Velachery lake

Climate/Weather

• Winter (December to February): 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), mild and pleasant, low humidity
• Summer (March to May): 28°C to 40°C (82°F to 104°F), hot and humid, peak temperatures in May
• Monsoon (June to September): 27°C to 35°C (81°F to 95°F), heavy rains, high humidity, frequent showers
• Post-Monsoon (October to November): 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), cooler with occasional northeast monsoon rains

Humidity: High, especially during monsoon seasons (60%-90%)

Best Time to Visit: January to April for comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall

Interesting places to Visit

Marina Beach
The city’s Marina Beach, bordered by gardens, lies just to the South of the War Memorial. It is claimed to be the second largest in the world, about 13 kms.

Covelong
For a balmy holiday, the fishing village of Covelong has an excellent stretch of beach. This lies 55 km enroute to Mamallapuram which is 60 km from Madras and is a breathtaking seaside haven ideal for a relaxing holiday.

Elliots Beach (Marina beach):

The Marina Beach is a beach situated along shoreline in the city of Chennai, India.It is the longest beach in India and the second longest in the world

Valluvar Kottam
The ValluvarKottam, dedicated to the memory of the Tamil Saint Philosopher and poet Thiruvalluvar, is the largest auditorium in Asia. It is located at the junction of Kodampakkam High Road and Valluvar Kottam Road.

National Art Gallery and Museum
Built in 1906, the Chennai National Art Gallery was originally intended to be a memorial to queen Victoria. An impressive certal dome flanked a series of smaller domes supported by pillars on each side. After independence, it became an art Gallery in 1951. It has bronze exhibits dating from 10th to 13th centuries and paintings of Rajasthani and Mughals of the 17th century. Established in 1857, the museum can justify its claim to being one of India’s best. There are large sectiors devoted to Archacology, Anthropology, Geology, Numismatics, Zoology and Botany along with comprehensive collections of arms and armour.

Parathasarathy Temple
Located at Triplicane High Road is the large Sri Prthasarathy Temple. This Hindu Temple, devoted to Lord Krishna, was built in the 8th Century by Pallava King and has been ornately renovated since.

Nearest Visiting places

• Phoenix Market City: A premier shopping and entertainment hub on Velachery Main Road, featuring retail stores, dining options, and a multiplex cinema.
• Marundeeswarar Temple: A historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate architecture and spiritual atmosphere.
• Besant Nagar Beach (Edward Elliot’s Beach): A popular beach ideal for relaxing, with a calm environment perfect for evening strolls and sea views.
• Guindy National Park: One of India’s few national parks within a city, home to various species of flora and fauna, with walking trails and green spaces.

Nearest Petrol Pump

• HP Petrol Pump - Metro Petroleum: Located at HPC Dealers No. 31 & 32, Velachery - Tambaram Main Rd, Dandeeswarar Nagar, Pallikaranai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600100. This station offers fuel services and has received positive reviews. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• IndianOil Petrol Pump - Sri Amman Agency: Situated at No 3/121, Velachery Main Road, Medavakkam, Chennai - 600100. Approximately 1.1 km from Velachery Main Road, this station provides fuel services. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Shell Petrol Pump - Velachery Rd: Located on Velachery Road, this Shell station offers a variety of fuel products, including Premium Gasoline, Shell V-Power Diesel, and Shell V-Power. Amenities include a shop, toilet, hot food, cafeteria, and pizza. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Bharat Petroleum Petrol Pump: Found at S No 402/2/150, Bypass Road, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600042. This station provides standard fuel services. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Help Line/Phone Number

• National Emergency Numbers:

  • Police: 100
  • Fire: 101
  • Ambulance: 102 or 108
  • Coastal Security Helpline: 1093
  • Traffic Police: 103
  • Women Helpline: 1091
  • Child Line: 1098
  • Railway Police Helpline: 9962500500 or 1512
  • Disaster Helpline: 1077
  • Gas Leakage: 1716

• Local Hospitals in Velachery:

