Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated just a kilometer northeast of Sukhna Lake in the foothills of Shivalik, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary was formed in 1998. One of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Chandigarh, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 2600 hectares and has over 150 small and large water bodies around the Sukhna lake, forming their catchment areas. Situated just a kilometer northeast of Sukhna Lake in the foothills of Shivalik, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary was formed in 1998. One of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Chandigarh, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 2600 hectares and has over 150 small and large water bodies around the Sukhna lake, forming their catchment areas.

Visitors can enjoy uninterrupted wildlife, watching peaceful glimpses of peacocks, cuckoo, spotted deer, pangolin, jungle cat, wild boar, sambar, and many others. Bird lovers can enjoy more than 1750 varieties of birds flying around, including kingfisher, hoopoes, red jungle fowl, grey partridge, and dozens of varieties of reptiles, including cobra, Russell's viper, and Indian python. Varieties of fauna include neem, kikar, dhaak, shisham, semal, moonj, vasak and dozens more.

The sanctuary previously faced major issues of siltation by the Sukhna river, but now the adequate forest cover of the area has reduced it. It has two entry points via the Kansal gate and the Nepli gate. Travelers can embark on their journey inside the sanctuary via Kaimbwala village from the Kansal gate or Suketri village through Nepli gate. Visitors need to prior seek permission and pass from the Chandigarh forest department to visit the sanctuary. The sanctuary remains closed in the rainy season.