Sukhna Lake is an artificial beautiful expanse of water at the foot of the Shivalik Hills in Chandigarh. Despite the hustle and bustle of urban life, residents and people from everywhere are drawn to this serene environment. It attracts many visitors because of its amazing views, calm surface and rich flora. Whether you prefer to walk slowly, take a boat ride or just sit on its banks; Sukhna Lake has activities for all classes of individuals.
Quick Information
Location – Chandigarh, India
Opening Timings – 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (daily)
Boating Price
- Paddle Boat (2-seater): ₹200 for 30 minutes
- Paddle Boat (4-seater): ₹300 for 30 minutes
- Shikara Ride: ₹500 for 30 minutes
Entry Fee – Free
History of Sukhna Lake
Sukhna Lake was created by damming Sukhna Choi, a seasonal stream from the Shivalik Hills, and was constructed in 1958. This particular lake was conceived by Le Corbusier, the famous Swiss-French architect of Chandigarh. He intended to make it a place where people could relax and get close to nature. Over the years, this lake has gained great importance as one of the identity symbols of Chandigarh, offering a peaceful escape to visitors.
Another feature included designing a promenade along the lake which is three kilometres in length and is good for morning and evening walks. Apart from this, Le Corbusier thought of making it an area for water sports along with other leisure activities. In the present times, Sukhna Lake is a favourite spot for boating, fishing and even sailing competitions. The area around the lake has been converted into a beautifully maintained park, adding to its charm.
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Nearby Tourist Attractions
Chandigarh being its center, Sukhna Lake is easy to visit due to its proximity to many attractions. Some of these include;
Rock Garden
The only sculpture garden established by artist Nek Chand is located within walking distance from Sukhna Lake; it is known as RPC. This garden has sculptures that are made using waste material generated by various industries and cities that reflect resourcefulness and imagination. A must-visit place for art lovers and those who want to do something out of the ordinary.
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
This large garden has many fountains along the paths and more than 1,600 varieties of roses that give it a serene environment to relax while enjoying the beauty of nature. It looks most beautiful during the annual Rose Festival which attracts tourists from all over India.
Capital Complex
One of the major landmarks of Chandigarh; it was designed by Le Corbusier and has been given the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Secretariat and the Legislative Assembly are located in the complex. You can also see the open-hand monument here representing peace and reconciliation.
Government Museum and Art Gallery
This museum has a strong collection of Indian art, sculptures and historical artefacts, making it an ideal place for all art lovers. The museum also gives information about the cultural heritage of India which is ideal for those who love history.
Chandigarh Botanical Garden and Nature Park
This garden is large which promotes a paradise for plant lovers. It has many local and exotic plants scattered in various themed gardens like Bamboo Garden, and Palm Garden. The park also has walking trails where one can take a stroll.
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Things to Do
Sukhna Lake offers a variety of facilities for visitors with different interests. Here are some of the things to do while visiting:
Boating
Boating is one of the most popular things to do at Sukhna Lake. For those who wish to paddle in the calm waters of the lake, there is an option to rent paddle boats, rowing boats and Shikaras. You can also enjoy the beauty of the place and see the Shivalik hills moving peacefully on the surface of the water from here.
Walking and Jogging
The promenade around the lake is good for a morning or evening walk. For fitness enthusiasts, it offers fresh air, calm surroundings and beautiful views. If you are an early riser, you can choose to jog along the path instead.
Bird Watching
Sukhna Lake is a paradise for bird watchers. It attracts various migratory birds, especially during winter. Some examples include Siberian ducks, storks and kingfishers. Just bring along binoculars and watch these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
Photography
Sukhna Lake is a popular spot for photography due to its beautiful views. You can click pictures of the sunrise, the reflection of the Shivalik Hills on the water or the colourful boats moving on the surface of this vast body of water; hence there are many opportunities to take amazing pictures.
Picnic
Hence, it is a family-friendly spot for picnics due to the clean lawns and shady areas near the lake. One can carry their food or get some from the vendors nearby. Eating with your family and friends by the lake is indeed a simple yet unforgettable experience.
Cycling
Rent a bicycle and explore the area around Sukhna Lake. The paths built for cycling around Sukhna Lake offer a pleasant and exercise-filled excursion through the beautiful landscapes. The cool breeze blowing due to its scenic nature will make it even more enjoyable.
