Nestled in the Sivalik Hills of Himachal Pradesh, Gobind Sagar Lake is a man-made reservoir formed by the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River. The Gobind Sagar Lake, though not in Nalagarh itself, is located at a distance of 22 km and is a popular tourist destination, especially for those visiting the nearby Naina Devi Temple.
History and Significance: The lake is named after Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Construction of the Bhakra Dam began in 1955 and was completed in 1962. The Beas-Sutlej Link was added in 1976 to channel the flow of the Beas River to Gobind Sagar to maintain the water level.
Activities: The lake is a popular spot for boating and fishing. Due to seasonal water level fluctuations, water sports are mainly available from August to January. During this period, tourists can enjoy activities like swimming, surfing, water-skiing, kayaking, rowing, canoeing, and even white water river rafting. Courses are conducted at three levels - beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Religious Significance: For pilgrims visiting the Naina Devi Temple, Gobind Sagar Lake holds religious significance.
Here are some other things to keep in mind while planning your trip to Gobind Sagar Lake:
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit the lake is between October and November, when the water level is at its highest.
How to Get There: Nalagarh is well connected by road to other major cities in Himachal Pradesh and North India. The nearest railway station is at Chandigarh, which is about 80 km away.
Where to Stay: Since the lake isn't in Nalagarh itself, there aren't many accommodation options around the lake. However, hotels near Nalagarh or in nearby cities like Chandigarh can be easily found.