Sukhna Lake: A Complete Guide to Chandigarh’s Serene Attraction

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to enjoy a peaceful boat ride on a lake surrounded by the majestic Shivalik hills? Or watch the sun set over the water while listening to the chirping of migratory birds? Or capture some stunning photos of the lake and its surroundings with your camera? If yes, then you should definitely visit Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

Photo of Sukhna Lake 1/2 by — (C) Pixels

Sukhna Lake is a man-made reservoir that was created in 1958 by damming the seasonal stream Sukhna Choe that flows from the Shivalik hills. The lake covers an area of about 3 square kilometers and has a depth of about 18 feet. The lake is also a part of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to various species of flora and fauna.

Sukhna Lake is not only a scenic spot but also a hub of recreational activities and cultural events. The lake offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or entertainment. You can enjoy boating, birdwatching, photography, water sports, and more at Sukhna Lake. You can also visit some of the nearby attractions such as Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Elante Mall, and more.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, including its timings, entry fee, things to do, places to visit, places to stay, and more.

We will also give you some tips and recommendations to make your trip to Sukhna Lake memorable and enjoyable. So, read on and get ready to explore this serene attraction with Tripoto.

Sukhna Lake Timings and Entry Fee

Sukhna Lake is open for visitors throughout the year from 5 am to 9 pm. However, the timings may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. The best time to visit Sukhna Lake is during the early morning or evening hours when you can witness the beautiful sunrise or sunset over the lake.

There is no entry fee for visiting Sukhna Lake. However, you may have to pay a nominal fee for parking your vehicle near the lake. The parking fee is Rs. 5 for two-wheelers and Rs. 10 for four-wheelers. You may also have to pay a fee for some of the activities and attractions at Sukhna Lake such as boating, water sports, etc.

Things to Do at Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Lake offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the things you can do at Sukhna Lake:

Boating: One of the most popular activities at Sukhna Lake is boating. You can choose from different types of boats such as paddle boats, rowing boats, shikaras, or motor boats. You can enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the calm waters of the lake while admiring the scenic views of the hills and the sky. The boating fee ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 200 per person depending on the type and duration of the boat.

Birdwatching: Sukhna Lake is a paradise for bird lovers as it attracts many migratory birds during the winter season. You can spot various species of birds such as cranes, storks, ducks, geese, flamingos, etc. at Sukhna Lake. You can also visit the nearby Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see more birds and animals such as deer, jackals, leopards, etc.

Photography: Sukhna Lake is a perfect place for photography enthusiasts as it offers many opportunities to capture some stunning photos of the lake and its surroundings. You can click some amazing shots of the lake during different times of the day and night. You can also take some selfies or group photos with your friends or family at Sukhna Lake.

Water Sports: If you are looking for some adventure and thrill at Sukhna Lake, you can try some water sports such as jet skiing, water skiing, banana boat ride, etc. You can have some fun and excitement on the water while enjoying the cool breeze and splashes. The water sports fee ranges from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 per person depending on the type and duration of the sport.

Garden of Silence: If you want to experience some peace and tranquility at Sukhna Lake, you can visit the Garden of Silence, which is a meditation park located at the end of the lake. The park has a giant statue of Lord Buddha and a circular path for walking and meditating. You can spend some time here and feel the calmness and serenity of the place.

Night View: Sukhna Lake looks even more beautiful and mesmerizing at night when it is illuminated by colorful lights. You can enjoy the night view of Sukhna Lake from the promenade or the bridge. You can also witness some cultural events and performances at Sukhna Lake during the night such as music concerts, dance shows, etc.

Photo of Sukhna Lake 2/2 by — (C) Wikipedia

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Places to Visit Near Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Lake is not only a destination in itself but also a gateway to some of the other tourist attractions in Chandigarh. Here are some of the places you can visit near Sukhna Lake:

Rock Garden: Rock Garden is a unique and artistic garden that was created by Nek Chand, a self-taught artist, using waste materials such as stones, tiles, bottles, etc. The garden has various sculptures and installations depicting humans, animals, and abstract forms. The garden also has waterfalls, bridges, and amphitheaters. Rock Garden is located about 2 km from Sukhna Lake and is open from 9 am to 6 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 30 for adults and Rs. 10 for children.

