Drona Sagar Lake

Drona Sagar Lake is a historic circular water body located in Kashipur town, Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand. The lake spans approximately 3 hectares and is associated with the Mahabharata epic, believed to have been created by the Pandavas as Guru Dakshina for their teacher Dronacharya. The site includes religious temples, cultural symbols, and archaeological remains including Govishan Fort ruins. The lake complex serves as both a pilgrimage center and tourist attraction.

Visitors can expect to see a circular lake surrounded by lush greenery with views of nearby peaks. The site features a shrine with an etched statue of Dronacharya overlooking the lake, several religious temples, and archaeological ruins of Govishan Fort protected by ASI. The area offers opportunities for nature walks, birdwatching, and photography. Facilities are limited, and visitors should bring their own snacks and water as there are no food or drink stands at the lake.

Drona Sagar Lake is linked to the Mahabharata era. Legend states that the Pandavas dug this pond as Guru Dakshina (teacher's fee) for their guru Dronacharya, who trained them in war skills. Another legend attributes the pond's creation to soil excavation for Govishan Fort during Harshavardhana's rule in the 6th century AD. The excavated mound east of the lake contains ruins identified by ASI as Panchayan temple. The site was historically among sacred places visited en route to Char Dham pilgrimage.

According to the Skanda Purana, the water of Drona Sagar is considered as sacred as the Ganges, and bathing in it was believed to be auspicious. The lake has been visited by great saints including Tulsi Das, Gautam Buddha, and Swami Dayanand Saraswati. It remains an important pilgrimage center known as Teerath Drona Sagar, hosting several religious temples and cultural symbols within its 74-acre land parcel.