Velachery lake

About:

Velachery Lake in Chennai has significantly reduced in size, shrinking from 265 acres to around 55 acres due to encroachment and urban development. Its water capacity has dropped from 19.24 million cubic feet to 4.81 Mcft, increasing flood risks for nearby areas. Efforts by the Greater Chennai Corporation, including flood-mitigation ponds and desilting projects, aim to restore some of its function, yet issues like sewage contamination persist, threatening its ecological health.

Location info:

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.

How to reach?

By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, approximately 10 km from Velachery. You can reach Velachery from the airport by taxi or app-based ride services, taking around 20-30 minutes.

By Train: Velachery has its own railway station on the Chennai MRTS line. Trains from Chennai Beach and other major stations run frequently, with a travel time of about 45 minutes from Chennai Beach.

By Bus: The MTC operates several routes to Velachery from various parts of Chennai. For instance, route 51 connects Tambaram West to Velachery with early morning services from both ends.

By Car/Taxi: Velachery is accessible via Velachery Main Road and the Inner Ring Road, with a drive time of approximately 30-45 minutes from central Chennai, depending on traffic.

By Metro: Though not directly connected to the Chennai Metro, you can take the metro to St. Thomas Mount station, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach Velachery.

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}

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

• The Westin Chennai Velachery: A 5-star luxury hotel offering modern amenities, multiple dining options, a spa, and a fitness center. Located on Velachery Main Road, it's ideal for both business and leisure travelers. More Info
• Four Points by Sheraton Chennai, Velachery: This hotel provides comfortable rooms, a rooftop bar with panoramic city views, and a well-equipped fitness center. It's conveniently situated near major shopping centers. More Info
• Itsy By Treebo - Mirra: A budget-friendly hotel offering clean and comfortable rooms with complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi. Located close to the Phoenix Market City mall. More Info
• Trendz Service Apartments: Ideal for extended stays, these serviced apartments offer spacious accommodations with kitchen facilities, located in a quiet residential area of Velachery. More Info
• Hotel O Nestle Inn: A mid-range hotel providing well-furnished rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and easy access to local attractions and transportation hubs. More Info

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

Velachery lake