Sukhna Lake, located in Chandigarh city of Indian sub-continent is a man-made lake that enhances the serenity and the scenic beauty of the place astonishingly. It was constructed in 1958 and after facing some initial problems, this lake became one of the prime tourist attractions of the city. It has been beautifully developed at the beautiful hills of Himalayas, the Shivalik Hills. It has acquired an area of 3 sq km and was created by damming a seasonal and itinerant stream, Sukhna Choe, coming down from Shivalik hills. Originally, the seasonal flow used to enter the lake directly but it started causing heavy siltation affecting the lake and its water. This lake is around 1.49 km wide and is 1.52 km long.

In order to check the flow of silt, a land covering around 2542 hectares was acquired in the catchment area of the lake and vegetation was promoted in this land. In 1974, Sukhna Choe was completely diverted and was made to utterly bypass the lake. The government of India has declared this lake as a protective wetland.

Sports Activities at Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Lake is the perfect destination for people who want to indulge in serious exercising along with morning or evening walks. One can see several local people walking on the track made along with the lake.

The lake also houses a membership-based lake club that has tennis courts, swimming pool, indoor games and a gym, while Water Skiing, Kayaking, Sailing, Sculling, Rowing, Boating etc. can be enjoyed throughout the year. This lake possesses one of the longest channels for yachting and rowing events in the entire Asia.

Sukhna Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary

Sukhna Lake has become a sanctuary for several exotic species of migratory birds that come here every year. Among these are cranes, storks and Siberian ducks.

Flora and Fauna

A large number of good plantations, water holes and grazing grounds including the natural regeneration of some of the indigenous species manage to develop an ideal habitat for wildlife in the Sukhna Lake sanctuary.

The Flora at Sukhna Lake comprises of a wide variety of climbers, grass, shrubs, herbs and trees. These trees make the perfect ecological balance in the hinterland.

The Fauna in the Sukhna wildlife sanctuary is quite elaborate and comprises of a wide variety of micro-organisms, butterflies, reptiles, birds and mammals.

The mammals include Common Mongoose, langur, Rhesus Monkey, Indian Hare, porcupine, Jungle Cat, Spotted Dear and Sambhar etc. Apart from these mammals one can find a variety of reptiles, insects and a wide range of butterflies here.

How to Reach

By Road

Chandigarh is well connected to all the major cities of North India by government transport and deluxe luxury buses. On reaching any of the Chandigarh's Bus Station, one can hire Auto-Rickshaw, Taxi or can use local transport buses to reach the lake.

By Rail

Chandigarh's railway station is connected by superfast and express trains with all the major cities of the country. Railways station is not very far off and is about 10 kms away from the Sukhna Lake.

By Air

Chandigarh has a domestic airport which can be reached from any major city of India through air transport. Sukhna Lake is around 12 kms away from Chandigarh airport.