Rose Garden: Rose Garden is a beautiful and fragrant garden that has more than 1600 varieties of roses and other flowers. The garden is spread over an area of about 30 acres and has fountains, lawns, and pathways. The garden also hosts an annual rose festival in February or March where you can see various cultural events and competitions. Rose Garden is located about 4 km from Sukhna Lake and is open from 6 am to 8 pm. There is no entry fee for visiting Rose Garden.

Elante Mall: Elante Mall is one of the largest and most popular shopping malls in Chandigarh. The mall has more than 200 stores selling various brands of clothing, accessories, electronics, etc. The mall also has a food court, a multiplex, a gaming zone, and a kids’ play area. Elante Mall is located about 7 km from Sukhna Lake and is open from 11 am to 10 pm. There is no entry fee for visiting Elante Mall.

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Places to Stay Near Sukhna Lake

If you are planning to stay near Sukhna Lake, you can choose from some of the best hotels and resorts that are close to the lake and suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the places you can stay near Sukhna Lake:

Hotel Mountview: Hotel Mountview is a luxury hotel that offers spacious and comfortable rooms with modern amenities such as air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, etc. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a coffee shop, a swimming pool, a spa, a gym, and a banquet hall. Hotel Mountview is located about 1 km from Sukhna Lake and charges about Rs. 5000 per night for a double room.

Hotel Shivalikview: Hotel Shivalikview is a budget hotel that offers cozy and clean rooms with basic amenities such as fan, TV, Wi-Fi, etc. The hotel also has a restaurant, a lounge, a terrace, and a conference room. Hotel Shivalikview is located about 2 km from Sukhna Lake and charges about Rs. 2000 per night for a double room.

Hotel Rajshree: Hotel Rajshree is an eco-friendly hotel that offers elegant and stylish rooms with green features such as solar panels, LED lights, organic toiletries, etc. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a bakery, a fitness center, and a business center. Hotel Rajshree is located about 5 km from Sukhna Lake and charges about Rs. 3000 per night for a double room.

Conclusion

Sukhna Lake is one of the most serene attractions in Chandigarh that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy nature, adventure, culture, or shopping, you can find it all at Sukhna Lake. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Chandigarh with Tripoto and explore this amazing destination with us.

We hope this article has helped you with your query about Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave them in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.

Sukhna Lake Reviews

Unknown Geeks

56 Followers

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On a lazy Saturday morning I woke up with no plan to go anywhere but after my breakfast I felt like I needed to go somewhere and on the top of my head I was like “Sukhna Lake” so I got ready and headed for it, the first time ever solo. So I reached here and it was nothing new, I just sat by the lake and observed people but for some reason I felt like I should explore this place and so I did. Funnily enough, I got to know about it way more. I didn’t even know there is Shoe Islandnot representing shoes but it's in the shape of a shoe but offers beautiful LEDS, I’m sure that would’ve looked amazing but as I was there in the morning it was not to be seen by me. After that I left for a brisk walk around the park as by the time I got over the awe of me not knowing a lot of people had come by and what do you know, more places I didn’t know about. A serene experience awaited me as I entered what is known as The Garden of Silence. A giant statue of Buddha welcomed me and I felt like I was one with the zen or I guess that was my imagination, but it sure felt amazing and I just did not feel like leaving the absolute calmness I felt there. With that said I will not mention how long I spent there. After some retrospection I found out that I didn’t know this place after all, I just briefly knew about it. Finally I did the unthinkable, I grabbed some information about it from the internet but I guess it’s fine as I was at the spot. I found that there were alot of other spots at Sukhna Lake such as a shopping area, a tower.I would’ve loved to stay and explore but I was running out of time as I needed to head somewhere else soon, being an adult I guess. However, I did make a quick run to the Jungle Trailand Nature Interpretation Centre,the former one was true to its name, as it is literally like a jungle. The latter one was actually quite fascinating, it looked exactly like the house of teletubbies, I’m not even going to deny it. I was a bit disappointed not to find those chubby creatures but other than that it was great. Overall, I’d say this trip was not an adventure per say but it was an eye opener for me. As it made me realize I need to explore my previously visited places as well but in depth and see their own beauty. Wanted to know more about those places here is Google Map List

