Kolavai Lake, Chengalpet, Kanchipuram

Kolavai Lake, Chengalpet, Kanchipuram

Kolavai Lake is a lake in Kancheepuram district of Tamilnadu, India. The town of Chengalpattu lies at the southern end of the lake. It is located about 60 kilometres (37 mi) from Chennai, near to Paranur railway station and Chengalpattu Junction railway station. Due to water shortage in summer, Chennai water tankers are forced to collect water from the lake.

Kolavai Lake is the second largest lake in the Kanchipuram District after Mathuranthagam Lake. Once very huge, it has been reduced to nearly half the size due to the creation of the Mahindra World city on its banks and other encroachments. Kolavai Lake is well known for its perennial nature.

There are no records of going dry in summers. It even supplies water to industries in Chennai when the lakes in Chennai go dry. The lake is now being polluted due to the rapid urbanization of Chengalpattu. The early morning sunrise and the moon hovering above the lake over its waters in the night are scenic to the eyes. The lake's beauty can be experienced by taking a train from the Chengalpattu station to Paranur.