The largest of Chennai's three main water supply reservoirs, commonly known as Red Hills Lake, located about 25 km north of the city centre. Puzhal Lake is a critical drinking water source and a significant wetland habitat.
Bund area accessible during daylight hours
Free
Highlights
- Largest of Chennai's three main reservoirs (the others being Chembarambakkam and Cholavaram)
- Storage capacity of approximately 3,300 million cubic feet, making it the city's primary rainwater storage body
- Commonly called Red Hills Lake after the surrounding red laterite soil and the nearby Red Hills town
- Fed by rainwater, local catchment, and Telugu Ganga canal water diverted from Andhra Pradesh
- Supplies treated drinking water to large parts of Chennai through the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board
- Surrounding wetland areas attract migratory waterbirds during the northeast monsoon season (October to January)
- The bund road and dam area offer views across the reservoir; swimming and boating are not permitted
Location
Explore Puzhal
Discover more about the Puzhal neighbourhood, including transport, healthcare, and other attractions.
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