Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary

Dec 272014

Pulicat is a small seashore township. Situated on the barricade island of Sriharikota which divides the Pulicat Lake from the Bay of Bengal, it is located at a distance of 18km from Sullurupeta, It is the second leading brackish lagoon in India–covering a total area of 720 sq km of which 84% comes in Andhra Pradesh and 16% in Tamil Nadu.

The major attractions of Pulicat is the bird sanctuary. Every year between October and March, thousands of migratory birds can be observed here which turns into their dwelling place. Amongst these migrants, greater flamingos come in a large number and at that time is the main point of attraction.

They cover the swampy region of the lake, giving it a touch of pink colour. Other birds which can be seen are pin tailed ducks, pelicans, herons, cranes and painted storks. In mid-December or the start of January, the Flamingo festival is organized by the Tourism Development Board every year. This is why, this place, also known as a haven for bird watching, with its captivating and magnificent views allures visitors from all over.

On SHAR Road you will get only one junction to both right & left leading to small village, on this road near the 3km milestone to Sriharikota if one takes a right turn towards village can see lots of others birds like raptors , swallows, starlings & many more birds. The same road leads to a watch tower on the right side.

Other place to see near Sullurupet is the Nelapattu bird sanctuary which is approx 10kms from Sullurupet & was founded in 1976. It is at a distance of 20 km from the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary. The huge fresh water tank and the ‘Barringtonia acutangula’ trees in a large number make this sanctuary a shelter for a huge number of varieties of birds that migrate here for breeding and roosting, including over 1,500 pelicans, Several endangered species of birds including open-billed storks, grey pelicans, white ibis, little cormorants and night herons come here to breed.

Besides this, wide range of birds such as ducks, egrets, tern, waders, etc. can also be spotted here easily. Another thrilling experience is provided by the forest region of the sanctuary which has mammals such as slender loris, jackals, spotted deer and reptiles including tortoise, snakes and monitor lizards.

Thus, Pulicat and the places around it makes it a natural beauty. The weather was overcast through the whole day & absolutely no sunshine when we were there & had bump up ISO above 3000.

During march the water level dries up & flamingos can be best seen near Annamalaicheri .