completely after two days’ rain. The sheltered spot at
the bank of the lake lent itself to views of the blue fish
farm.
In the evening, a group of boys carrying photography
equipment accompanied by two overdressed girls with
heavy makeup negotiated the steep trail, probably, for a
pre-wedding video at a placid place.
Katrah End Point Trail
A short muddy trail from the hotel took me to the
other end of the village on February 21, 2019. The
well-marked trail disappeared into the pebbly beach-
cum-fishing point commanding views of Garhi, Ransar,
and other islands. The unexpected downpour initially
disappointed me. Lightening and rain changed the
mood of the lake. But the rain slowed after a while. A
rainbow arched over the lake beside the beach. The
migratory birds on the tiny uninhabited islands flew
away.
Another Pong Corner Trail
From the backdoor of the hotel, a very short trail with a
steep section ended at one of the quiet corners of Pong.
Bare bushes and dark thick groves partly hedged low
rolling grassy mounds. I heard calls of a wild animal
and spotted a kingfisher, minivets, and some other birds
whose names I did not know.Katrah to Khattiyar Trail
The gentle muddy wide path follows the curves of the
lake. The path is amid uncrowded forest, the home of
many birds. I spotted bulbuls, magpies, parakeets, pied
birds, sunbirds, woodpeckers... and a jungli murga and
hare. Walk the path in early morning or late evening for
birdwatching. Locals drive bikes, cars, and pick-ups on
this path.All the five trails are bird friendly.
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