Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Lake is a man-made reservoir at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills on the edge of Chandigarh, northern India, created in 1958. It serves as a major local recreational area and a habitat for waterbirds.

Key attractions include a roughly 3-kilometre-long promenade, boating facilities for non-motorised craft and adjacent lawns and gardens used for walking and leisure. The lake and its margins are popular for morning walks, boating and birdwatching, particularly in winter.

The reservoir was formed by damming the seasonal Sukhna Choe and subsequently managed as an urban water and recreation resource. Over time it has been the subject of conservation and maintenance efforts to manage siltation and protect bird habitat.

Geographically the lake lies at the foothills of the Shivalik Range beside the planned city of Chandigarh, and is immediately adjacent to the city rather than being remotely located.

• Creation and purpose: The lake was created in the late 1950s as a man-made reservoir at the foothills of the Shivalik Range and functions as a major urban recreational space for the Chandigarh area.
• Birdwatching timing: Best times for birdwatching are early morning and winter months when migratory waterfowl are most numerous.

What to See #

• Promenade and boating area: Three-kilometre-long promenade and boating area along the lake edge popular for walking and non-motorised boating year-round.
• Wildlife sanctuary: Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary bordering the lake provides habitat for migratory and resident waterbirds and is a focus for birdwatching.