Asan Bird Sanctuar
- A popular birding destination
- Picnic site close to Dehradun
- Offers water adventure experiences
Asan Conservation Reserve, or Asan barrage, is a stunning blue-green water body, around 43 km from Dehradun. One of the region's most popular bird-watching sites, nature-lovers and birding enthusiasts can be seen training their lenses on winged beauties here.Located in the Dehradun district, this serene natural expanse sits at the picturesque junction of the Yamuna and Asan rivers. India’s first conservation reserve, established in 2005, it recently became Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site, making it a ‘Wetland of International Importance’. Spread over 4.5 sq km, Asan is also listed as an Important Bird Area (BNHS and BirdLife International) and is popular for sightings of native and migratory birds. Asan receives about 40 migratory bird species, including rudy shelduck, common coot, gadwall, kingfisher, Indian cormorant, baer’s pochard, northern pintail, bar-headed goose, among others. It is one of the most well-known sites for congregations of brahminy ducks. The best bird-watching season here is winter, from November to February. There are demarcated routes inside the reserve for tourists and nature-lovers. Eco-huts have also been set up in the area.
When to visit
While it's an all-year-round destination, the best season to watch birds is from October to April.
WHAT TO DO
The ideal way to explore Asan is to walk along the reserve's designated tracks. Bird-watchers and photographers can be seen sitting for hours to catch a glimpse of the winged friends. While most bird-lovers come here in winter to see migratory species, even if you are visiting in summer (May to September), you will see flocks of birds like storks and herons.
The barrage is popular for water sports. The GMVN water sports complex here offers facilities for rowing, paddle boating, kayaking, water skiing, motor boating. All equipment required or these sports are available for hire.
