Ukkadam-Valankulam Lake Coimbatore

Ukkadam-Valankulam Lake Coimbatore

 

Ukkadam Valankulam Lake is located at a distance of 1 km from Coimbatore Junction, between Trichy road and Sungam bypass road, In Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Ukkadam Lake or Ukkadam Periyakulam is spread over an area of 1.295 sq. km and has an average depth of 19.1 feet. The lake is fed by canals derived from the Noyyal river. The lake also receives water from Selvachinthamani lake located upstream in the north and drains water.

 

The lake has an outlet connecting it with Valankulam lake. The water can be released through four sluice gates located on the south side of the lake. A railway track connecting Coimbatore Junction and Podanur passes over the lake.

 

In 2010, the lake was taken over by Coimbatore Corporation on a 90-year lease and announced a beautification project at the cost of INR 49.5 million in 2015. The lake beautification and restoration project, the city corporation has set up floating decks, a walkers' plaza, a children's play area, non-motorized tracks, and food kiosks.

 

They also laid a 1.2 km stretch of road exclusively for two-wheelers and beautify the tank bund by installing solar-powered lamps and steel fences. Popularly called the Marine Drive of Coimbatore, the road was inaugurated on 8th June 2015, by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and helped ease traffic congestion in the Ukkadam area.

 

The lake is a paradise for bird lovers. As per a study on bird diversity conducted in 2013, about 48 species of avifauna belonging to 20 families were recorded. The highest bird population was observed during January and February.

One can spot various birds including little grebes painted storks, and purple moorhen.

 

Fishing :

 

Fishing is carried out by local fishermen and enthusiasts. In the 2000s, due to encroachment and the fishes were infected with metals and pathogens from polluted waste water discharged from the sewage.

 

The local fishermen requested the lake to be cleaned up to ensure healthy fish population.

 

 Boating At Ukkadam Valankulam Lake :

 

Already we have procured 4 Nos. of 4 seater pedal boats, 2 Nos. of 2 seater pedal boats and 1 motor boat with 8 seating capacity. Further more boats  are planned to be procured to meet the demand.

 

Ukkadam Valankulam Lake Timings : 6 AM to 9 PM

 

Ukkadam Valankulam Lake Entry Fee : No entry fee

 

Ukkadam Valankulam Lake Address :  Ukkadam Valankulam Lake, Highways Colony, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641018

 

How to reach  Ukkadam Valankulam Lake :

 

By Bus:- There is Kovil Bus Stand near the lake which is 3.1 km away.

 

By Rail:- Ukkadam-Valankulam Lake is at a distance of 1 km from Coimbatore Junction.

 

By Air:- The distance of the lake from Coimbatore International Airport is 11.4 km,