Red Hills Lake Overview
Red Hills Lake, also known as Puzhal Aeri or Puzhal Lake, is a beautiful rain-fed reservoir located on the outskirts of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the two rain-fed reservoirs that supply water to Chennai City, the other being the Chembarambakkam Lake and Porur Lake. The lake has a storage capacity of 3,300 million ft³ (93 million m³) and is a vital source of drinking water for the people of Chennai.
The lake was built in 1881 by the British to store the excess water from the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh. The lake is surrounded by the Red Hills and has a serene environment that is perfect for morning and evening walks. People also come here to watch the sunrise and sunset and enjoy a beach-like experience.
The lake has masonry weirs and bund roads that help in the storage of water. Some shutters control the flow of water and maintain the depth of the lake water level. The lake is connected to the Poondi Reservoir through the Poondi Canal, which is used to supply water to Chennai.
The Water Resources Department (WRD) is responsible for the maintenance of the lake. The department uses electric motors to pump water and has filter arrangements to ensure the water is clean and safe for drinking. The department also takes care of the water-retaining structures and carries out repairing processes to prevent water seepage.
Overall, Red Hills Lake is a beautiful and important water resource for the people of Chennai. It has an average depth of 18 meters and provides a serene environment for visitors to enjoy.
Location and Accessibility
Puzhal Aeri, also known as Red Hills Lake, is located on the outskirts of Chennai in the Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu state. The lake is easily accessible through various modes of transportation.
For those traveling by bus, there are several bus stops near Puzhal Aeri, including Padiyanallur village, Alamaram Junction, and Redhills Market Junction. The Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) and Koyambedu bus stop are also nearby.
The nearest metro station is Avadi Junction, which is around 10 km away from the lake. For those traveling by train, the Chennai Central Railway Station is approximately 25 km away.
Chennai International Airport is the closest airport to Puzhal Aeri, located around 35 km away. Taxis, cabs, and car rental companies are readily available from the airport to the lake.
Additionally, the lake is situated near the Ambattur residential locality, Pulhal Central Prison, Thiruvallur Koot Road, Pammathukulam, Pothur, Attanthangal, and Naravarikuppam villages.
The location map of Puzhal Aeri can be easily found online, making it easy for tourists to navigate to the lake. The lake can also be reached via the Redhills Bypass Road Junction.
Overall, Puzhal Aeri is easily accessible through various modes of transportation, making it a convenient destination for tourists and locals alike.
Visitor Information
Puzhal Aeri or Red Hills Lake is a popular tourist spot in Chennai, attracting nature lovers and those who seek a serene environment. Here is some essential information for visitors to help plan their trip:
Timings: The lake is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days of the week.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit the lake.
Address: The lake is located in Red Hills, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Phone: Visitors can contact the lake authorities at +91-44-26310520.
Website: The official website for the lake is not available at the moment.
Map: Visitors can use Google Maps to navigate to the lake.
Tour Packages: There are no tour packages available for the lake.
Image Gallery: Visitors can find pictures of the lake on various travel websites.
Lights: There are no lights installed around the lake, and it is not recommended to visit after sunset.
Holidays and DNA: The lake is open on all days, including public holidays.
Contact Us Form: Visitors can contact the authorities using the contact form available on the official website.
Nature: The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
Fishes: The lake is home to various species of fish, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
Domes: There are no domes available for visitors at the lake.
Auto: Visitors can hire auto-rickshaws to reach the lake from nearby areas.
Overall, Puzhal Aeri or Red Hills Lake is an excellent place to spend a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its serene environment and beautiful surroundings, it is a must-visit spot for tourists in Chennai.
History of Red Hills Lake
Red Hills Lake, also known as Puzhal Aeri, is a significant water reservoir located in Red Hills, Chennai, India. It was built during British rule in the late 19th century and was initially a small tank with a capacity of 500 mcf (million cubic feet). The reservoir had two weirs, which were low dams used to release excess water. However, these weirs have been replaced by two shutters today.
Over time, the demand for water in Chennai increased, and the storage capacity of the Red Hills Lake was increased to 3,300 mcft in 1997. It is one of the two rain-fed reservoirs that supply water to Chennai city, the other being the Chembarambakkam Lake and Porur Lake.
The British constructed the Red Hills Lake to store rainwater and supply it to the city. The lake was named after the red soil found in the region. During British rule, the lake was primarily used for recreational activities such as boating and fishing.
The lake has undergone several changes over the years, including the construction of a new bund and an embankment. In recent years, the lake has faced pollution and encroachment issues, which have affected its water quality and storage capacity. The government has taken several measures to address these issues, including the installation of a sewage treatment plant and the removal of encroachments.
Today, the Red Hills Lake remains an important source of water for Chennai city and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy boating and fishing activities, and the lake also serves as a habitat for several bird species.
Tourism in Chennai
Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is a hub of culture, history, and tourism. With its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and modern attractions, it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Chennai is the Puzhal Aeri, also known as the Red Hills Lake. This rain-fed reservoir is located on the outskirts of Chennai and offers a serene environment suitable for morning and evening walks. People also come here to watch the sunrise and sunset and enjoy a beach-like experience. Red Hills Lake Chennai is also one of the prime sources of water in Chennai.
Tourists can visit Puzhal Aeri as part of a Chennai tour package, which can include other popular attractions such as Marina Beach, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and Fort St. George. Chennai Tourism offers a variety of packages to suit every budget and interest, from cultural tours to adventure sports.
