Chembarambakkam Lake
Reservoir Major freshwater reservoir supplying Chennai metropolitan area
A major reservoir west of Chennai, Chembarambakkam Lake supplies city water and attracts birdwatchers and locals for lakeside walks and occasional boating.
Chembarambakkam Lake is a freshwater reservoir in Tamil Nadu on the western outskirts of the Chennai metropolitan area that functions as one of the city’s water storage sources.
The lake includes an impoundment and associated dam infrastructure and is used for municipal water supply, local fishing and informal recreation. It supports wetland birdlife and is an important peri-urban water body for the Chennai region.
The reservoir was created by impoundment to supply water to the growing urban area and is managed as part of the local water-supply infrastructure.
The lake lies southwest of central Chennai within the state of Tamil Nadu and is approached by local roads from the city and surrounding suburbs.
- Water supply: Supplies a portion of Chennai's municipal water; water levels and access can vary with the municipal intake and seasonal rains.
- Location and access: Located on the southwestern outskirts of Chennai, the site is accessible by road from the city and is commonly visited for local recreation and birdwatching.
How to Get to Chembarambakkam Lake #
The lake is about 24 km southwest of Chennai city center. From central Chennai, take GST Road (NH32) south and branch onto the Pammal-Tambaram route; local buses and taxis go to Chembarambakkam. The nearest suburban rail stations are in Tambaram and Pallavaram, from which a 20-30 minute taxi ride completes the trip.
Tips for Visiting Chembarambakkam Lake #
- Visit just after dawn on weekdays to see local fishermen and avoid Chennai weekend crowds.
- Bring insect repellent in warmer months - mosquitoes are common along the marshy margins.
- If researching water supply issues, contact Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board in advance for permits or guided access.
Best Time to Visit Chembarambakkam Lake #
Best visited between November and February for comfortable temperatures and clearer skies; monsoon months are dramatic but logistically harder.
Weather & Climate near Chembarambakkam Lake #
Chembarambakkam Lake's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in May) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 20°C to 37°C. Abundant rainfall (1211 mm/year), wettest in November with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 35°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 39°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 37°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 35°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (236 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (293 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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