Chandigarh

the city beautiful, first planned city of modern India

Sukhna Lake Chandigarh

This is one of the most picturesque man made lakes in India lake Sukhna Chandigarh.

The Chandigarh lake  Sukhna being an inseparable part of the city was created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe. It had a depth of 18 feet originally and was spread across 3 sq km. True to its name Sukhna which implies a wish - fulfilled, the lake is an idyllic resort to enjoy nature at its best.

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.

At Dawn

As the golden hue of the dawn shimmers through its placid waters, a stream of joggers hurry along to savor the fresh morning air.
 Others amble on the dew - wet grass, the children frolic around, while a few others find time to meditate in tranquility. 

Lake Sukhna is a sanctuary for many exotic migratory birds like the Siberian duck, Storks and Cranes, during the winter months. 

As the golden orb emerges brightly form the Shivalik hill range, the morning crowd recedes and groups of students arrive to browse through their books under the shady trees. The afternoon attracts families on picnic and a siesta to complete their foray into the lap of nature.

The Evening

In the evenings Sukhna lake Chandigarh again coming alive with tourists, and families thronging the promenade, the Lakeview Cafeteria, the fast food - shops and of course at jetty for a boat ride. For children there are a number of joyrides and a mini train.

Chandigarh Sukhna Lake is the venue for many festive celebrations too. The most popular is the Mango Festival held during the monsoons when scores of varieties of mangoes are on display. From time to time other food festivals, featuring specialties from different Indian States, are also held here, along with cultural performances.

Chandigarh Lake, Sukhna is an inseparable part of the city's life. There is attraction for all visitors, depending on the time and season of the year. Boating, rowing, sculling, sailing can be enjoyed throughout the year. The Lake, which was the venue for the Asian Rowing Championships, has the longest channel for rowing and yachting events in Asia.

Lake Sukhna Chandigarh has a membership based Lake Club with open lawns, a gym, indoor games, swimming pool and tennis courts with both synthetic and grass courts. The lake is fringed by a golf course and a mini zoo to the south, and the famous Rock Garden to its west.