Sukhna Lake


Sukhna Lake is a man-made lake located in the Himalayan foothills. It gets a majestic appearance due to the seasonal flow of water. The expenses for the lake maintenance are maintained mostly by the Chandigarh administration and by the Union Government. The visitors can undergo activities like boating, rowing, kayaking, water skiing and sailing and sculling. Winter season sees the arrival of a variety of exotic birds like Siberian ducks, cranes and storks.

History and Architecture:



Sukhna Lake is a national wetland protected by the Indian government. It is a large man-made lake. It is one of the most beautiful and attractive landmarks of Chandigarh. The lake was the brainchild of Le Corbusier and P. L. Verma, the chief engineer. The Shivalik mountain range has a stream that is seasonal called the Sukhna Choe. By diverting this stream, the Sukhna Lake was created.

This lake is a favorite tourist spot. Trees adorn the shores of the lake and it is an ideal place for walking and for leisure strolls. The many trees that adorn the land are a sanctuary for the many birds that occupy this lake. Many exotic birds use this place as a stop during migration. Beautiful birds like the barbets, cuckoos, parrots, hornbills, kingfisher, hoopoes, doves, etc occupy this place. It is a perfect place for bird watchers throughout the year.

The beautiful scenes serve as a recreational center. Many water sports like sailing, windsurfing, rowing and more can be played and enjoyed. The well watered land is a lush vegetation area that bustles with the hum of activity by people involved in farming. Children play along the open area near the lake while joggers and walkers enjoy the richly scented fresh morning air. The evenings are filled with tourists and small shops busy trying to sell their products to the people walking there.

Timings:



Sukhna Lake is open throughout the week from 5:00 am-9:00 pm. Boating can be availed only till 6:00 pm in the evening. The place has a regular crowd during the evenings. Hence, mornings would be the ideal time to visit. The lake undergoes a temporary dryness, particularly during the peak summer days.

Location:



This refreshing lake was created in 1958 in the foothills of the Himalayan Shivalik Mountain Range. It is a vast expanse of land, extending for nearly 3 km. It is situated in Sector 1, Chandigarh.

How to reach:



All the major cities are connected to Chandigarh by air as well as by road and rail. The airport is around 11km from the heart of the city. Superfast trains are also available from all the major metro cities to take you to Chandigarh.

Service buses and deluxe buses have been made available by the city administration to make the lake more accessible. Taxis and auto rickshaws are also available to take you to the lake. Reaching Sukhna Lake can be relatively easy as traffic is very controlled near the lake. This was undertaken by the transport department of the city administration to maintain a noise-free environment at the lake. The highways constructed have made road transportation easier and quicker.

Places to Stay:



Certain hotels in Sukhna Lake provide a good view of the lake. For some, the mere presence of a peaceful environment close by is, in itself, very soothing. Hotel Bella Vista Chandigarh is located just a few minutes from the lake. It has Premium, Cabana, Pool Suite and Bella Vista suites available to suit the various customers. The Hotel City Plaza also has a strategic position. It is located close to the Sukhna Lake, the Rock Garden and is a 2 star hotel. Other hotels near the lake include The Pelican and Hotel President.

The lake has everything from a walking path to coffee shops. The lake has its own club. The lake has a big LCD screen where even cricket matches are screened. The path is ideal for walking rather than jogging. The tranquility of the place is maintained evenly around the lake. The presence of the golf course towards the south and the Rock Garden towards the West add to the calmness of the lake. Motor boats were prohibited in the lake as the noise disrupts the natural peace in the vicinity. It is even a place of scenic beauty where artists have managed to find their inspiration.



Last Updated on : 14/08/2013