Anshu Srihan

72 Followers

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Born & Brought up in Chandigarh. I have been risen seeing all the beautiful places around and near Chandigarh itself. Chandigarh-a peaceful,calm,well-planned city across the World(I must say). Chandigarh- place where you can travel anywhere or to any sector in not more than an hour. An happening place , wednesdays & saturdays all crowded with youth to feel the air of this peaceful city. Talking about the places to visit in Chandigarh , quite a few are there , but these places are so stunning and mostly during the night hours , you can actually hover,move,play in and around this place which is none other than Sukhna Lake. One of the mose quietist place to relax,meditate,soothe and meet the nature. Whenevr I feel the urge of not eating anywhere or not going to any fancy place , I prefer to come and stroll or sit here either alone or with any of my friends. The clear water and your foot dipped inside the lake water makes your soul so happy. In the night , its the best place to see the sky,stars ,the @kasauli hills , the lights from the far which makes you so calm and composed. I have alot of memories with this place and all the people if you really want to some peace and to come out for strolling , Sukhna Lake is the best place. But mostly i gets crowded on Weekends though. Other activities - Boating,Eating joints,Shopping area,Camel rides & also an amazing place for pre-wedding shots???????? Best Time to Visit - Early Mornings and Evenings. For Further updates , Please follow, subscribe on my blog : https://www.glossymusingss.com

Deepak Kashyap

141 Followers

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Sukhna lake is one epic lake situated in Chandigarh with the backdrop of beautiful mountains. The manmade picturesque Sukhna lake in the foothills of Shivalik range is an idyllic place for quiet communion with nature and for offering water sports activities such as boating, yachting, water skiing, etc. There are many exotic migratory birds visiting this lake during the winter season like cranes, storks, Siberian ducks etc. One afternoon I also went here with my mother to witness the epic beauty of this lake. There was a lot of buzz with people getting ready to enjoy their respective boat rides. There is a play area for kids and some rides as well. Sketch artists are also there to draw a sketch of you or your loved ones. Food is obviously available so you will have a lot of options to eat. We took a ride on the lake and enjoy the beauty of the place. Its a great place to spend some quality time. Place is Neat and clean. Beside the lake, you can feel the breeze blowing giving you a freshness. Things to know : -The entry ticket is not there but If you wanna take the boat ride it will cost RS 100 for 4 people. - U can take private vehicles and rickshaw to reach this place and enjoy. - You can also add rose garden and rock garden if you have an entire day in Chandigarh. All in all the trip will surely not disappoint you if you are in Chandigarh :)

Anushka Rathee

1051 Followers

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At the entrance to the Sukhna Lake Chandigarh one reads Corbusier’s Edict of the Lake. “The founders of Chandigarh have offered this Chandigarh lake and dam to the citizens of the new city so that they may escape the humdrum of the city life and enjoy the beauty of nature in peace and silence.”The curvilinear profile of the promenade along the banks of lake Sukhna hums with activity from dawn to dusk, reflecting changing moods of the day. The tree-shaded promenade is a favorite spot to stroll and enjoy the tranquil ambience. This manmade lake lies in the base of the majestic Shivalik range and is a desired picnic location. To pursue the challenging activities like yachting, boating, and water skiing one would not get a better place.Walking around the curvilinear profile of the lake you'd come across various cafes and rides.

Damini

1143 Followers

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The 3km long beautiful manmade Sukhna lake offers a view of the foothills of Shivalik range. The well maintained and clean surroundings of lush trees add to the beauty of this place. Sit by the lake and enjoy the cool breeze or go boating!History: This lake was created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream coming down from the Shivalik Hills. Originally the seasonal flow entered the lake directly causing heavy siltation. To check the inflow of silt, land measuring 2542 hectares was acquired in the catchments area and put under vegetation. Le Corbusier’s greatest creation, his vision for Sukhna lake still lives on. Carrying on his legacy, till date no motor boats are allowed in the lake and neither are any motor vehicles on the promenade.