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Pulicat Bird Sanctuary: A Coastal Haven for Avian Wonders

Explore Pulicat Bird Sanctuary: A haven for migratory birds and a serene escape into nature's embrace on India's eastern coast.

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Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, located on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. This sanctuary encompasses the Pulicat Lake, the second-largest brackish-water ecosystem in India, attracting a diverse array of migratory and resident birds, especially during the winter months.

A brief summary to Pulicat Bird Sanctuary

  • Attakanitippa, Andhra Pradesh, 524121, IN
  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the winter months (October to March) to witness the highest concentration of migratory birds, especially flamingos.
  • Hire a local guide or fisherman for a boat ride on Pulicat Lake to get closer to the birds and explore the diverse ecosystem.
  • Carry your own food and water, as there may not be many shops or eateries available near the sanctuary.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, which is located on the barrier island separating the lake from the Bay of Bengal.
  • Visit the Dutch Fort and Cemetery in Pulicat town to explore the area's colonial history.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Chennai, take a bus towards Nellore on NH5. Get off at Ponneri village and then take local transport to Pulicat. Alternatively, take a train from Chennai Central to Sullurpeta. From Sullurpeta, hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the sanctuary, which is approximately 14 km away. Bus fare from Chennai to Ponneri is approximately INR 80-120. Auto-rickshaw fare from Sullurpeta to the sanctuary is approximately INR 200-300.

  • Driving

    From Chennai, drive north on NH5 towards Nellore. Take the Thatchoor Kootu Road to Ponneri village and then proceed to Pulicat. The sanctuary is located approximately 60 km north of Chennai. Parking is generally available near the sanctuary entrance. Toll charges on NH5 may apply, costing approximately INR 50-100 for a one-way trip. Parking fees, if applicable, are typically around INR 50-100 per day.

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Discover more about Pulicat Bird Sanctuary

Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, sprawling across 759 square kilometers, is a significant ecological site shared between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary's main feature is the Pulicat Lake, a lagoon separated from the Bay of Bengal by the barrier island of Sriharikota, home to India's rocket launch center. This unique brackish water ecosystem supports a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, making it a crucial habitat for numerous bird species. Established in 1976 (Andhra Pradesh) and 1980 (Tamil Nadu), the sanctuary plays a vital role in conserving avian diversity. It serves as a stopover for thousands of migratory birds traveling along the East Coast Flyway. During the winter months (October to March), the sanctuary becomes a spectacle of color as migratory birds from Eastern Europe and Central Asia flock to the area. Among the notable visitors are approximately 15,000 flamingos, along with pelicans, kingfishers, herons, painted storks, spoonbills, and various species of ducks. The lake is fed by the Arani and Kalangi rivers and boasts a diverse ecosystem with various species of fish, prawns, mollusks, and other aquatic organisms. The surrounding area features southern tropical dry evergreen forests, mangrove forests, and littoral vegetation, providing varied habitats for the wildlife. Visitors can explore the sanctuary through observation towers and boating, offering opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography. The best time to visit is between October and March when the migratory birds are present in large numbers. Pulicat town, located near the lagoon, has a rich history as a Dutch colony in the 17th century. The Dutch constructed a fort in 1609, and the area was later contested between the Dutch and the British, with the British finally gaining control in 1825. Today, Pulicat offers a glimpse into its colonial past with remnants of a Dutch Fort and Cemetery.

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