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Veeranam Lake was built by the Chola rulers in Tamil Nadu in the 10th century. One of the largest lakes in Tamil Nadu, it is roughly 16 sq.km. in extent and remains the lifeline of the Chennai metropolitan region. The beautiful green surroundings and all picturesque sights ensure a major water resource as well as a prime destination for tourists. This lake exhibits ancient engineering and provides a complex for the soaking up of tranquility for nature lovers.
Quick Details
Elevation: 43 m above the sea
Timings: Opens throughout the year
Best Time To Visit: November – February
Where To Stay: You can stay in any hotel in Chidambaram
Where To Eat: You must try the local eateries in Tamil Nadu
Location: Located in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu
Location
Photo: Rajaraman sundaram / Wikimedia Commons
Veeranam Lake is located somewhere near Kattumannarkoil in Cuddalore district, and this lake is about 70 km from Chidambaram and 235 km from Chennai. All existing towns and cities connected by road can easily reach the lake. This is the must-visit lake as it is the largest lake in Tamil Nadu.
How To Reach
Photo: Ahamedpno / Wikimedia Commons
You can reach Veeranam Lake by road, rail, or air, making it easily accessible by all three modes of transportation.
By Air: The nearest airport to Veeranam Lake is Tiruchirappalli International Airport. It is 150 km away from Veeranam Lake, while Chennai International Airport is about 235 km away.
By Rail: The Chidambaram Railway Station, about 70 km away from the lake, is the closest. There are regular trains connecting Chidambaram to larger cities, among them Chennai and Tiruchirapalli.
By Road: The road connecting Veeranam Lake to the adjacent towns and cities is fairly good. Buses and taxis are available from Chidambaram and Cuddalore. Taking the East Coast Road from Chennai for a scenic drive is worth a while.
Things To Do At Veeranam Lake
When visiting the Veeranam Lake, here are some activities and things you can do to enjoy your visit.
1. Bird-Watching
Photo: Shanmugam Saravanan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The location also attracts various species of migratory birds which makes it the spot for every bird lover. Along the lake’s shores, during winter seasons, one can see birds such as herons, egrets, and kingfishers, among others. All in all, it is a delight to have bird watching at Veeranam Lake during winter.
2. Sunset Viewing
Photo: Olga Ernst / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Watching the sunset while overlooking Veeranam Lake is a nice, relaxing experience. A vast expanse of water will reflect the colours of a setting sun in a very scenic location where one could spend hours in quietness with a camera watching nature paint the sky in orange and pink.
4 Places To Visit Around Veeranam Lake
Here are four incredible places to explore around Veeranam Lake, from serene temples to scenic picnic spots, offering a perfect blend of nature and culture.
1. Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
Photo: Mujeebcpy / Wikimedia Commons
The temple is the shrine of the cosmic dancer and it is a renowned pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the only temple in India that depicts the form of Shiva as Nataraja. Its Dravidian architecture with intricate carvings and wide courtyards is magnificent. The temple has exquisite carvings on stone and one part of it has a gold-roofed sanctum, making it one of the spiritual sites of wonder to be seen when one visits Tamil Nadu.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM; 5 PM – 10 PM
2. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
Photo: Satdeep Gill / Wikimedia Commons
Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, situated near Chidambaram, is one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in India. It provides a distinctive ecological experience characterised by dense mangroves and a network of waterways. You can navigate the lush forest via boat rides that allow for intimate encounters with diverse wildlife, including various bird species, crabs, and fish. Its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural landscapes create an ideal retreat for photographers. For those seeking adventure, kayaking is also available. The best time to visit Pichavaram is during the cooler months.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
3. Silver Beach
Photo: Sharmila Rangaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Silver Beach, near Cuddalore, is one of the longest and yet unspoiled beaches in Tamil Nadu. With its fine, golden sand and gentle wavelets, the place is ideal for family picnics, for resorting to in the evenings, and for long walks. The early morning sight of the sun coming across the Bay of Bengal is the most breathtaking view. It caters to families with an area for kids’ play, horse rides, and restaurants serving fresh snacks, adding to the charm of the place. The quietude and slack commercialization make it an apt spot for relaxation and communion with nature.
Timings: Open all day
4. Srimushnam Temple
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons
Srimushnam Temple holds significant importance as a pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Bhuvaraha, who is revered as one of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations in Tamil Nadu. Showcasing exquisite Dravidian architecture complemented by intricately carved pillars, this temple shines with ancient craftsmanship. Devotees believe that worship at this shrine brings prosperity while alleviating difficulties they may face in life. Nestled within tranquil landscapes, Srimushnam Temple promotes contemplation amid serenity, a vital space for spiritual reflection.
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM; 4:30 PM – 8 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Derek Jensen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Accommodations around Veeranam Lake could give you an entire range of services from cheap stays to high-end accommodations. Among the other main points, Chidambaram is the only town nearby where you might get food and rooms to stay. Hotel Grand Palace Stay and Arudhra Residency are a couple of common ones. Saradharam Eco Stay provides good luxurious accommodation consisting of modern amenities and a good room. Homestays would give you more local choices if preferred. It is wise to book accommodation in advance .
Where To Eat
Photo: Deepal Tamang / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Local joints and restaurants surrounding Veeranam Lake render a different cuisine, the entire menu is made of Tamil Nadu food. Other popular spots in Chidambaram include Palagaram restaurant, which serves authentic South Indian cuisines, including dosas, idlis, and sambhar. Some nonvegetarians would rejoice in the company of prawns fried with local spices. Street vendors will offer to make any vadas and bhajjis you prefer. If you prefer vegetarianism, Sri Krishna Vilas in Chidambaram is popular.
Tips For Travellers
Photo: Precondo / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Here are some essential and practical tips to make your travel smooth, hassle-free and more enjoyable.
- Tamil Nadu summers are hot, reaching up to 40°C; visit between November and February.
- No permits are needed for Veeranam Lake, but carrying an ID is recommended.
- Respect local customs, especially in temples and religious sites.
- Veeranam Lake is safe, but it is advised to avoid isolated areas after sunset.
The largest lake in Tamil Nadu, Veeranam is a historical and scenic destination. Set in picturesque lands and standing as a testimony to various amicable human contacts and vibrant cultural heritage, the lake offers tremendous natural beauty along with cultural significance from bird watching, and exploration of several temples around it. Book your trip with TripXL now and experience a serene escape in the southern heart of Tamil Nadu, perfect for those seeking solace and seclusion.
Cover Photo: Kailash Sugumaran / Wikimedia Commons
