** Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh - a tourist delight **. Review on Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh

Due to population pressure, citiies in India are shrinking and few cities like the metros are having no scope at all for accomodating few parks and lakes.

But here is an exception.

The Sukhna Lake Chandigarh.

Located at a very convenient distance from the city Railway Station( less than six Km), it`s spread at a huge area with an arrangement from the U/T administeration which is adored by ALL the visitors local, STD or ISD tourists.

==PARKING

==The space provided outside the Lake is more than sufficient and provides an orderly look. The fee is very nominal, just 5 Rs for a four Wheeler and Rs 2 for the two wheeler. Looking at the parking scene itself, you wll have a glimpse of the nice administeration provided by the U/T. Parking on the three lane road outside the lake is strictly NOT allowed. It`s being ensured even with a horse ridden eco friendly police squad and Battery operated frequent visit by police on a REVA two seater car. Within five minutes of wait, I could see both the types of police movements. It`s totally a clean area.

==THE VIEW

==Even before the entrance, one can have an idea as how big the lake is. Even the Google map shows the EXACT location of yours on the mobile, just 50-100 metres of error ( input from my husband`s Nokia smart phone). Getting ticket is hasslefree and reasonable rate. The periphery has been nicely created and itself is an amazing view and indicates the amount of great planning and efforts put in by the concerned team. A lot of people of ALL age group can be seen enjoying the serenity and clamness of the wonderful place of Chandigarh.

==FACILITIES

Boating:-==

One of the most attracted part. The ticket rate is reasonable, just Rs 60 per person for 30 minutes ( you pay a refundable Rs 60, in case you exceed the time). The ticket is computer generated and mentions your starting time and other details. The guide gets you wear a life jacket and the 5-10 minutes allowance is given for the delay depending upon the crowd. The Rescue Team remains on place on Ready position. You have three types of venturing in the lake.. 1. two/four seater foot operated boat, 2. two man special `racing` type boat and an option even for scuba diving(do not know much detail about it, though). Capturing videos and stills is a great fun here.

For Children:-

The lake offers train ride, jumping device(kid below 6) and some other items as well. A small attached park can be used to simply play with a normal ball.

The Cafe:-

Though the set up is impressive, but the food served here is a bit costly and not full value for your money.

Miscellaneous:-

I saw a wonderful thing here. Spend some 20 minutes and some specialist people will make a picture sketch of yours with a pencil which looks so original and like an antique piece. Just get it laminated and cherish it for years to come.

Also on every Saturday/Sunday some specific cultural Band perform here and they are indeed a memorable event at the lake. I even got a chance to sing here and my husband danced !!. There is a craze among local people to attend such events. Now I am local too !!!

The lake is equally liked by all age group. Chandigarh being a prosperous city, in fact among the best five in per capita income, the effect is clearly seen. My husband has noted track suites of all leading brands used by males and females... some with their I pods and other mobile music set ups. There is a wide and nicely maintained some four Km of pukka road using which one can have a pleasure walk around the Lake. I saw The Beautifully looking Bin Boxes and the grasses well trimmed. I even spotted the well looking Toilet ( free to use). The soft instrumental music is played at an soothing volume. I saw some pairs simply sitting by the side of each other on the stairs and looking towards the lake and fully immersed into the beauty of nature. Latest I observed unique Avion guest in this winter, the black headed duck. I saw two special boats with sufficient staff who were taking out and accumulating extra items and extra vegetation on the lake. What a green accumulation on the boat, an unique look in itself. It`s a continuous process here. That`s why the lake is so clean and one can have a good look upon the fishes which seem to welcome you as fishing is strictly prohibited.

The Sunset here is too an unique experience and do not miss it if possible.

There is a watch tower with manpower observing the movement on the lake with binoculars and Walky Talkis. The Security arrangement is good. I could spot security personnel on cycles and armed guards on foot for any security breach and to ensure no one breaks any rule of the Lake.

Wish you a nice trip at Sukhna Lake and welcome to Chandigarh.