Ropar Wetland

Ropar Wetland is a man-made wetland located on the Sutlej River in Punjab, encompassing about 1,365 hectares of water and land habitat. The area supports over 250 bird species, dense vegetation, and various mammals, fish, and reptiles within a functioning ecosystem.

The wetland was created as a reservoir on the Sutlej River and is now one of India's 21 Ramsar sites, recognized as wetlands of international importance. The site demonstrates how artificially constructed habitats can protect and support endangered species.

The name Ropar comes from the Sutlej River that flows through this area. For local residents and visitors, the wetland serves as a place to connect with nature and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

The wetland is open from sunrise to sunset and requires no advance booking or entrance fee. The best times to visit are early morning hours or during winter months when migratory birds are active and light conditions favor observation and photography.

The area harbors endangered species such as pythons, scaly anteaters, and the turtle Chitra indica, which occasionally appear and make the wetland an important refuge for disappearing wildlife. This biodiversity demonstrates how an artificially created site has become a haven for threatened animals.