Visitors to Chennai can also explore the city’s rich history by visiting the various museums and monuments such as the Government Museum, Vivekananda House, and the Mahabalipuram UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also has a vibrant food scene, with a variety of local and international cuisines available at its numerous restaurants and street food vendors.
Overall, Chennai is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich culture and history of South India.
Image Gallery
Puzhal Aeri, also known as Red Hills Lake, is a beautiful location that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can capture the beauty of this place through their cameras and smartphones. Here are some images of Puzhal Aeri that will give you an idea of what you can expect to see:
- Aerial view of Puzhal Aeri showcasing the vast expanse of the lake and the surrounding greenery.
- A panoramic view of the lake at sunset, with the sky painted in hues of orange and pink.
- A close-up shot of the water lilies floating on the surface of the lake.
- A group of migratory birds resting on the banks of the lake.
- A picture of the dam that controls the flow of water into the lake.
Visitors can take a leisurely walk around the lake and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place. There are several spots where visitors can stop and take pictures. The lake is also a popular spot for birdwatching, and visitors can capture some stunning shots of migratory birds that visit the lake during certain seasons.
In conclusion, Puzhal Aeri is a picturesque location that offers ample opportunities for visitors to capture the beauty of the place through their lenses. Visitors are advised to respect the natural beauty of the place and avoid littering.
Maintenance and Infrastructure
Puzhal aeri is managed by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). The board is responsible for maintaining the lake and ensuring its proper functioning. The maintenance work includes regular cleaning of the lake, removal of weeds, and desilting of the lake bed. The board also carries out repairs and maintenance of the water treatment plant that supplies water to the city.
The water treatment plant at Puzhal aeri has a capacity of 320 million litres per day. It is one of the major sources of water supply for Chennai city. The plant uses a combination of conventional and advanced treatment methods to purify the water. The treated water is then supplied to the city through pipelines.
The maintenance of Puzhal aeri is done through a tender process. The CMWSSB invites tenders from qualified contractors for carrying out the maintenance work. The tender process is transparent and ensures that the work is carried out efficiently and within the specified time frame.
The infrastructure at Puzhal aeri includes a dam, a water treatment plant, and a network of pipelines that supply water to the city. The dam has a capacity of 3,300 million cubic feet and is designed to withstand floods. The water treatment plant is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is capable of treating water to international standards.
Overall, the maintenance and infrastructure at Puzhal aeri are well-maintained and efficient. The CMWSSB ensures that the lake is kept clean and the water treatment plant is functioning properly. The tender process ensures that the maintenance work is carried out efficiently and transparently.
Nearby Localities
Puzhal aeri or Red Hills Lake is surrounded by several nearby localities that are worth exploring. Here are some of the nearby villages and areas that visitors can check out:
- Padiyanallur Village: This village is located just 2.5 km away from Puzhal aeri and is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings. Visitors can take a stroll through the village and enjoy the local culture and traditions.
- Thiruvallur Koot Road: This road is located about 6 km away from Puzhal aeri and is known for its beautiful landscapes and lush greenery. Visitors can take a drive down this road and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
- Pammathukulam: This small village is located about 10 km away from Puzhal aeri and is known for its serene environment. Visitors can take a walk around the village and enjoy the local flora and fauna.
- Pothur: This village is located about 12 km away from Puzhal aeri and is known for its historic significance. Visitors can explore the ancient temples and monuments in the area and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Attanthangal: This village is located about 15 km away from Puzhal aeri and is known for its bird sanctuary. Visitors can take a boat ride through the sanctuary and spot several species of birds.
- Naravarikuppam Villages: These villages are located about 18 km away from Puzhal aeri and are known for their scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings. Visitors can take a drive through the villages and enjoy the local culture and traditions.
Overall, the nearby localities of Puzhal aeri offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing time in these nearby areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Puzhal aeri / Red Hills Lake Chennai?
Puzhal Aeri or Red Hills Lake is a rain-fed reservoir located on the outskirts of Chennai. It was built in the early 19th century during the British colonial era to store water for irrigation purposes. The lake has a capacity of 3,300 million ft³ (93 million m³) and is one of the two rain-fed reservoirs that supply water to Chennai city.
What are the timings of Puzhal aeri / Red Hills Lake Chennai?
The timings of Puzhal Aeri or Red Hills Lake in Chennai are from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors can enjoy the serene environment of the lake during these times.
What is the entry fee for Puzhal aeri / Red Hills Lake Chennai?
There is no entry fee to visit Puzhal Aeri or Red Hills Lake in Chennai. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake without any cost.
What are some images of Puzhal aeri / Red Hills Lake Chennai?
Visitors can find numerous images of Puzhal Aeri or Red Hills Lake in Chennai on the internet. The lake has a serene environment suitable for morning and evening walks. People also come here to watch the sunrise and sunset and enjoy a beach-like experience.
What is the information about Puzhal aeri / Red Hills Lake Chennai?
Puzhal Aeri or Red Hills Lake is a prime source of water in Chennai. It has a serene environment suitable for morning and evening walks. People also come here to watch the sunrise and sunset and enjoy a beach-like experience. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
What is the area of Puzhal aeri / Red Hills Lake Chennai?
The total area of Puzhal Aeri or Red Hills Lake in Chennai is approximately 1,500 acres. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and has a serene environment suitable for morning and evening walks. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and relax in the lap of nature.
