Sukhna Lake has been on the bucket list of many travellers for a long time now. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway or to relax. Located in Chandigarh, it is the first lake that tourists arrive at when they plan an itinerary in the region. It’s a hidden gem that’s worth exploring if you have time on your hands. Here’s everything you need to know about this lake – its location, history, popular attractions, and tips to make the most of your time here.

Introduction to Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Lake is located in Chandigarh, the capital of the northern Indian state of Punjab. It is a rainfed lake created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream coming down from the Shivalik Hills. Le Corbusier, a well-known Swiss-French architect, and P L Varma a Chief Engineer were responsible for its creation. To maintain serenity around the lake, the movement of motorboats and vehicles are prohibited. The water level of the lake is regulated using earthen embankments as well as a sluice gate. Besides water sports activities such as boating, yachting, and water skiing, it also serves as a popular destination for walkers and joggers.

The lake has been designated as ‘A’ Grade tourist spot by the Tourism Authority of India. It has become one of the most visited and treasured places in Chandigarh.

Location & Distance from Major Cities

Sukhna Lake is a pristine lake in the foothills of the Himalayas in Chandigarh, India. It has a golf course to the south and the famous Rock Garden to its west. Sukhna has boating, yachting, and other water sports facilities as well as a bird sanctuary and a botanical garden. The lake is also popular as a stopover for tourists.

The lake is famous for rowing events, as it is the longest channel for rowing in India. Its water is clean and transparent due to the presence of lotus flowers, making it an ideal spot for boating.

Sukhna Lake is known for its scenic beauty with crystal-clear water, bright sunshine, and green fields all around.

History & Local Lore

Sukhna lake is a rain fed lake, 3 km sq, located at the foothills of the Himalay Hills in Chandigarh, India. The lake is created by damming the Sutkhna choe. It is a popular spot for activities like boating, fishing, water skiing, and enjoying beautiful sunsets.

The lake also serves as a muse for various artists and photographers who spend hours at length trying to capture its beauty. People flock to Sukhna lake during winters as it is a sanctuary for many exotic migratory birds like the Siberian duck, storks and cranes. These birds are seen as they arrive in Sukhna lake in March-April and depart in September-October.

Sukhna lake has become popular among tourists due to its scenic beauty, nature trails, water sports, and other recreational facilities. Besides, the best time to visit Sukhna lake is between March and May when the water levels are high and there are enough water activities to enjoy.

Popular Attractions & Activities

Sukhna lake is a lake located in the foothills of the Himalayas in India, in the state of Haryana. It is a popular tourist destination offering a range of activities such as boating, yachting, water skiing, and bird watching. The lake is an important place for artists to get portraits made as there are jogging tracks and sitting arrangements around it. Besides, there are mango festivals and speciality festivals from different states held at the lake. This unique lake makes for a great weekend getaway as it offers serenity amidst the beauty of nature.

The lake is best explored during weekends as its popularity ensures that most activities are booked well in advance. Moreover, the lake’s many scenic points make for great picnic spots for families with kids.

Hotels & Accommodations Nearby

Sukhna Lake is a freshwater lake located in the city of Chandigarh, India. It has a circumference of 3 km (1.86 miles), and is surrounded by hills and hillsides. The lake is famous for its scenic beauty and the lush green garden surrounding it. There are multiple chain hotels near the lake, such as Maya Hotels Group, Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces, Lemon Tree Hotels, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, and Aroma.

Facilities at the lake include boating, yachting, jogging tracks, and shikaras. Besides, you can walk around the lake for marvelling its beauty. The lake is also popular among tourists with sketches by the architect Le Corbusier on display. You can explore the lake with a boat or by hiring a shikara.

You can also enjoy a number of activities like fishing or bird watching at the lake. A visit to Sukhna lake will give you an opportunity to enjoy nature and beauty of this place at its best.

Tips for a Perfect Trip

Sukhna lake, is a beautiful manmade lake situated at the foothills of Shivalik range in the city of Chandigarh. It’s a man-made lake that was created as part of the Sukhna Dam Project and it is a huge hit among tourists because of its serene and scenic beauty. The lake has attractively arranged walkways that lead to different points of interest. It also has boating charges from INR 50-100 (per person) for small vessels and yachting charges from INR 6500-12,500 per hour for yachts. Besides them, water skiing is also an enticing attraction.

To avoid motor boats and the promenade on the top of the dam to vehicles, one should visit the lake during sunset time or early morning as these times are less crowded. So, it’s not just about enjoying the beauty of sukhna lake but also experiencing its serenity at this shimmering lake.

Things to Do

Sukhna lake in Chandigarh, India, is a beautiful lake that offers water sports activities such as boating, yachting, rowing, sculling, sailing, kayaking, and water skiing. The lake has a membership-based Lake Club with lawns, a gym, indoor games, swimming pools, and large tennis courts with both grass and synthetic courts.

During the winter months, the lake becomes a sanctuary for many exotic migratory birds like the Siberian duck, storks, and cranes. It also serves as an important fishing destination for people from nearby towns as well as tourists. The lake is declared a protected national wetland by the Government of India. As you can see in this guide on Sukhna lake in Chandigarh, there are numerous water sports options to enjoy.

Best Time to Visit

Sukhna Lake is one of the best beaches in Chandigarh for boating, and other water activities. The lake is a great place to relax, enjoy recreation, and photographers and artists to capture its beauty. During the spring months of the year (between mid-January to March), the weather is pleasant and ideal for boating, and other water activities. This time also witnesses various festivals featuring specialties from different states of India. In particular, the mango festival held during the monsoon season is a celebrated occasion among visitors.

The lake attracts a large number of tourists due to its scenic beauty as well as various recreational activities offered on its shoreline. Besides, it is an eye-catching spot on Chandigarh’s tourism map. The lake has gradually become part of its heritage as more and more people visit it for fun and frolic.

Nearby Attractions

Sukhna lake, a revered landmark in the foothills of shivalik hills in chandigarh, is a must-visit for nature lovers. The lake is situated on the Shimla-Manali National Highway, 35 km from Shimla and 60 km from Manali. It offers a variety of activities, such as boating, yachting, water skiing, fishing, and more. The lake is also home to a number of birds, such as Siberian duck and crane.

There is also a promenade with jogging track and sitting areas around the lake. The lake was gifted by Le Corbusier and P L Varma to the city and it’s a popular spot for artists to come and paint. The scenic beauty of the lake coupled with its varied activities makes it an unforgettable destination for everyone.

In conclusion, Sukhna Lake is famous for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. This lake is surrounded by lush hills, which makes it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy nature’s beauty. It has been a popular weekend getaway for years now, and there’s no denying the lake’s beauty as well as its place in history as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. To experience all the lake has to offer, read our blog on ‘A Self-guided Tour of Sukhna Lake’ that tells you where to stay, what to eat, and how best to move around the area.

Frequently Asked Questions