Visiting –Tilyar Lake in Rohtak

Visiting –Tilyar Lake in Rohtak

Panoramic view of Tilyar lake in Rohtak

       This year the winters had set in late in Delhi and its affect, which is usually felt by mid November was not palpable till about middle of December, when the temperatures plummeted after a bout of heavy rains.  We had planned to visit any small destination in the vicinity of Delhi.  After weighing in all the options available to us, we decided to visit Tiliyar Lake in Rohtak as we had never visited this place earlier.   We started at around 9.00 A.M. as the notorious Delhi fog had set in overnight and the driving conditions were not all that good.  Having started cautiously, cutting across the village landscape after going past Najafgarh, we drove on till we reached the Highway near Bahadurgarh.

Having Pakoras in Bahadurgarh

Having crossed over to Haryana at Bahadurgarh, we stopped over at one of the sweetmeat shops to have ‘Pakoras’ that are famous for this destination and ordered a pack full of assorted ‘Pakoras’ (a salty fried snacks) and had our Sandwiches and Coffee alongwith for B’fast, while sitting in the Car and enjoying the green fields set around.  Thereafter, we moved on towards Rohtak and reached our destination in about 40 minutes or so, as the road was well maintained and without much of traffic, maybe because of the cold weather.  Having reached our destination for the day, we walked around the entire parameter of the lake, trying to have a look at every ‘nook & corner’ and photographing whatever winged variety we could lay our eyes on.  Having completed the trek along the perimeter of the lake, we headed for some light lunch in the Restaurant and thence headed for a visit to the Zoo.  We roamed around the Zoo for around and hour or so as it is well spread out, after that we returned back and had a cup of hot tea and then commenced our journey back towards Delhi.

Ducks wading in Tilyar lake

A Rose Ringed Parrot looking up a nesting hole

A winter visitor - Kashmir flycatcher

Cormorants flocking on a tree top 

A Peacock graces the lake

Tilyar Lake is situated at a distance of 42 Kms from Delhi Border at Bhadurgarh and about 55 Kms from the Peeragarhi Chowk in Delhi.  Tilyar Lake is located in Rohtak District of Haryana and is spread over132 acres of land. The Tilyar lake forms a perfect green belt in surroundings area and thus an attraction for the Delhites, as weekend getaway and picnic spot.  The destination boasts of a well maintained restaurant and bar run by the Haryana Tourism and also has an added attraction for kids in form of a Mini zoo with animals like Tiger, Panther, Deer, Birds and Monkeys etc.  Apart from the above, the destination has a broad lake for boating and large green lawns for sitting and playing etc. One can ensure a wonderful time as weekend getaway from Delhi amidst the natural wealth.  However, if the boating part is restricted during the winter season, more seasonal migratory birds would definitely prefer this destination akin to nearby Bhindawas and Sultanpur.

A Red vented Bulbul seeking out its food

Little Grebe or 'Pankauri' in Tilyar lake

Night Heron 

Entry gate to Rohtak Zoo

          The extended waterway of the Tilyar lake is surrounded by a well paved pathways, with small bridges built across to visit the smaller islands in the middle of the lake and thus, makes an perfect destination for nature lovers and walkers alike.  There is no entry fee for the lake but a small token amount of Rs.10/- per person is charged for entry into the Rohtak Zoo that forms part of the lake periphery.  Although the destination is nothing spectacular, but at the same times it is a pleasant day picnic destination.

Here is the link to the video for the destination