Nature Interpretation Centre

Museum Address
Nature Interpretation Centre
Sukhna Lake
City
State
Chandigarh
Pin Code
160101
Are there any docents or guides who visitors can directly call to book for a guided tour?
No
When was the museum established?
2013
Main category
Briefly describe the history of the museum, its collection and donors.

The Nature Interpretation Centre was built near the Sukhna Lake to sensitise and educate the visitors and the residents of the city of Chandigarh about environmental conservation. It is a bubble-shaped structure with the roof covered in earth and an undulating continuity broken by perforations and fenestrations for light and ventilation. The green coloured roof of the building imparts a camouflage effect, with the expansive green lawns surrounding it. The bubble-shaped building is popular among environmentalists and nature activists as a modern architectural practice. This technique helps to reduce heat loss and maintain steady indoor air temperatures. Two exhibition galleries flank the central reception and waiting area. 

The Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area which is reserved for the conservation of flora and fauna. The periphery of the adjoining Sukhna Lake is covered in greenery due to the constant efforts of the forest department. Flowers, as well as shade-giving trees, are planted around the promenade, and the tree cover in the reserved forest area is diligently maintained.

Information panels display details along with the history of Sukhna Lake and the wildlife sanctuary adjoining it. Facts about the varieties of fauna like a resident and migratory birds, mammals such as the Sambar Deer, reptilian life such as the Common Cobra and the Indian Python are displayed along with the visual images of the respective fauna. The audiovisual media and the birds' interactive displays cater to the entertainment aspect of the centre. Here the visitors, especially the children can interact with artefacts by pressing the buttons next to their images. Life-size dioramas of various animal species that are found in Sukhna Lake Sanctuary, such as Pangolin, add visual appeal to the exhibits. 

The Nature Interpretation Centre aims to promote ecotourism in the city and educate the visitors about the necessity to conserve nature through touch screen kiosks, murals, dioramas information panels, etc. It also provides literature on birds, their behaviour and habitat to the visitors. Binoculars are also set up near the centre by the forest department to observe the migratory birds that come to the lake from as far as Siberia during winters.

Photography
Yes
Videography
Yes
Cafeteria
Yes
Museum shop
Yes
Wheelchair friendly
Yes
Restroom
Yes
Drinking water
Yes
Locker room
No
Parking
Yes
Information in Braille
No
Workshops/seminars/lectures
No
Garden/picnic area
Yes
Audio/visual guides
Yes
Guided tours
No
Library and archives services
No
IT facilities ( Photocopying, printing, computer )
No
Any other facilities
The museum authorities have provided a number of computer games on a touch screen platform based on nature and flaura and fauna, near the resting area.
Auditorium
No
Conference/ Seminar hall
No
Museum membership
No
Conservation lab
No
Research lab
No
Who manages the museum?
Others
Others:
UT Tourism Department
What is the average duration to see the museum?
less than 1 hour
Map your museum’s correct location on the map given below.

30.739494077894, 76.831016913056

Is the museum currently closed?
No
Image for museum exterior/building
Nature Interpretation Centre, Sukhna Lake
Gallery Images
Image
Description of the Image

Information board in front of the Nature Interpretation Centre, Sukhna Lake.

Image title
Information board
Image
Description of the Image

Models of varieties of birds found in the Sukhna Forest Sanctuary are exhibited at this centre.

Image title
Bird artefacts
Image
Description of the Image

Various artefacts of birds are displayed, performing their day-to-day tasks. The background around the artefact mimics its natural habitat. 

Image title
A bird on display
Image
Description of the Image

Pictured here is a diorama showing the wetland birds in their natural habitats. 

Image title
Birds in wetlands
Image
Description of the Image

Information board displaying information about the Sukhna Lake. The board talks about how this place is a leading tourist attraction of Chandigarh. 

Image title
Information board
Image
Description of the Image

Pictured here is an information board displaying information about the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. It talks about how this sanctuary acts as the lungs of the city of Chandigarh.  

Image title
Information board
Image
Description of the Image

The Nature Interpretation Centre is approachable through the entrance, housing the reception area and gradually bisects into two exhibition galleries. 

Image title
View of the galleries from outside
Image
Description of the Image

Huge dioramas are displayed in glass cases to educate as well as entertain the visitors. 

Image title
Diorama showing the wildlife
Image
Description of the Image

Reptiles that are commonly found in the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary are exhibited in huge glass dioramas. 

Image title
Diorama depicting reptiles
Image
Description of the Image

Information stone displaying the details of the inauguration of Nature Interpretation Centre. 

Image title
Inauguration stone
Entry Fee
Not Applicable
Getting there
The nearest Bus Terminal is in Sector 17. The railway station is located between Chandigarh and Panchkula with one side of the railway station connected to Panchkula and the other to Chandigarh. The Chandigarh Airport is located in Mohali. The Museum can be reached via an auto rickshaw, taxi (Uber, Ola etc.) or a local bus.
Opening Days
Sunday
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Public holidays
Opening Time
06:00 a.m.
Closing Time
10:00 p.m.