Watching the Sunset
Another amazing thing about Sukhna Lake is watching the sunset which is always an amazingly unique event in life. The sun sets amidst the light that paints the sky in different colours. Thus making the moment even more beautiful and also adding to the charm of the water’s surface by reflecting the colours of the sunset. However, do not forget your camera so that you can record that mesmerizing view forever.
Visit the Silent Garden
Located on the western shore of Sukhna Lake, it has a large Buddha statue installed inside it, which serves as a meditation spot. There you can get away from the busy life and noise, and find peace through meditation in this peaceful environment of solitude.
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Best Time to Visit
October to March is the best time to visit Sukhna Lake. The weather is pleasant during this time of the year, making outdoor activities like boating, walking and picnicking fun. The best months for bird watching are the winter months, as the lake is visited by many migratory birds during this time.
During summers when it is very hot, it is advisable to visit Sukhna Lake early in the morning or after sunset. The atmosphere becomes cooler at that time of the day and people can admire the breathtaking views while cooling themselves with something cold.
How to Reach
Sukhna Lake is easily accessible from Chandigarh and its nearby cities. Other modes of reaching the place are as follows:
- By Car – If you are using your vehicle, reaching Sukhna Lake from anywhere in Chandigarh is not a problem. The reservoir is located close to Sector 1 and has ample parking space around it.
- By Bus – Since Chandigarh has a well-organised transport system within the city, it is easy to reach Sukhna Lake for people travelling by bus. You can also take an auto-rickshaw for a short trip as local buses pass near the lake.
- By Taxi or Auto-Rickshaw – It is well known that auto-rickshaws and -taxis are available all over the city at any time. If you don’t mind spending some money on transport, you can hire them and ask them to drop you at Sukhna Lake. This mode of transport is especially useful if you are staying at a hotel relatively close to this place.
- By Train – If you are travelling from another city, your best option would be to leave Chandigarh station as it is the closest to Sukhna Lake. Once there, it is better to take an Uber or Grab taxi (for example) than to wait for buses.
- By Air – If you are flying into Chandigarh, the international airport would be your best option. Once you reach the airport, either take a taxi or opt for public transport to reach Sukhna Lake; the journey from the airport takes about thirty minutes in total.
Travel Tips for Visitors
If you want to make the most of your trip to Sukhna Lake, consider these tips:
- Choose Casual Wear – Since you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, you should wear casual wear and shoes on your feet. This is especially good if you are going for a walk or doing some other work. Light, breathable fabrics are ideal.
- Apply Sunscreen And Wear A Cap – While it is important to apply sunscreen when visiting during the day, don’t forget to wear a hat to avoid sunburn. The areas around the lake can get very hot.
- Carry Your Water And Some Food Items – There are vendors around the lake, but people are advised to carry water and snacks with them. It is good to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
- Arrive Early – To enjoy the serene ambience of Sukhna Lake, try to arrive early in the morning. You will be able to appreciate its beauty better at that time as there will be fewer people around.
- Respect Nature – Sukhna Lake is designated as a conservation site, so we must take care of our environment. Avoid throwing garbage in any way and do not tease any animals. This way everyone can enjoy the clean surroundings.
- Follow Safety Rules – If you are planning to indulge in boating activities, make sure you follow the relevant safety rules. Always wear a life jacket and keep your ears wide open to listen to the guiding sounds issued by the boat crew.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Sukhna Lake Open All Year Round?
Yes, Sukhna Lake is open all year round. Visitors can enjoy the lake in all seasons, though the best time to visit is from October to March.
Can I Take My Pet To Sukhna Lake?
Pets are not allowed at Sukhna Lake to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the area.
Are There Any Restaurants Near Sukhna Lake?
Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants near Sukhna Lake where you can enjoy a meal or a snack. You can find both local and international cuisines.
Is There A Parking Facility At Sukhna Lake?
Yes, there is ample parking available near Sukhna Lake. Visitors can park their vehicles in the designated parking areas.
Is Photography Allowed At Sukhna Lake?
Yes, photography is allowed at Sukhna Lake. The scenic views make it a great spot for capturing beautiful photos.
Sukhna Lake is not just a place to have fun but it is a confluence of nature, peace and entertainment. If you want to relax or go out with your family or if you are a person who loves to spend time outdoors then visit Sukhna Lake. The serene beauty of the lake, its eventful past and diverse attractions make it a unique place in Chandigarh that is hard to resist. Visit Sukhna Lake today and appreciate its peace and beauty which has made it popular among local and foreign visitors.
