10 Lakes In Tamil Nadu For A Serene Escape

A scenic road in Western Tamil Nadu, surrounded by greenery and a bird-watching area.

Tamil Nadu’s lakes are a combination of natural splendour, historical importance, and ecological importance. These lakes provide tourists with scenic beauty, sporting activities, and peaceful oases. Some famous lakes in Tamil Nadu are covered with greenery, while others hold religious and cultural importance. No matter what you seek – adventure, photography, or peace – these famous lakes in Tamil Nadu are the perfect getaway. Let us see the top 10 lakes in Tamil Nadu that provide a stunning experience.

Top 10 Lakes In Tamil Nadu

Some of the most common lakes in Tamil Nadu include their serene beauty and cultural importance.

1. Pulicat Lake

An image of Pulicat Lake, one of the common lakes in Tamil Nadu, with calm waters.

Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons

Pulicat Lake, India’s second-largest brackish water lake, is one of the prettiest lakes. It is situated on the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border and is a paradise for bird watchers. The lake has the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, which attracts thousands of flamingos and other migratory birds annually. Its scenery and wildlife make it a destination to be visited.

Location: Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 24*7

2. Kodaikanal Lake

 An image of Kodaikanal Lake in Tamil Nadu with boating facilities and mist-covered hills.

Photo: Navaneethpp / Wikimedia Commons

Kodaikanal Lake is situated amid dense forests and rolling hills, it offers a perfect holiday destination for visitors. Tourists can enjoy boating, cycling, and horse riding on the lake, and thus, it is one of the most popular lakes. The lovely climate is an added attraction and a honeymooner’s and nature lover’s delight. Its stunning beauty and sporting facilities render it an absolute place to see.

Location: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6: AM – 5 PM

3. Veeranam Lake

An image of Veeranam Lake which is one of the prominent lakes in Tamil Nadu.

Photo: rajaraman sundaram / Wikimedia Commons

Veeranam Lake, which was built by the Chola dynasty, is one of Tamil Nadu’s biggest lakes. This ancient water source is very significant to supply drinking water to Chennai. It is one of the most visited lakes and is renowned for its gigantic size and scenic beauty. The tourists can see lovely sunrises and catch glimpses of native fishermen during the day. Because of its significance in irrigation and water supply for drinking purposes, Veeranam Lake is one of the most significant lakes. Its historic value and natural beauty make it a destination to be visited.

Location: Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 24*7

4. Chembarambakkam Lake

An image of Chembarambakkam Lake with reflections of the sky and surrounding greenery.

Photo: Jonny Gios / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Chembarambakkam Lake is a large water reservoir and one of the most significant lakes in Tamil Nadu. It is a major water source of Chennai and a flood-control key. Besides its importance as a water storage facility, the lake is the most renowned birdwatching and photography lake in Tamil Nadu. It is enjoyed by tourists walking along its shore and spotting migratory birds.

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 24*7

5. Red Hills Lake

 An image of Red Hills Lake which is one of the most famous lakes in Tamil Nadu.

Photo: Chalandray / Wikimedia Commons

Red Hills Lake, or Puzhal Lake, is among the most important lakes and is a major water source for Chennai. The lake is green with vegetation and provides a peaceful environment. One of the most popular lakes of Tamil Nadu, Red Hills Lake is a bird watcher’s and nature lover’s paradise, especially during monsoon when migratory birds flock to its shores. It is also a perfect destination for a leisurely morning walk and unwind.

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 24*7

6. Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake, a lake in Tamil Nadu, surrounded by lush green forests and calm waters.

Photo: sowrirajan s / Wikimedia Commons

Berijam Lake, one of Tamil Nadu’s more obscure lakes, is situated deep in the forests of Kodaikanal. It is renowned for its crystal clear waters and rich biodiversity and is one of Tamil Nadu’s most visited lakes for eco-tourism. Unlike most tourist spots, Berijam Lake is a destination that requires a special forest department permit. The lake is home to various wildlife species like bison, deer, and exotic birds. Its ecological significance and rigorous preservation techniques make it one of Tamil Nadu’s remarkable lakes.

Location: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 9 AM – 3 PM

7. Poondi Lake

An image of Poondi Lake in Tamil Nadu with a calm water surface and a distant dam view.

Photo: Shanmugamp7 / Wikimedia Commons

Poondi Lake is an important water body in Tamil Nadu, as it is a reservoir that supplies water to Chennai. Located near the Poondi Dam, it is a peaceful retreat from the chaos of city life. It is one of the most sought-after lakes for picnics, birding, and photography. The landscape surrounding the lake is also extremely beautiful, especially during the morning and evening sunrises and sunsets. Poondi Lake is a vital water source and one of the most important lakes, giving millions of individuals a constant water supply.

Location: Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 24*7

8. Sholavaram Lake

An image of Sholavaram Lake with a vast water body and lush surroundings.

Photo: Aaron Burden / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Sholavaram Lake, which lies near Chennai, is another big reservoir among the Tamil Nadu lakes. It is very important to the region’s water management system. Famous for its peaceful environment, this lake is one of the most famous in Tamil Nadu, especially for drawing nature and bird-watching enthusiasts. The regions around the lake are the perfect haven for relaxing in a peaceful environment. Sholavaram Lake is very significant in Tamil Nadu as it is used to supply water to the city of Chennai. The serene surroundings of the lake are a perfect spot for people who seek peacefulness and nature’s beauty.

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 24*7

9. Manimuthar Lake

 An image of Manimuthar Lake with hills and lush forests - one of the lakes in Tamil Nadu.

Photo: ELG21 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Manimuthar Lake, which lies near the Western Ghats, is among the most picturesque lakes. Manimuthar Dam forms the lake and is surrounded by thick forests. The lake is one of the most sought-after bodies of water in Tamil Nadu for those seeking a peaceful retreat in a natural environment. It is good for bird-watching and is a favourite destination for nature photographers. Its scenic location and clean atmosphere make it the perfect place to spend a quiet holiday.

Location: Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 24*7

10. Perumal Lake

An image of Perumal Lake with calm waters and a village landscape in the background.

Photo: Gokulraj Andiyappan / Wikimedia Commons

Perumal Lake, which is situated near Dindigul, is one of the least frequented but stunning water bodies of Tamil Nadu. Nestled among green agricultural fields, the lake provides a serene atmosphere to all visitors. Residents of Tamil Nadu regard it as one of the most well-known lakes , particularly for its fishing and agricultural activities. The adjacent rural scenery enhances its allure, rendering it an unconventional locale for tourists seeking to discover the genuine aspects of Tamil Nadu.

Location: Dindigul, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 24*7

The lakes in Tamil Nadu are not just scenic attractions but also vital resources for ecology, tourism, and local livelihoods. These famous lakes offer a mix of history, adventure, and tranquillity, making them ideal destinations for travellers. Whether it’s the brackish waters of Pulicat, the misty charm of Kodaikanal Lake, or the historic significance of Veeranam Lake, each holds a unique appeal. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore the lakes for an unforgettable experience.

Cover Photo: Franz26 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Veeranam Lake is one of the largest lakes in Tamil Nadu, playing a key role in irrigation and drinking water supply.
Yes, Kodaikanal Lake is one of the most famous lakes in Tamil Nadu for boating, cycling, and horse riding.
Pulicat Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Tamil Nadu for birdwatching, especially during the migratory season.
The best time to visit the lakes in Tamil Nadu is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
Yes, Kodaikanal Lake and Chembarambakkam Lake are among the most important lakes in Tamil Nadu that were artificially created for tourism and water supply.

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