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Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is a city renowned for its culture and for being the safest city in the country. Chennai is also known as the health capital of India. This city is one of the most famous tourist attractions as it is drawing over 45 percent of the total tourism industry of India. Chennai’s tourism offers many potentially interesting locations to visitors such as the rich and diverse flora and fauna of the region, the lakes, etc. . The lakes in Chennai, Tamil Nadu are extensive beauty and plantations surrounding them.
So, in this blog, we are going to share about the lakes in Chennai that you should plan for your next trip-
| Pulicat Lake | Chembarambakkam lake |
| Kaliveli Lake | Korattur Lake |
| Sholavaram Lake | Porur Lake |
| Puzhal Lake | Ayanambakkam Lake |
| Maduranthakam Lake | Velachery lake |
Pulicat Lake
This lake has a seasonal opening and it is only accessible to people from October to March. It is famous for its rich biodiversity and has the distinction of being the second largest saline water lake in India. It is just 60 km away from Chennai, so it’s no more than an hour and a half drive away.
Location: Coromandel Coast, Andhra Pradesh–Tamil Nadu border
Distance from Chennai: 53 km
Kaliveli Lake
Located in Villupuram district, around 16 km north of Pondicherry, Kaliveli is a coastal lake near the Bay of Bengal. Kaliveli Lake is amongst the largest wetlands and semi-permanent water bodies in India. Kaliveli Lake is the best place to enjoy a day out in nature. This place is also home to various birds including the migratory ones, and hence, also functions as a bird sanctuary.
Location: Viluppuram District of Tamil Nadu
Distance from Chennai: 134 km
Sholavaram Lake
It is located in the Thiruvallur district of the state of Tamil Nadu Sholavaram Lake or locally known as Sholavaram Aeri. Tracing its rich history from the British period, and hence, is one of the oldest attractions in the district. The lake renders a beautiful view as it is sprawled over a considerable size of area witnessing perfect view of sunset and sunrise. It is also famous among tourists for water sports activities.
Location: Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India
Distance from Chennai: 25 km
Puzhal Lake
Also known as the Red Hills Lake, is located in Red Hills, Chennai, India. It lies in the Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu state. It is one of the two rain-fed reservoirs from where water is drawn for supply to Chennai. It was constructed during the year 1876, under British rule. It can hold water up to, a quantity of 3300 million cubic feet.
Location: Red Hills, Chennai
Distance from Chennai: 28 km
Maduranthakam Lake
Maduranthakam aeri, is a lake spread over 2400 acres in Maduranthakam, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, India. This lake is a manmade creation. The second largest lake in Tamil Nadu, the Maduranthakam lake is located very near to the state capital Chennai. It is believed to be built by the Chola King Uthama Chozha, also called Maduranthakar, during his reign.
Location: Maduranthakam, Chengalpattu district
Distance from Chennai: 23 km
Chembarambakkam Lake
It is a lake located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, about 25 km from Chennai. It is one of the two rain-fed reservoirs from where water is drawn for supply to Chennai City, the other one being the Puzhal Lake. The Adyar River originates from this lake. A part of the water supply of the metropolis of Chennai is drawn from this lake. Brimming with serenity and calmness, Chembarambakkam Lake is also known as Puliyur Kottam. It is blue freshwater creates a perfect contrast with the distinct species of vegetation. You can engage in various activities like picnics, bird watching, surfboarding, photography, and more. With a storage capacity of 3645 million cubic feet, the lake is responsible for providing fresh drinking water to the citizens of Chennai. One of the four reservoirs of the city, the lake is also India’s second-largest Water Treatment Plant.
Location: Chennai
Distance from Chennai: 27 km
Korattur Lake
Korattur Aeri, also known as Vembu Pasumai Thittu, is a lake spread over 990 acres in Korattur, Chennai, India. It is located to the north of the Chennai–Arakkonam railway line. It is one of the largest lakes in the western part of the city. a good part of greenery and natural vegetation was present in this lake, even till the last decade. Much natural vegetation once existed in the lake and its bund. Palmyrah, date palm, and umbrella thorn trees dot the bund. Inside the lake, water hyacinth is to be seen.
Location: Korattur
Distance from Chennai: 14 km
Porur Lake
One of the most encroached water bodies in the city, is to be restored at ₹100 crores. Also called Retteri in the local language. The lake’s surplus course running for 1,100 meters would be improved and two regulators installed near the weir to control the water flowing into the surplus course and reduce water-logging in the neighboring areas.
Location: Porur
Distance from Chennai: 16 km
Ayanambakkam Lake
Residents of Ayanambakkam recall experiences of traveling in makeshift thermocol boats when the lake bund was breached during rains. The Water Resources Department (WRD) has now started work to rejuvenate the lake. This lake is also an important water source for the metropolitan areas of Chennai city.
Location: Locality Mel Ayanambakkam near Thiruverkadu
Distance from Chennai: 17.6 km
Velachery Lake
Velachery Lake is another example that shows that urban planning must consider the importance of water bodies for a more sustainable future. Since Velachery is a low-lying area, the monsoon rainwater from the neighboring areas is drained into this lake. Velachery Lake was spread over 250 acres. Today, its water spread area has been reduced drastically by 80.5% with residential and industrial complexes now occupying the area.
Location: Velachery
Distance from Chennai: 23 km
Conclusion
The lakes in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, offers a scenic view amidst the nature. So, if your are planning for a tour in Chennai, you must visit some of the lakes that will make your trip a memorable experience.