Bird Walk at Suketri (near Sukhna Lake), Chandigarh
- Chandigarh
- 16 November, 2025
- Gagandeep Singh
About Suketri
Suketri, located close to Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, is a serene village area known for its lush green surroundings, rural charm, and proximity to one of the city’s most-loved natural landscapes. Nestled at the foothills of the Shivalik range, the area offers a peaceful escape from the city’s bustling core, while still being just minutes away from the urban heart of Chandigarh. Its open fields, village trails, and scenic views of the hills make it a refreshing spot for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. The presence of the Government Museum and Art Gallery’s fossil park nearby also makes Suketri an interesting cultural and educational destination, especially for students and families.
Beyond its quiet countryside feel, Suketri serves as a gateway to several nature-based experiences around Sukhna Lake, including forest trails, birdwatching zones, and seasonal streams that attract diverse wildlife. The area maintains a blend of traditional village lifestyle and growing suburban development, offering a unique contrast where local agriculture, cattle grazing, and simple rural homes coexist with outdoor recreation spaces and eco-tourism activity. With its clean air, scenic landscapes, and calming atmosphere, Suketri is a favored spot for visitors seeking tranquility as well as a deeper connection with nature in the Chandigarh region.
Partnered with
Bird Guide: Gagandeep Singh
His birding and nature documentation work began in 2019, covering a wide geographical area that includes Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Solan, Sirmaur, Morni Hills, Dehradun, and other nearby locations.
Bird walk Location
Common birds of Suketri
Suketri’s open fields, scrub patches, and village wetlands create a perfect haven for a wide range of bird species, making it a rewarding spot for everyday birdwatching. Common sightings include the beautiful Bluethroat during winter, darting among bushes with flashes of its striking throat patch, and the Asian Green Bee-eater, gracefully catching insects mid-air. Yellow-wattled Lapwings call loudly across open ground, while Zitting Cisticolas buzz above grasslands on fluttery display flights. The presence of Siberian Stonechat and Black Redstart reflects the area’s appeal to winter migrants, while year-round residents like Pied and Gray Bushchats, Long-tailed Shrike, and Indian Roller bring constant movement and colour to the countryside. Along streams and ponds, White-throated Kingfisher and Wire-tailed Swallow are common, adding splashes of blue and swift aerial elegance to the landscape.
Spotted Dove
Greater Coucal
Common Iora
Jungle Babbler
Spotted Owlet
Crested Serpent Eagle
Grey Francolin
Common Woodshrike
Indian Pied Starling
Lesser Flameback
Oriental Honey Buzzard
Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher
Indian Golden Oriole
Brown Shrike
Wire-tailed Swallow
Coppersmith Barbet
Indian Peafowl
Asian Green Bee-eater
Oriental Magpie Robin
Black Drongo
Summary of Walk
The bird walk at Suketri brought together 16 participants who explored the vibrant mix of open fields and wetlands. The group recorded 40 species, with exciting sightings including Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Common Greenshank, Long-tailed Minivet, Crested Lark, Bluethroat, and Common Rosefinch. The habitat offered an ideal setting for both beginners and experienced birders.
Participants learnt essential bird identification skills, behavioural clues, and how to use the Ataavi app effectively. The walk emphasized the significance of birdwatching in understanding ecosystems and supporting conservation. By the end, everyone left with new knowledge, memorable sightings, and a stronger connection to nature.
Number of Participants
0
