Chennai Height From Sea Level
Chennai Height From Sea Level – Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s most important metropolitan cities. Known for its long coastline, historic temples, IT hubs, classical music, and vibrant culture, Chennai holds a unique geographical position compared to India’s hill stations and inland cities.
A commonly searched question among students, travelers, and geography enthusiasts is “What is Chennai’s height from sea level?” Unlike hill towns located thousands of meters above sea level, Chennai lies very close to the coast, which significantly influences its climate, weather conditions, humidity, and even air quality.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore Chennai height from sea level, how it impacts daily life, climate behavior, flood risk, and travel planning.

🌍 What Is Chennai Height From Sea Level?
Chennai is a coastal city located along the Bay of Bengal, which means its elevation is quite low compared to most Indian cities.
🌟 Chennai Height From Sea Level: Approximately 6.7 meters (22 feet)
This low elevation explains why Chennai has:
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High humidity
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Warm coastal climate
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Sensitivity to cyclones and heavy rainfall
📊 Chennai Elevation & Geographic Information Table
Here’s a simplified table to understand Chennai’s elevation and related details clearly:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Chennai Height From Sea Level | 6.7 meters (22 feet) |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Geographical Location | Coastal Plains |
| Nearby Water Body | Bay of Bengal |
| Terrain Type | Flat coastal land |
| Climate Type | Tropical wet & dry |
| Average Summer Temperature | 30°C – 40°C |
| Average Winter Temperature | 20°C – 28°C |
| Monsoon Season | October to December |
🌡️ How Chennai’s Altitude Affects Climate & Weather
The low height of Chennai from sea level plays a major role in shaping its climate:
🌞 Hot & Humid Summers
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Due to its low elevation and coastal proximity, Chennai experiences high humidity
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Summers can feel hotter than inland cities at the same temperature
🌧️ Heavy Monsoons
Chennai primarily receives rainfall from the Northeast Monsoon, unlike most Indian cities. Its low altitude increases vulnerability to:
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Urban flooding
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Waterlogging during heavy rains
🌪️ Cyclone Sensitivity
Being close to sea level makes Chennai prone to cyclonic storms, especially during October–December.
🏙️ Why Chennai’s Height From Sea Level Is Important
Understanding Chennai’s elevation is important for several reasons:
🌊 Flood Risk Awareness
Low elevation combined with flat terrain makes proper drainage essential for city planning.
🏥 Health & Comfort
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No altitude sickness issues
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High humidity may affect people with respiratory problems
🚧 Urban Development
Infrastructure, drainage systems, and coastal protection depend heavily on Chennai’s elevation data.
🛣️ Chennai vs Hill Stations: Elevation Comparison
To put Chennai’s height into perspective:
| Place | Height From Sea Level |
|---|---|
| Chennai | 6.7 meters |
| Bangalore | ~920 meters |
| Ooty | ~2,240 meters |
| Kodaikanal | ~2,133 meters |
| Munnar | ~1,600 meters |
This shows why Chennai remains warm year-round compared to hill stations.
✈️ Does Chennai’s Elevation Affect Travel?
Yes, Chennai’s low altitude influences travel experiences:
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No acclimatization needed for travelers
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Comfortable for elderly and children
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Ideal starting point for coastal and southern India trips
The city’s elevation also supports major ports, airports, and trade infrastructure.
🏖️ Tourism & Coastal Geography
Chennai’s near-sea-level height supports beautiful coastal attractions:
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Marina Beach – One of the longest urban beaches in the world
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Elliot’s Beach – Calm and scenic
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Mahabalipuram – UNESCO World Heritage site nearby
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Pulicat Lake – Second-largest brackish lake in India
These attractions are directly influenced by Chennai’s low elevation and coastal position.
🚆 How Chennai’s Elevation Supports Connectivity
Chennai’s flat terrain makes it ideal for:
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Road networks
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Railways
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Metro rail systems
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Airports and ports
This is one reason Chennai is a major transport and logistics hub in South India.
🌍 Environmental Challenges Linked to Low Elevation
While Chennai’s height from sea level has benefits, it also presents challenges:
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Rising sea levels due to climate change
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Coastal erosion
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Increased flood frequency
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Urban heat retention
City planners continuously work on solutions like stormwater drains and coastal barriers.
For readers looking to explore nearby places, travel destinations, hill stations, and city guides across India, TopChandigarh.com is a helpful blog offering informative and easy-to-understand travel content. It provides insights into locations, geography, and travel planning, making it useful for both travelers and researchers.
✅ Final Thoughts
The Chennai height from sea level is approximately 6.7 meters, making it one of India’s lowest-lying major cities. This low elevation shapes Chennai’s climate, coastal lifestyle, infrastructure, and environmental conditions. Understanding Chennai’s altitude helps travelers, students, and planners better appreciate how geography influences daily life in this vibrant coastal metropolis.