Pulhal Lake
Reservoir Reservoir north of Chennai supplying potable water
Also called Red Hills Reservoir near Chennai, Pulhal Lake supplies water to the city and attracts birdwatchers and locals for shoreline walks and seasonal waterfowl viewing.
Pulhal Lake is a man-made reservoir in the Pulhal/Puzhal area of northern Chennai, Tamil Nadu, that functions as part of the city’s water storage and supply system. It is commonly referred to as Puzhal Lake or Red Hills Lake.
The lake is primarily a water-supply reservoir rather than a recreational park, but people visit for short walks, local fishing, and birdwatching along its margins. Seasonal water levels affect shoreline access and the concentration of waterbirds.
The reservoir was created and has been managed as part of Chennai’s municipal water infrastructure; it has been modified and maintained over time to meet the city’s needs. Management and maintenance fall under local civic authorities.
Pulhal sits within the northern suburbs of Chennai, in the Pulhal/Puzhal locality of Chennai district. The site is urban-fringe in character, surrounded by suburban development and infrastructure serving the city.
- Local names: Also known locally as Puzhal Lake or Red Hills Lake; it is one of the reservoirs that form part of Chennai's municipal water supply system.
- Wildlife season: Winter months often bring an increase in waterbirds, making the lake a local spot for birdwatching and early-morning walks.
Best Time to Visit Pulhal Lake #
Weather & Climate near Pulhal Lake #
Pulhal 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 (1214 mm/year), wettest in November with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 29°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 36°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 40°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 38°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 35°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 36°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (243 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 (317 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 (134 mm) and partly cloudy skies.