Pulicat Lake & Sanctuary, Srikalahasti - Timings, Boating, Best Time to Visit
India | Andhra | Srikalahasti
#6 of 12 Places to Visit in Srikalahasti
Distance (From Srikalahasti): 50 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 4 Hours/Half Day
Place Location: On AP, Tamil Nadu Boarder
Transportation Options: Bus / Cab
Travel Tips: None
At a distance of 9 from Sullurpet, 50 km from Srikalahasti, 105 km from Nellore & 88 km from Chennai Central Railway Station, Pulicat Lake is the second largest brackish water lake in India, after Orissa's Chilka Lake. It lies at the border of Thiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu and Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh states. The island of Sriharikota (home for famous ISRO) separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Chennai and an ideal weekend getaway near Chennai.
The sanctuary is home to wide range of migratory birds that migrate in large numbers in winter. It is one of the best places for bird watching in the vicinity of Chennai city and at the same time experience the memorable boat riding in Pulicat Lake. The entrance to the sanctuary is situated on Sullurpet - Sriharikota road.
The lake is 60 kms long and width varies between 0.2 to 17.5 kms. It is an important stopover of migrant birds and approximately 15,000 flamingos visit the lake each year, along with pelicans, kingfishers, herons, painted storks, spoonbills and ducks.
Pulicat village, which is 60 km from Chennai (via Ponneri), is also an alternate place to experience the beauty of the lake & sanctuary. Boating is available in the lake at Pulicat village. Pulicat was also a Dutch colony in 16th century which has a Dutch Fort and Cemetary that are worth visiting.
October to March is the best time to visit during the migrant birds visit this place.
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM, Entry Fee: Rs. 5
