What happened
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the launch of the TDCP Blind Dolphin Resort at Taunsa Barrage in Kot Addu, offering visitors a chance to see the rare Indus blind dolphins in their natural habitat. Announcing it in a post on X, the chief minister invited tourists to imagine enjoying their morning tea while watching the rare river dolphins leaping through the waters of the River Indus.
The resort has been developed on 120 kanals of land along the banks of the Indus. Describing it as an eco-friendly recreational destination developed in line with international tourism standards, Maryam Nawaz said it offered a combination of quality hospitality, scenic terrace views and fine dining, alongside a commitment to wildlife conservation.
She said the facility would give visitors an extraordinary opportunity to explore Pakistan’s natural heritage and observe one of the country’s most unique aquatic species in its natural environment. The resort is expected to promote tourism in the Taunsa region while raising awareness about the conservation of the endangered Indus blind dolphin.
What it means for travellers
This adds a genuine wildlife stop to a Punjab itinerary — the Indus blind dolphin is one of the world’s rarest river dolphins, and Taunsa Barrage is one of the few places it can be seen. For travellers heading south from the northern areas, or planning a Punjab leg around Lahore and Multan, the resort gives a reason to route through Kot Addu rather than pass it by.
Two honest cautions before planning around it. First, the announcement gives no opening date, tariff or booking details, so the resort should be treated as announced, not yet bookable, until the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) publishes those details. Second, wild dolphins are shy and sightings are never guaranteed — the draw is the chance to see them from the riverbank and terraces, not a scheduled show.
What to watch
- An opening date and booking details from TDCP, including tariffs and how to reserve.
- Whether dolphin viewing is guided, and what conservation rules the resort sets for visitors near the river.
- Any visitor information on the best times and spots for sightings at Taunsa Barrage.
- Whether the resort draws further tourism investment to the Taunsa region.
Source: The Nation, “Punjab CM announces launch of Blind Dolphin Resort at Taunsa Barrage”
