Covering an area of 93 square miles Harike Pattan is the second largest bird sanctuary of India situated mid way between Amritsar and Ferozepur on the banks of Wetland. This popular picnic spot is located in Tarn Taran district, about 60 kilometres from Amritsar.

The sanctuary came into existence in 1978 with the construction of a barrage at the confluence of the river Beas and Satluj for water storage and providing irrigation and drinking water. In 1982 the Punjab government declared it as a national wetland and wildlife sanctuary. Harike Pattan is the home to rare varieties of avifauna arriving from different parts of Europe and northern Asia and endangered Testudine Turtle and Smooth Indian Otter. Some of the birds that can be seen here are the yellow-eyed pigeon, black and brown headed gull, yellow crowned woodpecker, diving ducks, scup ducks, falcate teals, cotton pygmy goose, Eurasian sparrow hawk etc. The best time to visit is between November and March. Harike is also famous for its sweet water fish market.