The Assan Barrage is a dam barrage in the Uttarakhand border region in Dehradun’s Doon Valley. It is situated at the confluence of the Yamuna Canal and River Asan. It is about 288 m long and holds water from rivers Asan and Yamuna throughout the year. It has been declared as the first Ramsar site in Uttarakhand under the Ramsar Convention. This dam creates the Asan Reservoir also known as Dhalipur Lake. The lake is a must-visit spot for bird-watchers and it habituates around 53 species of rare birds and 19 species of migratory birds from Eurasia. Boating, fishing and bird-watching are the activities that tourists come here for.
Assan Barrage History And Timings
The Asan Barrage was built across River Asan in 1967, a tributary of the Yamuna. The primary aim of this construction was to regulate the river’s water flow and to aid in the control of the eastern Yamuna Canal. An intricate water management system fosters irrigation for the nearby farmlands. Over time period, the area around the barrage has become a suitable habitat for a variety of bird species, and it’s one of the main reasons people gather here. The idea of strolling through nature’s bounty with the added chirpings of exotic birds surely feels like paradise.
Must Read: Offbeat Places In Uttarakhand
Assan Barrage Location And Geography
The Asan Barrage is located in Dehradun, in the border region of both Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. It lies about 11 km from the town of Dakpathar, and 28 km in Doon Valley, north-west of Dehradun. It comprises many ecosystems, including a reservoir, marshes and riverine habitats. This diversity offers an ideal environment for various wildlife and jungle varieties and makes it an amazing site for conservation purposes. The reservoir here is a nurturing ground for aquatic plants like hornwort, fennel pondweed, water hyacinth and elephant grass. The surrounding area is adorned with vibrant plants such as Knotweed, Touch-me-not, shy-leaf, False Daisy, Cocklebur, Morning Glory and West Indian lantana.
Assan Barrage Travel Routes
By Air: The closest airport to Asan Barrage is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. After reaching Dehradun, you can hire a private car or a taxi to reach the Assan barrage. The airport is accessible to the major cities in India, making it a convenient option for both domestic and international tourists.
By Train: Dehradun Railway Station is your best way to reach by train, which is well-connected with other cities in India. After reaching the railway station, you can hail a cab or take a local bus to Assan Barrage.
By Road: Assan Barrage has well-connected roads to the main city. You can take a private cab or a bus to reach your destination. The journey offers breathtaking views of the landscapes around. Make sure to pre-check the road conditions and plan your journey accordingly, especially in the monsoons when heavy rainfall affects travelling.
Suggested Read: Dehradun Travel Guide
Assan Barrage Activities
One of the most brilliant aspects of Assan Barrage Bird Sanctuary is its role as a winter home for the birds that migrate every year. From October to March, the sanctuary receives thousands of different species of birds from the colder parts of Europe and Asia. Some of the popular bird species that can be seen here include the Northern Pintail, bar-headed goose, Kingfisher, etc. It becomes a great spot to watch and observe new varieties of wildlife.
The barrage is also known for water sports. There is a GMVN water sports complex that offers great facilities for rowing, kayaking, water skiing, paddle boarding, and motor boating. Even the necessary equipment is available inside the premises.
Places To Visit Near Assan Barrage
Here are some places to visit near Assan Barrage to help you plan an awesome trip to this amazing place. Rishikesh or ‘Hrishikesh’, is a lovely city near the city of Dehradun in Uttarakhand. It is located on the right bank of the River Ganga and is a popular pilgrimage place for Hindus, with ancient sadhus and saints that can be seen meditating and in pursuit of spiritual knowledge. Some temples and ashrams were built along the way. Tourists and pilgrims love these spiritual destinations and return to their favourite destinations.
1. Chakrata
It is one of Uttarakhand’s very own treasures. Located around 88 km from the city of Dehradun and set at an elevation of about 7,000 m above sea level, the hill station of Chakrata served as a summer getaway for British officials before independence. With its laid-back and calm ambience, it offers a sloping view of the Yamuna Valley below with lush green forests and a flowing river. For those who want a snowy adventure, the Kharamba Peak is your destination. It is 10,000 m above sea level and one of the highest peaks in the area. If you like to go for skiing, facilities are available there too.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Dehradun
2. Haridwar
Haridwar is a city and municipal corporation in the state’s Haridwar district. It is regarded as a holy place for Hindus, hosting religious events of great significance, festivals, and a gateway to several other places of worship and pilgrimage. The most important of the events is the ‘Kumbh Mela’ which is celebrated once in every twelve years in the holy town of Haridwar. During the festival, millions and millions of pilgrims and tourists come together in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the River Gang to wash away their sins and attain enlightenment (moksha).
3. Indian Military Academy
The Indian Military Academy or the IMA is one of the oldest military academies in India and has been training Indian officers for the army for a long time. It is based in Dehradun and was established in 1932 after a recommendation by a military committee under General Sir Philip Chetwode who was later a Field Marshal. Tourists can visit the academy between 10 am to 2 pm. The premises have excellent facilities and spots like a war memorial, an 18-hole golf course, a shooting demonstration room and a museum. Activities like polo, skydiving and battle training also take place here. There has to be special authorisation for tourists and visitors to enter the campus.
Further Read: Best Places To Visit In Dehradun
Now that you have a full-fledged guide about Assan Barrage in Dehradun, it’s time for you to follow your dreams and execute the plan you have held in your heart for so long. Book your tickets for an amazing trip To Uttarakhand !
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Frequently Asked Questions About Assan Barrage In Uttarakhand
What is the best time to visit Assan Barrage?
The most conducive time to explore the Barrage is from October - December and mid-March - the end of April. The Barrage welcomes tourists every day and its timings are from 10 am to 5 pm. Among the major activities that attract tourists' attention to this place are boating, trekking and bird-watching.
What is the usual weather in Uttarakhand like?
February, November and December experience pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from around 20°C to 25°C. The hottest months are May, June, July, August, September and October. The coldest month is January with a maximum temperature of 3°C and sometimes below zero. Temperatures vary location-wise.
What are some local delicacies of Dehradun, Uttarakhand?
Whenever you visit Uttarakhand, do try its delicacies like Jhangora Ki Kheer, Aloo Tamatar Ka Jhol and Besan Kofta.
What essentials should be brought for a trip to Uttarakhand?
Carry clothes as per the season, an umbrella, hiking shoes, water and medicines. Do stay hydrated since most places in Uttarakhand are on a high elevation.
Who built the Assan Barrage?
Assan Barrage was built between 1965 to 1967 by the UP Irrigation Department on the Asan River, also known as Dhalipur Lake.
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