Did you know that Chennai has a hidden gem home to thousands of migratory birds, including the flamingos, and offers a range of exciting activities for visitors? Pulicat Lake is the second-largest lagoon in India and has a natural beauty that will take your breath away.
Located at the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, this lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by the island of Sriharikota, a rocket launching centre of India.
Situated about 60 km north of Chennai, this lake is a perfect weekend getaway for those who love nature, adventure, and history.
How To Reach Pulicat Lake?
Pulicat Lake is easily accessible by road or rail from Chennai and other major cities. You can take a bus or a taxi from Chennai to reach Pulicat in about 2 hours. You can also take a train from Chennai Central or Egmore to Sullurpeta, the nearest railway station to Pulicat Lake. You can take an auto-rickshaw or a bus to reach the lake in about 15 minutes. You can also book a cab or car rental online or offline to conveniently get to Pulicat Lake.
If you are flying to Chennai, you can take a flight to Chennai International Airport, which is about 70 km away from Pulicat Lake. You can take a taxi or bus to the lake in about 2 hours from there. You can also book a flight to Tirupati Airport, which is about 80 km away from Pulicat Lake. You can take a taxi or bus to the lake in about 2 hours from there.
When To Visit Pulicat Lake?
The best time to visit Pulicat Lake is during the winter months of October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and the lake is filled with migratory birds. This is the peak season for bird watching, as you can witness thousands of flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, egrets, spoonbills, and more in their natural habitat. The lake also hosts the Flamingo Festival every year in January or February, a cultural event that celebrates the arrival of these beautiful birds with music, dance, art, and food.
The average temperature during this season ranges from 20°C to 30°C, with minimal rainfall. You should wear light cotton clothes and carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and water bottles. You should also bring binoculars, cameras, or smartphones to capture the fantastic views of the lake and its birds.
You should avoid visiting Pulicat Lake during the monsoon months of July to September when the weather is wet and windy, and the lake is prone to flooding and waterlogging. The average temperature during this season ranges from 25°C to 35°C, with heavy rainfall. You should wear waterproof clothes and shoes and carry umbrellas, raincoats, and mosquito repellents. You should also be careful of waterborne diseases and infections.
What To Do At Pulicat Lake?
Pulicat Lake offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the things you can do at Pulicat Lake:
Trekking:
Explore the natural beauty and wildlife of Pulicat Lake by going on a trek through parts of the region. Enjoy the fresh air and green surroundings and spot rare birds and animals. You can also visit the Pulicat Lighthouse, a historical landmark with a panoramic view of the lake and its islands. You can also visit the Dutch Fort and the Dutch Cemetery, remnants of the colonial past of Pulicat.
Boating:
Experience the thrill of boating on the sparkling waters of Pulicat Lake with fishermen who will take you out in traditional boats. Admire the views of the lake and its islands and learn about their history and culture. You can also visit Sriharikota Island, a rocket launching centre in India and a restricted area. You can see the rockets and satellites from a distance and learn about India's space missions and achievements.
Water Sports:
Get your adrenaline pumping by indulging in some water sports activities at Pulicat Lake. Choose from windsurfing, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, or banana boat rides and blast on the water. You can also try fishing or crab hunting and enjoy a fresh catch for lunch or dinner. You can find many water sports operators and instructors near the lake who will provide you with the necessary equipment and guidance.
Bird Watching:
Visit the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, one of India's most prominent and hosts thousands of migratory birds yearly. Witness the spectacle of flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, egrets, spoonbills, and more in their natural habitat. Take some amazing photos or videos of these colourful creatures. You can also take a guided tour of the sanctuary and learn more about the birds and their behaviour. You can also visit the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, another bird haven near Pulicat Lake.
Photography:
Capture some stunning shots of Pulicat Lake and its attractions with your camera or smartphone. Use the golden hour to get some beautiful sunrise or sunset shots. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to create unique images. You can also use filters or editing tools to enhance your photos or videos. You can also share your pictures or videos on social media or blogs and inspire others to visit Pulicat Lake.
Food Tasting:
Savor some delicious local cuisine at Pulicat Lake, famous for its seafood dishes. Try specialities like prawns, curry, fish fry, crab masala, or pulao. You can also find vegetarian options like idli, dosa, sambar, or chutney. You can also taste some sweets like halwa, payasam, or laddu. Many eateries and stalls near the lake serve fresh and authentic food at reasonable prices.
Flamingo Festival At Pulicat Lake:
One of the highlights of visiting Pulicat Lake is the annual Flamingo Festival, held in January every year. This cultural event celebrates the arrival of thousands of flamingos and other migratory birds that flock to the lake during the winter season. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department organises the festival and aims to promote tourism and awareness at Pulicat.
The Flamingo Festival attracts many bird watchers, photographers, tourists, children, and local villagers who come to enjoy the spectacle of pink flamingos and other colourful birds in their natural habitat. The festival also features various activities such as bird photography contests, environment education sensitisation programs, school excursions, music, dance, art, and food.
The flamingos and other birds come to Pulicat Lake from far-off places like Siberia, Europe, Africa, and Australia in search of food and better nesting grounds. They usually arrive in early November and stay till May, making this the best time to visit Pulicat Lake for bird watching. Some birds seen at the lake are flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, egrets, spoonbills, ibises, ducks, geese, etc.
To witness the Flamingo Festival and the bird sanctuary at Pulicat Lake, you can book a tour package online or offline that includes transportation, accommodation, food, and guide services.
You can also visit the lake on your own by taking a boat ride from Sullurpeta or Atikanithippa. You can also visit the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, another bird haven near Pulicat Lake.
Where To Stay At Pulicat Lake?
Pulicat Lake has some options for accommodation near the lake, such as hotels, resorts, homestays, or campsites. Here are some of them:
Lakeview Residency: This is a budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable rooms with basic amenities like AC, Wi-Fi, etc. It also has a restaurant serving tasty food and a garden overlooking the lake. It is located about 23 km from Pulicat Lake and has been highly-rated by travellers.
Comfort Stay: This is a cosy homestay that offers spacious rooms with modern amenities like AC, TV, Wi-Fi, etc. It also has a kitchen that allows guests to cook their own meals and a terrace that offers a view of the lake. It is located about 35 km away from Pulicat Lake.
Bigstay: This is a premium hotel that offers luxurious rooms with elegant decor and amenities like Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, etc. It also has a lagoon restaurant that serves delicious food and a gym that helps guests stay fit. It is located about 68 km away from Pulicat Lake.
You can also book a campsite near Pulicat Lake and enjoy camping under the stars with your friends. You can pitch your own tent or rent one from the camp organisers. At the campsite, you can also enjoy bonfires, barbecues, music, games, etc.
Pulicat Lake is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the best of Chennai and its surroundings. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Pulicat Lake soon and enjoy its amazing attractions and features.
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