One cannot miss out on the serene ambience that the Sukhna Lake offers. The channels of rivers flowing from the foothills of Shivalik, not only meander their way into the lake but to one’s heart as well, glorifying and filling the place with that poised tranquillity. Located in sector 1 of Chandigarh, its has loads of things on its platter to serve you and make your experience worthwhile.

Before we get down to the list of things that you can do at the lake, let’s first peek through its fascinating history which makes this place ever so enchanting:

Sukhna Lake is an artificially built water body which is more of a reservoir than a lake. Initially, the lake was built keeping in mind the idea to attract the locals where they could enjoy and rejuvenate their “body and soul”. This was the central idea of Le Corbusier; French architect who planned the city, besides the fact to control the rain situation and manage the seasonal stream of Sukhna Choe when he decided to construct the dam in the year 1958. From the time of Inception of idea to its entire development, Sukhna Lake stays on top of most famous tourist places in Chandigarh

Does Sukhna Choe still fall into the lake? There is a misconception that the Sukhna Choe still flows into the lake. To check the heavy siltation efforts have been made to check the inflow of the stream directly to the lake has now been diverted and vegetation projects have been set up instead, to use the silt in the best possible way.

Interesting Fact! Ever since the lake was built, it wooed the hearts of the onlookers. It is believed that Pierre Jeanneret’s; a Swiss architect and a cousin of Le Corbusier who worked with him in planning the city, his ashes were immersed in the lake in 1970 by his niece. Somehow, she felt that as Pierre Jeanneret was so attached to Sukhna Lake, that his soul will be free in its sanctity.

Soon, Sukhna turned to be a Bird Sanctuary! It is now home to exotic migratory birds which includes storks, cranes and Siberian duck. If one gets the chance to visit the lake in the winter months, bird watching is a sure thing to add on the list. The natural beauty of the lake in a combination of its “winged visitors” adds up for an enthralling experience. Today, it proudly stands as one the protected national wetlands of the nation.

So now, let us get down to the things you can do if you visit the lake:

• Boating: Always the centre of attraction for the tourists! Boating suits all age groups and whether you are a thrill seeker or not, boating will take you to the realms of the lake where you will experience its calm beauty and also may get that little bit of thrill while paddling your way far off surrounding the shores of the lake. Children to elderly all enjoy boating and why wouldn’t anybody? To feel oneself being hugged by the beauty of nature is the best zeal one can get. Isn’t it?

• Revere and cherish the art! Le Corbusier sketches will surely take your attention. His sketches are unique and are preserved by the caretakers to this date. Not only this, the place is stacked with artists where you can get your portrait made on the spot. These artists will sway your heart for sure. People often get intrigued by the way these artists sketch one on the canvas. The portraits are intricate and will get you awe-struck. Make memories to take back home and getting a sketch will ensure that.

• Camel ride or bull ride? Yes! There is a camel ride available at the lake. You can take a tour of the park on the camel and feel like a royal prince of Rajasthan. If bull riding is your thing then get the experience of the mechanical bull and let’s see how long you can stay on it. That’s the beauty of this lake, you get to enjoy a little bit of everything!

• Take a souvenir home! If you are somebody out of Chandigarh then you might want to take a souvenir home that would remind you of this impeccable place. There are local shops inside the Sukhna premises where you can buy little trinkets and mantle pieces to take home with you. The items are traditional and maybe you will get to learn about the culture in a different light. Souvenir is important to make a journey complete as it holds that essential element that adds meaning to the visit. For a traveller who loves to explore new places and learn from the experience will understand how important it is to make memories and get souvenirs wherever they go.

Mystical elements of the Sukhna Lake!

“Sukhna” means to wish for! It is believed that if you wish something at the lake, it will come true. They say that the lake has attracted spiritual elements to itself and there have been incidences where people have experienced the positivity in their aura that helped then fight and move on in their lives. Many people have shared their stories when they wished for something and it happened. A lot of love stories got their happy endings. Women met the man of their dreams; that perfect soul mate that they have been gushing on.

You might as well get it a try and wish for something to see if that works out for you. There is no harm in trying, is there?

Sukhna Lake is filled with serenity from whichever angle you look. But there is one thing which intimidates all. The Suicide Point! Near the shore of the lake, there is a structure built which is now popularly known as the “Tower of Suicide”. There have been many incidences in the past where people climbed up the tower and jumped into the lake to commit suicide. This is the reason that now no one is allowed to be anywhere near the tower but you can still get a picture clicked from a distance.

This is no less than an irony, where on one hand the lake offers its visitors to have a positive and optimistic approach in life and on the other hand few people see it as a place to immerse themselves in the arms of the lake forever. To understand the human mind has always been complex where thinkers from centuries have been conducting their studies on society and still, we are in a state where to understand one another is not that easy.

This glorifies and adds that much hated black spot on the lake, but having that, one cannot ignore the wonderful things that will make a day at the Lake Worth remembering.

You are a person of your choice! This lake is enchanted for sure; how it impacts you will depend on the aura you hold. Maybe you will get a new perspective at things after admiring the beauty, artistic charm and lush greenery around which will help you to rejuvenate and get that much-needed peace of mind.

How to Visit the Lake?

As far as the transportation is concerned, you can book Uber or Ola cab and reach the place whichever way that suits you. The Sukhna Lake timings are from 9 am to 5 pm and the lake is open on all weekdays. You can choose to book a tour where you will get the opportunity to see the lake as well as places nearby which include Golf Club, Botanical Garden, Smriti Upavan which is situated in between the Sukhna Lake and the Rock Garden.

For accommodations nearby, hotels are available with best deals open 24/7 with easily accessible customer support. If you choose to book online, then you may get even more discounts. So, don’t worry! You will not be lost.

It is advised that it’s better if you plan a trip and visit all the nearby places also especially if you are an art lover. There are museums and galleries which will make your visit even more memorable.

Author Bio:

Content Marketer by day and a vivid reader by night, Jasmit Kaur has an experience of 5 years in content writing and is currently working with Find in CHD as a content marketer. Dwelling in Chandigarh, her spare time is devoted to cooking, dancing, taking care of pets and road trips to anywhere. Find What she is upto here Facebook | Instagram