulhal Power Plant, which generates electricity up to 30 MW. This barrage is created under the Asan Reservoir barrage is about 287.5 m long whose riverbed is about 389.4 m above sea level.
 

Birds Habitat
 

Assan Barrage is primarily known for birds migrated from Eurasia. Some birds like white rumped vulture, baer' pochard, and red headed vulture who are on the verge of extinction can be spotted here.
 

Additionally, you can see some other birds like the Pintail, Mallard, Coot, Wigeon, and many more that are listed on the IUCN red list. After travelling thousands of kilometres, these birds found their haven in this man made lake. The lake is open to visitors daily and can be visited between 8 am and 6 pm.
 

Prominent Birds
 

At the lake, you can spot a variety of birds; including Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Common coot, Gadwalls, Kingfisher, Indian cormorant, Baer's Pochard, Bar Headed Goose, Waterfowl and other types of aquatic animals.
 

Entry Fee
 

Tourist are not required to pay any fee to enjoy the view of Asan Barrage. However, for boating they need to pay a charge of Rs 350/- per boat, with a maximum capacity of 4 people. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket counters.
 

Things To Do
 

To make the most of your visit to Asan barrage, you can engage in the following activities :
 

Accommodation Facility
 

Visitors planning to stay overnight can book their accommodation nearby. Although the options are limited, there are still a few hotels, homestays, and resorts that offer you comfortable stays. You can also book your stays at GMVN Asan Conservation Resort.
 

Important Tips for Traveller
 

• Location offers direct bus connectivity, but it is recommended to book a taxi to access the site conveniently.
• Entry to the lake is free of charge.
• Paid parking facility is available outside the lake.
• Boating is not allowed after 5 PM.
• During boating, always wear life jackets and follow the safety guidelines.
• Due to safety concerns, boating is suspended by the authorities during monsoon.
• For the best scenic view and photography moment, visit in the morning or evening.
   

Nearby Attraction
 

Visitors can also visit some other popular attractions nearby the areas; such as : - 
 

• Dakpathar Barrage.
• Gupt Sahastradhara.
• Katapatthar.
• Kalsi.
• Koti Dam.
• Paonta Sahib Gurudwara.