One of the interesting spots near Amritsar is the Harike Wetlands, also known as Harike Pattan, a wetland located in the Tarn Taran district. It is a Ramsar site of international importance and is considered one of the most important wetlands in Asia. The wetlands are home to over 230 species of birds, including the endangered Siberian crane. The wetlands are also home to a variety of fish, including the endangered Indian mahseer. The wetlands were notified as a Ramsar Site on February 5, 2002.
The wetlands were originally created in the 18th century by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, for the purpose of breeding ducks. The wetlands were later developed by the British Raj for the purpose of irrigation. It was in 1966 that the Punjab Government started looking after the natural habitat.
The Harike Wetlands is indeed a popular tourist destination and also house a variety of tourist attractions, including the Harike Lake, the Tarn Taran Sahib Gurudwara, and the Gurudwara Thada Sahib. The wetlands are also home to a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and bird watching.