Kandrour Bridge & Pong Dam: Discover Bird Paradise

Table of Contents

Introduction

When planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh, most travelers head straight for hill stations like Shimla or Manali. But if you’re someone who seeks *offbeat adventures, let us take you on a journey where **historic architecture meets biodiversity—through the towering *Kandrour Bridge and the vibrant Pong Dam Sanctuary.

Located in Bilaspur and Kangra districts respectively, these two destinations showcase *Himachal’s hidden gems—where **engineering wonders, **natural tranquility, and *wildlife diversity converge. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, birdwatcher, or road-tripper, this unique combo has something just for you.

Kandrour Bridge – An Icon of Engineering

📍 Location & Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Built Over	Satluj River, Bilaspur district
Length	280 meters
Height	~80 meters above river level
Year Completed	1965
Type	Cantilever-type bridge
Specialty	One of Asia’s highest bridges of its time

✅ A critical link on the Bilaspur–Ghumarwin route, offering both historical significance and panoramic views.

What Makes It Special?

Designed to withstand torrential rains and fast-flowing currents of the Sutlej
Provides breathtaking views of the gorge below—especially in monsoon and winter
Important for military logistics and local travel
A favorite road trip photo stop for its grandeur and landscape

🚗 Stand still mid-bridge (where safe) and you’ll feel the pulse of Himachal’s lifeline flowing beneath.

Pong Dam Sanctuary – The Birdwatcher’s Dream

Located in *Kangra district, *Pong Dam (also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar) is a UNESCO-recognized Wetland of International Importance and among India’s top birding hotspots.

📍 Key Facts

Feature	Details
Built On	Beas River
Purpose	Hydroelectricity & Irrigation
Wildlife Sanctuary	Declared in 1983
Wetland Status	Ramsar Site (since 2002)
Best Time to Visit	October to February (bird migration peak)

✅ The reservoir stretches across 450 sq. km and supports over 400 bird species!

🐦 Bird Species to Spot

Bar-headed Geese (from Siberia)
Northern Pintail
Black-headed Gull
Ruddy Shelduck (Brahminy Duck)
Great Crested Grebe
Purple Heron, Egrets, and Storks

📸 Bring your DSLR with telephoto lens or binoculars—this place is heaven for wildlife photographers.

What to Do There?

✅ At Kandrour Bridge

Capture wide-angle photos of the bridge structure and river below
Stop en route for tea at roadside dhabas with scenic valley views
Combine with Raghunath Temple or a visit to Bilaspur town

✅ At Pong Dam Sanctuary

Guided birdwatching tours in the early morning
Boat rides during non-breeding seasons
Visit *Fatehpur, Nagrota Surian, or *Bathu ki Ladi temples submerged seasonally
Participate in annual bird census events or wetland conservation programs

📍 4️⃣ How to Reach Kandrour Bridge & Pong Dam Sanctuary

Destination	Nearest Town	Distance From Bilaspur
Kandrour Bridge	Bilaspur	~12 km
Pong Dam Sanctuary	Nagrota Surian	~100 km

✅ Perfect for a two-day weekend road trip with a blend of culture, nature, and relaxation.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Bilaspur & Kandrour

Morning: Arrive in Bilaspur
Afternoon: Visit Kandrour Bridge, capture sunset views
Evening: Overnight stay in Bilaspur or Ghumarwin

Day 2: Drive to Pong Dam

Early drive toward Nagrota Surian (~3 hrs)
Morning: Birdwatching with a local guide
Noon: Visit submerged temples or boat ride
Evening: Return or overnight in Kangra/Palampur

What to Carry for Kandrour Bridge & Pong Dam Sanctuary

Binoculars and DSLR (with zoom lens)
Field guide for bird species
Light jacket or fleece (especially in winter)
Water bottles & packed food/snacks
Travel tripod (optional for bridge photography)

♻ Respect the sanctuary’s rules—no plastic, no loud noise, no littering.

Environmental Importance

Both places are eco-sensitive and critical for:

Supporting migratory birds from Central Asia & Siberia
Maintaining the aquatic biodiversity of Beas and Sutlej rivers
Serving as examples of man-made yet nature-supportive ecosystems

🦢 Pong is a shining example of sustainable human-nature coexistence.

Where to Stay

Location	Stay Options
Bilaspur	HPTDC Lake View Hotel, local guest houses
Nagrota Surian	Forest Rest House, basic eco-lodges
Kangra	Budget hotels, homestays, and heritage stays

✅ You can also opt for tent stays or eco-camps near Pong during birding season.

Why This Combo is Unique

Combines history, engineering, and ecology
Easily accessible by road and suitable for all age groups
Ideal for *weekend getaways, **student field trips, and *nature photography
Promotes offbeat tourism in lesser-known Himachali regions

“Come for the bridge, stay for the birds.”

Summary

The Kandrour Bridge & Pong Dam Sanctuary together create a *powerful narrative of Himachal’s diversity—a place where **stone meets feather, and *steel meets sky.

Whether you’re seeking inner calm, nature’s melody, or a fresh photographic angle—this Bilaspur-Kangra route will awaken your traveler’s heart.

Planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh? Don’t miss our other posts on amazing places in the Bilaspur District.