Journalism of Courage
Indians love to travel and in the pandemic, they have been travelling to local places and shorter distances to satiate their wanderlust. As places opened up in the latter part of 2020, people began to grab opportunities for quick getaways. One such touristy destination is the Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh which, over the last few weeks, attracted many visitors who came here to relax and rewind and also enjoy the cold. Here is a gallery of pictures, should you be looking to escape your drudgery for a road trip. Scroll down. (Designed by Gargi Singh)
Sukhna Lake is essentially a reservoir, located at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a drivable distance from Delhi-NCR and of course, Chandigarh. When it reopened for tourists, free COVID-19 tests were done so as to ensure safety and to make sure everyone enjoys their time there without worrying about contracting the virus. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Before the pandemic, the lake was popular among tourists. So, it was only natural that they returned when restrictions on travel were lifted. Many came here just to spend the day walking and gazing, and enjoying the feel of winter. Masks were compulsory, of course. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Sukhna Lake is rain-fed, meaning it depends on the monsoon every year to replenish its reserves. It is said to have been created in the year 1958, by damming the Sukhna rivulet -- a seasonal stream coming down from the Shivalik hills. With time, it became commercial, and an integral part of the cultural life of Chandigarh. People come here for recreation. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Boating is an important leisurely activity here that draws visitors. When the lake was created by Le Corbusier and the chief engineer P L Verma, it is believed that to preserve its tranquility, Corbusier suggested and urged that it be forbidden for motor boats to circulate in the water. As such, you will only find peddle boats here. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Even in the chilly weather, people turned up to have a good time, pose for pictures and create many, many memories. After all, the lake is a beautiful muse for photographers! (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
Also, the cold is reason enough for people to bite into the delectable food items being sold here. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
There is a lot of walking space for people, including the periphery of the lake, where there is a lot of foliage and places to explore! (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
It is said that Sukhna is an inseparable part of Chandigarh. Architect Le Corbusier had foreseen that the residents of the city would be drawn to it. As such, the planners themselves grew quite attached to the lake. Architect Pierre Jeanneret's ashes were also scattered in the lake in 1970. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)
