BARELY 10 km from Chandigarh, towards the north-west, is Perch Dam, which serves as an exotic picnic spot. This picturesque spot, however, has yet to come up on the tourist map of either Chandigarh or Punjab. The area has not gained much popularity due to many reasons like the absence of a proper link (direct) road, lack of publicity and non-availability of local transport.

This "earth-filled" dam, which is 22.2 mt high, 284.50 mt long and 146.80 mt wide, falls under the Kandi Area Development Project. The reservoir area of the dam is 0.35 sq. km.

The journey from Chandigarh to the dam, is an exhilarating experience in itself. There are two approach roads. One route is via Naya Gaon village and its long stretch of market. This zig-zag and undulating road, bumpy at places, will certainly test your driving skills. After passing through Naya Gaon, you come to another small village called Nada. A right turn from this place leads to a road along green fields which goes to Perch Dam. The area here is slightly rocky.

The other route to Perch Dam is via the Khuda Lahora and Khuda Jassu dividing road. This road, known as the ‘temple road’, directly connects you to Perch village from where you can reach the dam.

As you near the dam, the terrain suddenly becomes hilly. From a distance you can see the north-western Shivalik range. There is a small gate at the entrance of the dam with a dilapidated signboard that says: "Picnic is allowed at this place".

The water of the dam is clean and tranquil and you can see the reflection of the surrounding hills in it. The hills on the eastern side of the dam are greener than those on its western side.

The visual impact of the area is refreshing. In winter when the dam is full, the deep blue-green water in the reservoir area looks enchanting. The entire area entices you with its beauty. The bare hills with patches of greenery change colour with the changing light. As the sun moves from the east to the west, the colours of hills change from beige to earth red to slate blue and then to dark grey. The dam also attracts a large number of migratory birds from Siberia and China.

Nestled in the rugged rocky terrain on one side of the dam, is a small village called Masoul. Its inhabitants can be seen around the dam area. The hills towards the south of the dam present a beautiful picture, almost as if a surrealistic painting has come to life.

On the extreme western end of the dam there is a beautiful structure that looks like a viewers’ hut. It has now been converted into an office. From this place you can get an overall view of the area. On one of the eastern hills is the Guga Mari temple, about 50 mt from the dam, but the ascent is quite steep. According to villagers, the temple was built more than 100 years ago. The dam area from the temple looks beautifully serene.

Perch Dam though not yet a popular picnic spot, can give a fillip to tourism in the region. The Tourism Department can promote the dam area as a tourist spot. A few sites near the dam can also be selected and developed as towers for bird watchers. At present there is no canteen or snack shop at the site.