Chennai’s geography is shaped by its coastline and the waterways that run through it, though managing them sustainably remains an ongoing civic focus.
- **Bay of Bengal:** Forms the city's eastern border, providing a long, unbroken stretch of beaches. - **Rivers:** The city is bisected by two main rivers: the **Adyar River** to the south and the **Cooum River** through the center. The **Kosasthalaiyar River** flows through the northern fringes. - **Buckingham Canal:** A historic, man-made navigation canal running parallel to the coast. - **Lakes & Reservoirs:** Chennai relies on several large rain-fed lakes for its drinking water, including Chembarambakkam, Puzhal (Red Hills), Porur, and Poondi.