Veeranam Lake

This is the largest man made lake in Tamilnadu. Dug by Rajaditya Chola in the 9th century and named after his father Parantaka Chola also known as Veera Narayanan. This lake orinally known as Veera Narayanan lake, is situated in Cuddalore district. It starts from Boothankudi near Sethiathoppu and extend upto Kattumannarkoil occupying an area of 38 s.km. The lake irrigates 15000 acres in Kattumannarkoil and Chidambaram taluks. A road connecting Sethiathoppu and Kattumannarkoil is built on the lake bund and travellers can enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake when lake is full. The lake gets excess water during rainy season from River Cauvery through Vadavaru. In 2005, Ms Jayalalitha, the then CM of Tamilnadu, started the Veeranam Project, for supplying water from Veeranam lake to Chennai City. This scheme is running satisfactorily.

Wonderful sight to look at this lake for a long time with the birds and the changing shades of light adding to the effect. Real feast to our eyes and minds. Great experience - thanking the Chozhas!

Admired to see a man-made lake that looks like an ocean, this lake serves water to chennai metro city till now. Power of chola Dynasty how they were able to cope up with Nature (they stopped river water directly joining the ocean, constructed a lake to save water and use it for agricultural activities), Ancient building methodologies is still mysterious and admiration for the current generation.

This huge lake has an interesting history . It was dug in the 10th Century by Soldiers of Rajaditya Chola , just to keep busy while waiting for a scheduled war to begin ! Till today it has been a major source of water to areas right upto Chennai. 20Kms long and 7 kms wide , with many canals and sluice gates . On a bright day , the expanse of blue water is a vision to behold. Right opposite the lake is a colourful little temple to a local goddesss.

We Went To Veeranam Lake Last Weekend (Sunday) The Spot Is Nearly 70 Kms From Our Location, The Road Going To The Veeranam Lake Is So Poor, Bikers Please Avoid in rainy Season, Highway Extension Work is going So lots of Diversions & Patch Works. But it's a nice spot to spend time. & go to lalpet and try their Porota must recommend one for a quick bite. No Swimming & Getting into the water is Not allowed Here.

Veeranam Lake, also known as Veeranarayana Lake, is a ancient irrigation tank located in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. It was built during the reign of Rajaditya Chola (907-955 AD), a king of the Greater Chola Empire, in the 10th century. The lake is named after Parantaka I Chola, the father of Rajaditya Chola, who was also known as Veeranarayana. Here are some interesting facts about Veeranam Lake: 1. Longest ancient dam: Veeranam Lake is considered one of the longest ancient dams in India, stretching over 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) in length. 2. Irrigation purposes: The lake was built primarily for irrigation purposes, to support agriculture in the surrounding regions. 3. Engineering marvel: The construction of the lake is an engineering marvel, considering the technology and resources available during that time period. 4. Historical significance: Veeranam Lake is a testament to the engineering skills and administrative capabilities of the Chola dynasty, which was a powerful and influential empire in southern India during the medieval period. 5. Conservation efforts: The lake is currently being restored and conserved by the Tamil Nadu government, to ensure its continued use for irrigation and other purposes. 6. Depth: Maximum depth of around 10 meters (33 feet). 7. Capacity: Has a capacity of approximately 235 million cubic feet of water. 8. Irrigation : Supports irrigation for around 15,000 acres of agricultural land in the region. 9. Restoration : Has undergone restoration work to maintain its structural integrity and water holding capacity. 10. Tourism: A popular tourist destination, offering scenic views, boating, and birdwatching opportunities. 11. Cultural importance: Considered a sacred waterbody by locals, hosting festivals like the Veeranam Temple Car Festival. 12. Ecological significance: Supports local biodiversity, with various aquatic plants and animals calling the lake home. Overall, Veeranam Lake is an important historical and engineering landmark in Tamil Nadu, and a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. Veeranam Lake is an remarkable example of ancient engineering and a vital water source for the region.

Very vast stretch of water for drinking and irrigation purposes, ranging from Kattumannarkoil to Sethiyaa Thope. This is one of the sources of drinking water for Chennai people. It has got a very good historical background. Vanthiya Thevan, the hero of PONNIYIN SELVAN, historic journey riding on the horse ( the novel (,depicting the history of Chola dynasty Arunmozhi Varman alias Rajaraja Cholan), authored by Kalki Krishnamoorthy, started his journey into the great Chola mandalam, on Aadi Perukku Festival. Now this Veera Narayanan Eari satiates the thirst and needs of the Chennai people. This lake should be maintained well and all the people of Chennai , once in a year should assemble here to clean the lake during summer and made to realise the importance of this historic lake.

Chola's were also known for their irrigation and water management and this Veeranam Lake is one of the finest example of it, Veeranam is man-made marvel of chola warriors (under Prince Rajaditya) even before the rule of Rajaraja I the Great.. Kalki's Ponniyin selvan novel set its start from this place.. A good place to visit.. Awestruck while drive through its side.. Must watchable site in Cuddalore district.. Such an important place both Historically and Environmentally..