What to expect
Madurantakam Lake
One of the largest irrigation eris (tanks) in Tamil Nadu, built centuries ago and fed by the Palar and monsoon runoff. Its long earthen bund is tied to the Eri Katha Ramar temple legend. The wetland draws migratory waterbirds, complementing the nearby Vedanthangal and Karikili sanctuaries.
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Madurantakam Lake
Place
Practical guide
Plan Madurantakam Lake
Typedam
Nearest baseMaduranthakam
Best timeOctober to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta
Time neededAbout an hour
EntryFree
Nearest town/baseMaduranthakam
DistrictChengalpattu
Place typedam
Time neededAbout an hour.
One of the largest irrigation eris (tanks) in Tamil Nadu, built centuries ago and fed by the Palar and monsoon runoff. Its long earthen bund is tied to the Eri Katha Ramar temple legend. The wetland draws migratory waterbirds, complementing the nearby Vedanthangal and Karikili sanctuaries.
Madurantakam Lake is planned from Maduranthakam, one of the travel bases in Chengalpattu district. Use Maduranthakam for stays, food and local transport, then plan this place as a focused stop.
Visiting
Madurantakam Lake — at a glance
TimingsOpen daylight hours
Best timeNovember to February for migratory birdlife
Entry: Free
Getting here
How to reach Madurantakam Lake
Beside Madurantakam town on NH45; Madurantakam railhead on the Chennai-Villupuram line, about 80 km from Chennai airport
Best after the northeast monsoon when the tank is full of birds.
Getting there
How to visit
- Base yourself in Maduranthakam or nearby in Chengalpattu, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel.
- If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
Distance by road
- Chennai55 km
- Kanchipuram65 km
- Puducherry95 km
- Chengalpattu (town)30 km
- Vellore130 km
Road km to Chengalpattu; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
Weather in Madurantakam LakeSeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
Safety
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On the map
Where Madurantakam Lake is
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What’s near Madurantakam Lake
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Madurantakam Lake — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Madurantakam Lake?
October to March is the cooler, drier season in the Cauvery delta.
What are the entry fee and timings at Madurantakam Lake?
Entry: Free. Timings: Open daylight hours. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Madurantakam Lake?
Base yourself in Maduranthakam or nearby in Chengalpattu, then confirm the last-mile route locally before travel. If access depends on temple, museum or seasonal rules, check on the day before you go.
How much time do I need for Madurantakam Lake?
About an hour.
What else is near Madurantakam Lake?
Nearby you can pair Kothandaramaswamy Temple (Eri Katha Ramar) (2.2 km), Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (7.0 km), Robert Clive's Garden House (7.0 km), Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Temple (9.5 km).
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