Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary

About:

Pulicat lake bird sanctuary is a saline backwater lake lying along the T.N.-A.P coast; part extending to Chengalpattu district of T.N. It has an area of 481 sq.KM and it is the 2nd largest brackish water lagoon in India after Chilka lake in Orissa. The area on the TN side is 153.67 sq.km.The Pulicat sanctuary is drained by Arni river while the Buckingham canal brings in the city’s drainage water. At the southern end is an opening on to Bay of Bengal through a shallow mouth of 200 m in width. The rest of the lake is closed by a sand bar running parallel to the Bay of Bengal in the form of the Sriharikota island.

The famous Pulicat Lake is the second biggest `brackish water lagoon` in India .In Tamil , it is better known as Pazhaverkaadu, and is situated on the Coromandel Coast of south eastern parts of Indian continent. It is an ideal rearing ground for several bird species, especially endangered birds. Sixteen islands nicely enhance the topographical beauty. Almost thirty lakes are there adjacent to it.

A reprieve from the hectic life of a metro is what Pulicat Lake offers. Chennai has its own share of greenery and peace but for a serene surrounding which refreshes both the soul and body Pulicat has to be the ideal choice. A trip to the lake gives you a chance to go on a long drive, do some bird watching, have a lovely picnic and come back content to the core. This lake is distanced from the Bay of Bengal by a strip of land which includes the town of Pulicat and hence the name Pulicat Lake. MetroMela decided to help you out with planning the trip and here we are with an exclusive guide.

The Pulicat Lake has a rich wealth for eco tourism .The shallow lake is known for its variety of marine birds. Also it is the favorite resting ground for migratory birds. Every year, there are fifteen thousand flamingos, which throng the lake including spoonbills, pelicans, kingfishers, herons, painted storks, and ducks. Huge sea turtles build their nests on the beautiful banks of the Pulicat Lake.

Pulicat lake bird sanctuary is a saline backwater lake lying along the T.N.-A.P coast; part extending to Chengalpattu district of T.N. It has an area of 481 sq.KM and it is the 2nd largest brackish water lagoon in India after Chilka lake in Orissa. The area on the TN side is 153.67 sq.km. The Pulicat sanctuary is drained by Arni river while the Buckingham canal brings in the city’s drainage water. At the southern end is an opening on to bay of Bengal through a shallow mouth of 200 m in width. The rest of the lake is closed by a sand bar running parallel to the bay of Bengal in the form of the Sriharikota island.

A popular story is that Dutch and the British moored their ships on the Karimanal Village, which is located just opposite to the mouth of the Pulicat lake. The famous Coromondal coasts got its name from there.

The Pulicat Town is situated near Pulicat Lake. According to the reliable sources, near Pulicat lake, there was a fort namely, Geldria at Pulicat, from where the people carried on trade with the British East India Company. A legend is that few Muslim families of Arab countries came here from Mecca in one of the four boats, which they have used after getting expelled from their countries in thirteenth century. In 1606 A.D. when a Dutch ship arrived on the banks of Pulicat Lake, these Muslims provided them with food.

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Pulicat Lake:
This is the second largest lagoon in India and one of the best spots for eco-tourism. Hordes ofFlamningoes migratory birds can be spotted here, with the most famous of them being the flamingo. We also saw herons, ducks, painted storks and cranes at the lake. No wonder it is also known as a bird watcher’s haven. The lake is full of a variety of fishes including some rare ones. The beach is also famous here.

Nellapatu Bird Sanctuary :
Vedanthangal and Nellapatu are both numero uno spots for bird watching. The entry ticket is just Rs. 2 and the visiting time is from 8 AM to 5 PM. This is a perfect sanctuary with greenery at its best. The trees have been labeled with their botanical names and at places you can see small boards informing about bird species. You have to be at your patient best to sight birds like ibis, cormorants, spoonbills, kingfishers and flamingoes. There are two types of Flamingoes - Greater and Lesser - and you will chance upon both of them here. At times you can also view Northern Shovleers and Montagues Harrier. This place is heavenly and if you visit somewhere around mid-December to witness the Flamingo festival held by the Tourism Development Board.