  • Prashanth Hospitals Velachery: 044-4680 5544
  • BloomLife Hospital: 044-4000 0009
  • Velachery K. S. Hospital: 07947082283
  • Appasamy Krishna Hospital: 9444034165
  • Xcellent Care Hospital: +91-44-4000 0006

• Police: 100

• Fire: 101

• Ambulance: 102 or 108

• Coastal Security Helpline: 1093

• Traffic Police: 103

• Women Helpline: 1091

• Child Line: 1098

• Railway Police Helpline: 9962500500 or 1512

• Disaster Helpline: 1077

• Gas Leakage: 1716

• Prashanth Hospitals Velachery: 044-4680 5544

• BloomLife Hospital: 044-4000 0009

• Velachery K. S. Hospital: 07947082283

• Appasamy Krishna Hospital: 9444034165

• Xcellent Care Hospital: +91-44-4000 0006

Location info

• Address: Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

• District: Chennai

• Nearest City: Chennai

• Best time to visit: January to April, when the weather is relatively cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Best time to visit Velachery lake

November to March when the weather is pleasant. Early morning (6–8 AM) offers beautiful reflections on the water surface. Late afternoon (3–5 PM) is good for walks and photography. Migratory birds visit during winter (November–February).

Timings & opening hours

Accessible during daylight hours. Best visited between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Some lakes managed by forest departments have specific visiting hours. Boating, if available, operates between 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry is generally free. Nominal parking fee of INR 10–30 may apply. Boating charges: INR 50–200 per person depending on boat type. Some maintained lake parks may charge INR 10–20 entry.

Duration needed

1–2 hours for a relaxed visit including a walk along the banks. If boating is available, allow an additional 30–45 minutes. A picnic visit may extend to 3–4 hours.

Safety tips

Swimming is generally not permitted in most lakes — observe warning signs. Keep away from sluice gates and deep areas. Supervise children at all times near the water. Avoid visiting alone after dark. Do not litter — help keep the lake clean.

Things to carry

1. Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your visit.
2. Comfortable Footwear: For walking and exploring.
3. Camera: Capture memorable moments.
4. Hat and Sunglasses: Sun protection.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA) for lakes near Chennai, or the nearest regional airport for lakes in other regions.

Nearest railway station: the nearest station in the closest town.

By road: accessible via local roads from the nearest town or city.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Near Velachery lake, small eateries and food stalls serve local Tamil Nadu snacks. Visitors can enjoy fresh coconut water, sundal, bhajji, and roasted corn. For proper meals, nearby towns have restaurants offering vegetarian South Indian thali meals including rice, sambar, rasam, and curd.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

For accommodation near Velachery lake, nearby towns and cities offer options ranging from budget lodges and guesthouses to mid-range hotels. During peak tourist season (December to March) and during major festivals like Pongal (January), it is advisable to book accommodation in advance. Most hotels offer basic amenities including attached bathrooms, fans/AC, and in-house vegetarian food options.

History of Velachery lake

Velachery lake serves as an important water reservoir for the surrounding region of Tamil Nadu. Built to meet the water needs of agriculture and communities, the lake has become an integral part of the local landscape. Its shores support biodiversity and provide a recreational space for nearby residents.

Things to do at Velachery lake

Take a peaceful walk along the lake embankment and enjoy the serene water views. Watch for birds — many lakes attract herons, egrets, kingfishers, and migratory waterfowl during winter. If boating is available, enjoy a ride on the placid waters.

Things to visit & highlights

The lake with its expansive water surface reflecting the sky. The surrounding green banks and vegetation. Birdlife along the shores — particularly during winter when migratory birds arrive. The sunset view over the lake is especially beautiful.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Velachery lake? Early morning (6–8 AM) or late afternoon (3–5 PM) between November and March for pleasant weather and good bird watching.

Can I go boating at Velachery lake? Boating facilities vary by lake. Check with the local tourism office or visit early to confirm availability.

Are there food options near Velachery lake? Food stalls and small eateries may be available near the lake. The nearest town offers more comprehensive dining options.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Tamilnadu
• Category: Lakes

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.