Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary in Chandigarh
· Summer: March-May (20°C - 42°C)
· Winter: November-February (2°C - 25°C)
· Monsoon: June-August
Best time to visit:
September-March
Opening Time: 07:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 06:00 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: Nil
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: Nil
Children:
Nil
Cameras: Nil
Video Camera: Nil
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
Nil
Children:
Nil
Cameras:
Nil
Video Camera:
Nil
The catchments area built to grow vegetation and prevent the silting of Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh is now home to rich biodiversity. Known as Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, it is located at the foothills of Shivalik Range and has emerged as a popular wildlife destination in the region. Top wildlife attractions at the sanctuary include leopard, sambar, spotted err, pangolin, wild boar, golden jackal, jungle cat, rhesus monkey, porcupine and blacknaped hare.
The sanctuary is also home to diverse avifauna, the commonly spotted species being golden oriole, red jungle fowl, woodpecker, kingfisher, black drongo, hill myna, barbet, hornbill and many more. Lush green foliage is provided by a variety of trees like khair, kikar, raeru, dhak, jhingan, kichnar, vasaka, ber, kendu and others. It is also an ecotourism hotspot with many natural trails, log huts and watchtowers to its credit.
To visit the sanctuary, prior permission must be obtained from the wildlife authority. Maximum of 200 visitors (100 for each of the two gates at Nepli and Kansal) are allowed each day.
Connectivites
Road:
Chandigarh is a popular North India destination with excellent road connectivity. The sanctuary is located about 1 km. from Sukhna Lake and can be accessed from two entry gates – Kansal Gate and Nepli Gate – each well-connected by road. Taxis and private buses can be hired from any part of the city to reach these entry points.
Railway:
Chandigarh Junction with direct trains to Delhi and many other cities across India is about 12 km. from the sanctuary. Taxis can be hired at the station to reach the sanctuary hassle-free.
Airway:
Chandigarh Airport is about 14 km. from the sanctuary and is well-connected to the sanctuary by road. Taxis are the most convenient mode to travel between the two destinations.