Redhills, Chennai

Redhills is a district situated in the northern part of Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu. Locally referred to as Sengundram, the district is surrounded by Puzhal, Kolathur, Ponnaimmanmedu and other such localities. The top selling point of this locality is its unique blend of natural beauty and modern development. The district’s name comes from ‘Semman Kuviyal’, which means an excess of red mud. This red mud characterises the hills and neighbourhoods of this locality, giving it such a unique name. 

A predominantly residential locality, it has witnessed significant growth in recent years. However, there is also a good mix of sound commercial infrastructure. New residential projects and increasing constructions in Redhills reflect its high demand as a preferred housing locality. People prefer this area for its vast network of educational institutions and healthcare facilities. All the important infrastructural pillars such as transportation, roads, connectivity and entertainment facilities are amply provided for in this locality. The area is also dotted with parks and green spaces, offering residents opportunities for leisure and relaxation amidst nature. 

What attracts people to Redhills is a serene and calm lifestyle that is deeply connected to nature. The picturesque lakes, quiet hills and rich vegetation of this city significantly raise the standards of living. Redhills, as a community of people, is also warm and welcoming. A spirit of unity and diversity runs among the locality’s population where people from diverse backgrounds live together in harmony. 

Redhills has today emerged as a sought-after locality, combining the tranquillity of its natural surroundings with the convenience of modern amenities. The constantly developing infrastructure makes Redhills a preferred destination in Chennai. 

What’s Good in Redhills:

• The locality’s tolerant community celebrates all festivals together with great enthusiasm.
• National highways and intercity roads offer strong connectivity
• Easy access to nearby industrial areas such as the Ambattur Industrial Estate
• Greater interaction with nature
• Affordable housing options

What Needs Improvement in Redhills:

• Water logging during heavy monsoon season
• Better waste management systems are required
• Bumpy roads lead to uncomfortable daily commutes within the district 
• Better entertainment options to develop a vibrant social life
• Power outages and inconsistent water supply

The physical infrastructure in Chennai’s Redhills locality is a mix of traditional settings and modern new developments. On the residential front, the locality houses a mix of old expensive homes as well as the new multi-storey, flat system-based houses. These developments are aimed at catering to the locality’s growing population. Affordable housing options are a major advantage offered by this locality. 

The area has witnessed slow but steady progress in terms of educational and medical infrastructure. While primary and secondary school level education is readily available within Redhills, students seeking college-level education might need to move out of the locality due to a lack of adequate facilities. The medical infrastructure of this locality is not as flourishing as its other aspects. There are more hospitals and nursing homes located outside the locality than within it. With consistent efforts, however, the existing landscape would grow rapidly in no time.

Roads and transportation networks are the pillars of a locality’s infrastructure. In Redhills, well-maintained roads not only offer easier commutes but also minimise travel time. The highways passing through the district connect it to the other states, while the arterial roads facilitate commuting within the locality. A well-planned network of public transport, such as buses and metros, further strengthens its connectivity.

While the locality’s entertainment and recreational infrastructure is still evolving, the abundance of natural attractions makes for healthy living standards in the city. The various lakes and parks provide a necessary reflection on the constant emphasis to rapidly urbanise the locality.

Mouth watering dishes like sambhar, idli, fish curry and pongal make for an enticing food culture in Redhills. Here is a list of some popular restaurants in the locality where you can explore all this and much more.

• Madras Grill House
• Annai Fast Food Biryani Center
• Thayagam Suvaiyagam Pure Veg
• D.B. Dhaba and Family Restaurant
• Manangatti Restaurant

• Bank of India
• Karur Vysya Bank
• HDFC Bank ATM
• Axis Bank ATM

• Thirumangalam Station
• Villivakkam Station
• Pattaravakkam Station
• Chennai Central Railway Station

• Redhill Bus Terminus
• Redhills Market Bus Stop
• CMBT
• Broadway MTC Bus Terminus

• Chennai International Airport

• Amma Park- East Kavangarai
• East Kavangarai Park
• Children’s Park
• Vallimayil Park
• Corporation Park

Chennai Outer Ring Road, also referred to as ORR,  is a circumferential road that runs around the city. It is a significant arterial road which connects Redhills to the city's outskirts and efficiently connects them to other major highways leading to different states. The Chennai Outer Ring Road also serves the purpose of decongesting the locality’s traffic and fastening internal commutes. 

Although the Chennai-Thiruvallur Highway does not directly pass through the locality, it is located in close vicinity. People from Redhill can comfortably travel to the different cities of Chennai and Thiruvallur. Even though this route is more localised, it provides quick access to the major nearby roads and highways.

The National Highway 16 (NH-16) is a critical passage that connects Chennai to the eastern states of India, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal. The highway serves two major purposes for the residents of Redhills. Firstly, it provides ready access to the different cities to promote eastwards travel from Redhills. Secondly, it connects the locality to the major economic and cultural centres, enhancing trade and tourism. 

