Tulsi Lake is a fresh water lake in northern Mumbai. It is stated to be the second largest lake in Mumbai and supplies part of the city's potable water. Tulsi is one of the three lakes in Salsette Island; the other two being Powai Lake and Vihar Lake. Both Tulsi and Vihar lakes are located within the densely forested Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as the Borivali National Park.
thumb|left|200px|The three contiguous lakes - [[Vihar Lake, Tulsi Lake and Powai Lake of Mumbai]]
Hydrology
thumb|right|200px|Flood flow from the three lakes outfall into Mithi River
Tulsi Lake was built by damming the River Tasso, and redirecting the flow to the nearby Vihar Lake. Rain water from the catchment area of 676 hectares of the Powai-Kanheri hill ranges drains into the lake. During the rainy season the flood flows out into the Powai Lake and further down into the Mithi River. The maximum height of the hill in the catchment is about 400 m. The southwest monsoon sets in by mid June, and lasts till September. The maximum rainfall is normally recorded in the months of July and August. The mean annual rainfall is reported to be 3000 mm. Rainfall has reportedly crossed 4000 mm several times. The Highest ever recorded rainfall to the figure of 5316 mm have been recorded in the year 2019 (1 June - 30 September).
The highest overflow level, recorded at the dam is 139.17 m (456.6 ft).This fresh water lake primarily fulfills the water requirement of the southern part of Mumbai.
Access
The lake is located 32 km to the north of Mumbai by road. The nearest suburban electric train station is Borivli East on the Western Railways and is close to western express highway, with a further travel of 6 km from the station by road to the lake. The nearest Sahar International Airport is at a distance of about 20 km.
As the lake is located inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, entry permits are to be obtained from the park authorities for visit to the lake.
Flora and fauna
thumb|right|200px|Mugger or Marsh Crocodile
The vegetation on the hill slopes draining into the lake is thick and lush, undisturbed and of mixed moist deciduous type. The lake and its catchment are protected by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and Sanjay Gandhi National Park Authority.
See also
- Mumbai's water sources
- Vihar Lake
- Powai Lake
- Salsette
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park