Sukhna Lake is the only notable body of water in Chandigarh. It is a popular hangout for both locals and visitors. Because of the abundance of nature that it provides within the city limits. City dwellers can be seen walking along the lake in the mornings and evenings. The Sukhna Choe, a seasonal creek flowing down from the Shivalik Hills, was dammed in 1958 to form this 3 km2 rainfed lake.
During the winter, this lake attracts migratory birds such as the Siberian duck, storks, and cranes. The lake area has recently been expanded, and the walking trail around it is nearly 2.2 kilometers long, with occasional markings. As you walk, you will notice several folks enjoying their company by the lake as well as many visitors sitting with their bags and taking in the scenery.
This lake is located in the Himalayan foothills and is formed by cascading the seasonal Sukhna stream that runs down the Shivalik mountain ranges. The exact location is in Chandigarh’s Sector 1. Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh is a 1958-created artificial lake. It covers an area of 3 square kilometres. This lake was originally created to dam the sukhna stream coming down from the Great Shivalik hills.
Initially, the seasonal stream caused heavy siltation when it entered the lake directly. To combat siltation, the surrounding land was purchased and planted with vegetation. People begin to visit this location as it gradually improved.
Despite this, Sukhna Lake Chandigarh remains open throughout the day since local locals walk around the lake footpath in the morning and evening. Tourists, on the other hand, can visit from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you are planning for your next trip or a weekend getaway to Chandigarh be sure to visit the famous water body- Sukhna lake, while staying at our resort in Dera Bassi.
There is no admission fee to visit Sukhna Lake Chandigarh, but if you want to go boating, you must purchase a ticket. Furthermore, if you arrive in your own vehicle, you must pay a parking fee for your vehicle, which is only 12 INR for a four-wheeler.
What to do when visiting Sukhna lake?
Boating- At Sukhna Lake, boating is arguably the most thrilling activity. This lake has become linked with it because of how much! In this lake, you can go pedal boating, speed boating, shikara riding, or even cruising. Each boat model has a distinct price, and it varies from season to season based on the number of tourists. The trip, which is the newest boating activity at Sukhna Lake, takes place on a solar-powered boat with seating for 25 people and a snack bar. Boating on this lake is peaceful, and it’s a real treat for photographers and bird watchers who can get up close views of the many Siberian ducks, storks, and cranes that live in and around the lake.
Buy Souvenirs- Around the lake, there are numerous kiosks and gift shops where tourists and locals haggle with vendors for a variety of cheap goods. Everything is offered here, including gifts, trinkets, minor household products, snacks, and street cuisine. Small toys for children, key chains, stoles, hats, diaries, and many other items are available. Street food kiosks that offer ice cream, bread pakodas, and samosas are also available. For those who are not very interested in sailing at Sukhna Lake, shopping here is a fantastic alternative.
Watch the sunset- You’re in for a treat if your only goal in coming here is to take in the panoramic splendour of the lake and don’t really feel like doing anything else. When the water of the lake reflects the different colours of the sky at sunrise and sunset and there is mist on the mountains in the background, it transforms into an extremely stunning sight! Simply take a seat on the lake’s rock steps with your loved ones and take in the peaceful sights of the rising or setting sun!
featured Image credits: traveltriangle.com
