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Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, India, which is known for its vibrant culture, running urban life and versatile natural beauty. Among these are its picturesque lakes, not only providing much-needed water sources but also idyllic resorts from which to spend time with friends and family. These lakes in Chennai ride a spectrum from bustling metropolises to quiet natural havens – each offering a beautiful balance of history, recreation and natural beauty.
Top 10 Lakes To Visit In Chennai
Explore the top 10 lakes in Chennai to visit, offering serene landscapes, recreational activities, and a chance to connect with nature.
1. Pulicat Lake
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
Pulicat Lake, 60 km South of Chennai, is the second-largest brackish water lagoon in India. This lake in the middle of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh about afar highness acquainted bird watchers and pugilist enthusiasts. During October and March, the lake serves as a refuge for migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks. Rich in biodiversity, surrounded by reptiles, mammals and many bird species the areas around the two turntables are rich in biodiversity and surrounded by reptiles, mammals and many different kinds of bird species.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Coromandel Coast, Tamil Nadu
Things To Do: Bird-watching, boat rides, and exploring the rich biodiversity of the area
2. Chembarambakkam Lake
Photo: Harshit Nema / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
When it rains, one of the city’s primary water sources, Chembarambakkam Lake, fills up. This colossal reservoir isn’t just an ample water source to drink from — it’s also a place of beauty to be out in the open, attracting many naturalists. The lake has historical significance and is believed to have been built by Rajendra Chola I. This lake also serves as the source of the Adyar River, further enhancing its ecological value.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Kancheepuram district, approximately 25 km from Chennai
Things To Do: Strolls along the lake, bird-watching, serene environment photography
3. Puzhal Lake, Red Hills Lake
Photo: RANJINI / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Red Hills Lake is popularly called Puzhal Lake, which is also a major rain-fed reservoir and contributes to the water supply of Chennai. It covers an area of approximately 4,500 acres, making it one of the largest lakes in the region. The lake was built in 1876 during the British era and has been playing an important role in storing water that has been received from the Krishna River under the Telugu Ganga Project. For people who want to get away from the noise of the city, the lake’s serene surroundings provide a welcome respite.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Red Hills, Thiruvallur District, Chennai
Things To Do: Leisurely walks, bird-watching, and enjoying the tranquil environment
4. Sholavaram Lake
Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another vital water source for Chennai is Sholavaram Lake, which is situated in Ponneri Taluk of Thiruvallur District. The lake was built before 1877, while it was under British rule, and had served as one of the city’s important sources of water. There has been a history of motor racing events in the area near the lake, giving it a unique background that is the basis of progress. The lake is a quiet spot for nature walks and an opportunity for a panoramic photographer.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Ponneri Taluk, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu
Things To Do: Exploring the historical aspects of the area, leisurely walks, and capturing the scenic beauty through photography
5. Korattur Lake
Photo: eberhard grossgasteiger / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Korattur is a sprawling water body (990 acres) with a width of 3 kilometres. Korattur Aeri is its colloquial name. The chain of the lakes also includes Ambattur and Madhavaram in the same chain, and all contribute to water management. The lake is a thrilling place for bird spotting and thus became a very popular place for bird watchers. The lake has been rejuvenated and beautified in several ways, some to make the lake more attractive as a recreation area.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Korattur, Chennai
Things To Do: Observing diverse bird species, enjoying nature walks, and capturing the serene environment through photography
6. Velachery Lake
Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In the southern portion of Chennai, behind Velachery Lake, is an important water body. In terms of catchment area, it has been historically a catchment area and has received rainwater from far away areas. To restore and maintain the lake, some effort has been made to have the lake as a recreational site. The development of the lake area will take place in such a way as to establish the lake as a source of entertainment using parks, walkways, boating, etc, to enhance its appeal to the public.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Velachery, Chennai
Things To Do: Strolls, community events, and enjoying the natural surroundings
7. Ambattur Lake
Photo: Iapcteam / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Korattur and Madhavaram lakes in the western suburbs of Chennai constitute a chain of lakes, including Ambattur Lake. The essentials that it lends to the city water management system cover and surround an area of about 3,800 acres. The city had depended on the drinking water of the lake for years. It has been years since it has fought against encroachments and pollution. Desilting, strengthening of bunds, and development of recreational facilities are some of the efforts being made to restore the lake and rejuvenate it.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Ambattur, Chennai
Things To Do: Leisurely walks, observing local bird species, and participating in community events
8. Madhavaram Lake
Photo: JAGMEET SiNGH / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Madhavaram Lake, which is on the northern side of Chennai, is an important water body that provides water resources for the city. The lake approximately spans an area of about 150 acres and forms part of a chain of lakes, including Ambattur and Korattur lakes. Bird enthusiasts visit this lake in support of a variety of bird species. Over the past few decades, the lake has experienced the challenge of urbanisation as well as pollution. Desilting, removal of encroachments and development of green spaces around the lake were amongst the restoration efforts undertaken to bring the lake to a healthier state.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Madhavaram, Chennai
Things To Do: Observing birdlife, and enjoying the serene environment
9. Chitlapakkam Lake
Photo: Challengethelimits / Wikimedia Commons
It is a calm lake situated in the southern suburbs of Chennai, Chitlapakkam. As a result, the lake that covers approximately 47 acres has historically been an important water source for the surrounding areas. However, local initiatives have focused on restoring and preserving its ecosystem while improving water quality and biodiversity over the years. Several community-driven afforestation efforts have enhanced the green cover around the lake, making it a peaceful retreat within the city.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Chitlapakkam, Chennai
Things To Do: Morning walks, bird-watching, community clean-up drives, activities
10. Retteri Lake, Madhavaram Tank
Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Madhavaram Tank also known by the name of Retteri Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Chennai. Not only does it play a crucial role in the city’s water management system, it is also a popular recreational spot. Extensive restoration work has been done on the lake, including development of parks, walking paths, and bird watching areas. The surrounding green spaces attract fitness enthusiasts, while birdwatchers can spot various native and migratory species during the winter months.
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Kolathur, Chennai
Things To Do: Walking, jogging, bird-watching, and photography
Lakes in Chennai are a crucial part of the ecological and cultural fabric of the city. The water bodies across the lake, namely Pulicat Lake and Chitlapakkam Lake, are very different – from the expansive waters to the community living next to the Chitlapakkam Lake – each has its own story to tell and a role to play in maintaining the biodiversity in and around the lake and also the recreational activities the lake provides for its people. Plan your visit right now with TripXL for an escape from your busy daily life.
Cover Photo: Gláuber Sampaio / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
