About Kanjli Wetland
Kanjli Wetland is a man-made freshwater wetland on the Kali Bein rivulet near Kanjli village in Kapurthala district, Punjab. Created in 1870 by the construction of Kanjli Headworks for irrigation, it covers about 183 hectares and was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002. It is notable for its rich biodiversity, migratory birds, and ecological importance in the Beas river basin.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a shallow freshwater wetland with open water, marshes, and surrounding agricultural landscape on the Kali Bein. The site offers views of resident and migratory birds, aquatic vegetation, and the historic headworks barrage. Visitors can explore lakeside trails, birdwatching points, and boating areas. The environment is calm and natural, suitable for photography, nature walks, and observing flora and fauna in a protected wetland setting.
Key highlights
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Ramsar Wetland of International Importance designated on 22 January 2002
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Artificial wetland created in 1870 by Kanjli Headworks on the Kali Bein rivulet
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Important habitat for migratory and resident bird species
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Boating facility and birdwatching viewpoints for visitors
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Part of the Beas river basin ecosystem with rich aquatic biodiversity
History of Kanjli Wetland
Kanjli Wetland was created in 1870 by Maharaja Randhir Singh of Kapurthala through the construction of headworks across the Kali Bein, a tributary of the Beas River, to provide irrigation water. The barrage impounded water creating the wetland, which later gained ecological importance and was declared a Ramsar site on 22 January 2002.
Culture & Context
The wetland is situated on the Kali Bein rivulet, which is revered in Sikh tradition and associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The wetland supports local livelihoods, fisheries and agriculture and is valued for environmental education and nature conservation in Punjab.
Route
| By air |
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