The State Highway 111, passing through the Redhill locality of Chennai, is an essential passage for inter-district travel. The road mainly runs through the central part of Redhills to the eastern outskirts. This allows people in Red Hills to access important landmarks and major pockets of their locality. 

Several regional roads and passages connect the various areas of this locality. Roads like the Sothupakkam Road, Anna Street, Athivakkam Main Road, Madhavaram Red Hills Road and many others connect the various areas of Redhills locality. 

Overall, the Redhills district of Chennai has garnered a rating of 4/5 on average. The tranquil neighbourhoods of Redhills offer many positives and some downsides. People living in the district with their families are especially happy with the locality's sound educational infrastructure. The strong sense of community felt by everyone in this district has contributed to people’s satisfaction. Redhills' proximity to major highways and its connectivity to other parts of the city also gets a big thumbs up from its residents. Further, good parking space, well-maintained surroundings and the natural environment add to its merit.

On the flip side, among the major issues reported by the residents is a lack of a proper draining system, especially during peak monsoon. Water logging has been an ongoing problem in this locality. People have also expressed their wish for more commercial development and better entertainment facilities within the locality. 

Visiting Redhills in Chennai is an enthralling and exciting experience. The locality’s spell-bounding views can be accessed via the following available routes.

People coming in from different areas of Chennai can use NH-5 and Outer Ring Road to easily commute to Redhills. Those coming in from outside Chennai can use NH-16 and NH-48 which provide straightforward routes to this locality.

People coming in from different states can deboard at the Chennai Central Railway Station to reach Redhills. 

The Chennai International Airport is the closest airport to Redhills. People flying in from different parts of India and other countries can book a cab from the airport and reach Redhills district in roughly an hour’s drive.

The Red Hills Lake, also known as Pulhal Lake, is the first place people visit in Redhills. It’s a significant reservoir which serves as one of the major water supply sources for the entire capital city of Chennai. Apart from this, the lake’s stunning visuals enthral and calm the visitors at the same time. The popular tourist attraction offers birdwatching, picnicking, fishing, boating and several other fun activities to its visitors.

Roughly a half an hour from Redhill, the Ennore beach provides the perfect peaceful retreat from the bustling daily life. The beach stands at the shore of the endless Bay of Bengal. Its serene landscapes and pristine shores of this beach are an attractive getaway for friends and families. Unlike the more widely known beaches, the Ennore Beach is less frequented, providing the perfect balance of undisturbed quietness and clean surroundings. 

A leisurely drive from Redhills leads to this enchanting zoological park. Officially known as the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, the zoo is home to a diverse array of wildlife. It’s a perfect getaway place for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts and wildlife explorers. From majestic tigers to slender deers and exotic birds to haunting reptiles, the zoo also serves as an educational outing. The zoo is open from 9am to 5pm. and tickets can easily be booked online.

Located in close quarters to the Redhills area, the temple offers an unforgettable spiritual, cultural and architectural exploration. The intricate carvings and artistic embellishments of this temple are dedicated to Goddess Veeramakali Amman. People travelling from Redhills can visit the temple via Madhavaram Red Hills Road and GNT Road. The temple opens from 5:30am in the morning till 10pm in the night. Find a soulful refuge in the temple’s meditative prayers and enchanting hymns.

For those willing to go distances to explore the less popular getaway destinations around Redhills, the Santhome Cathedral Basilica is an interesting choice. The majestic white coloured church is roughly an hour’s drive from the locality. It is grand, beautiful and historically rich - all at the same time. The cathedral is named after the revered Saint Thomas, an apostle of Jesus Christ. Santhome Cathedral is open from 6am to 9pm. for visitors of Redhills.

The differentiating factor of Redhills as a residential locality is its calmness. Unlike the bustling city life of Chennai, life in this locality is relatively slow paced. The entertainment and recreational facilities are not as vibrant as the main city of Chennai, but slowly and steadily, it is improving. People enjoy closeness to nature and as a result, people in the community are also more closely attached to each other. Needless to say, the abundance of natural beauty, lush greenery and closely located attractions give it an edge over other localities. 

Localities around Redhill, like Madhavaram, Kodungaiyur and others, can be relatively more crowded. They are also more exposed to industrial hubs and commercial centres. Thus, when compared to its neighbourhoods, Redhills offers a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles. The housing is diverse, infrastructure is developing and amenities are readily available for the residents of this area.

Despite its historical roots, Redhills is not alien to modernity. It's a place where traditional and contemporary India come together. People in Chennai can look towards this locality as a promising residential area where adequate schooling and medical infrastructure is easily available. People with a preference for quiet surroundings will especially enjoy living in Chennai’s Redhill district.