The Dutch cemetery:
If you are the adventurous kind, try sailing and boating. You will reach Karimanal village and further on the other side a village called Jamilabad. If you trek around you can find some amazing camping sites too. There are a number of fishing villages and tribal areas as well. As you proceed in Nadur Kuppam, a fishing village, you will find one of the oldest churches in India and the Dutch cemetery which is under preservation by the Archaeological Survey of India and dates back to the 17th century. Supposedly there was a fort too which fell to shambles.

Othere Attraction:
Saline Backwater Lake, Chilka Lake, Arni River, Buckingham Canal, Bay of Bengal, Sriharikota Island, Flamingo, Squat, Flocks, Spotbilled Pelican, Curlews, Stilts, Plovers, Sand Pipers, Lapwings, Redshank, Egrets, Herons, Great Indian Hornbill, Kites

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Padmanabhapuram Palace:
Padmanabhapuram Palace: It’s a large mansion of the Travancore Kings, located around 40kms from Kanyakumari on the road to Thiruvananthapuram. Known for its natural splendor, the main attraction of the palace is its sheer aesthetic beauty, innovative designs and time tested wooden carvings. Known for its strategic planning and military architecture, the palace dates back to 17th or 18th century. Unlike north Indian palaces, it’s made of granite and teakwood displaying a perfect combination of clean lines and gentle angles, sloping tiled roofs of various interconnecting buildings. And the Palace has a dining hall, which seated 2000 Brahmins at one time! The palace is excellently maintained by the Archeological Survey of India, which offers a guided tour through the labyrinth of 108 rooms that is expressive of sheer opulence.

Suchindram Temple:
A small sleepy village Suchindram, located 12 kms from Kanyakumari, is profusely rich in art, culture and architectural heritage. The major spotlight of the place is the famous Sthanumalayan Temple, commonly known as Suchindram temple, which is notably marked for its artistic treasures. The temple is dedicated to a deity who is the representation of the combined forces of Siva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is one of the few temples in the country where the Trinities are worshipped. The temple has a beautiful 134ft tall gopuram, musical pillars and an excellent statue of the Hanuman, apart from valuable artifacts of different periods.

Baywatch Water Amusement Park:
Baywatch Water Amusement Park The interesting water park has many different types of rides available like the Bumping Car, Crazy Chairs, Giant Wheel, Milky Way, and Multiple Splash. It’s open every day of the year and it has many different attractions for adults and children including its world famous wax museum that is the counterpart of Wax Museum at London.

Portuguese Church:
Portuguese Church The church with its beautiful archaic structure is a major monument of Christian influence. The massive towering spires and stained glass window panes contribute to the overall grandeur of the Church. The simplicity of the interiors is a sharp contrast to the ornate Gothic exteriors. A walk down to the fishing jetty behind the church is quite interesting especially if the boats have just come in with their catch.

Vattakottai Fort:
Vattakottai Fort It is one of the many forts erected a symbol of military history of India. This small yet charming circular fort on the seashore, 6 kms away from Kanyakumari is an 18th century fort. So, only the ramparts and a few broken down structures of this granite fort have withstood the ravages of time. The isolated beach lined with coconut groves and dense vegetation overlooking the blue waters makes it an idyllic hideaway.

Muttom Beach:
The famous beach at Muttom is located about 16 kms from Nagercoil and 32 kms from Kanyakumari as well. Muttom is famous for its beautiful landscaping and high rocks dipping into the sea at the beachside. The sun set viewpoint at Muttom is very famous and one of the most Panoramic view points in the district. Another attraction of Muttom is the century old lighthouse built by the British. People come and see all these with full interest.

Sanguthurai Beach:
Sanguthurai is a beautiful beach resort and is very convenient for the local population of Nagarcoil. It is only about 10 kms from the city. Unfortunately no infrastructure facilities were available in this beach. The district administration has now sanctioned a project for putting up of a children`s park, seating facility, open huts or Kudils with Terracotta roofs and lighting facility at the beach. These facilities are expected to increase the tourism in the beach site. The entire work has been completed. It is also proposed to put up a few shops for Women Self Help Groups at the site. These will provide eatables for the tourists at the beach side. All these give a colourful impression to the tourists.

Chothavilai Beach:
This beach is located at the distance of about 10 Kms from Kanyakumari. This is one of the best natural beaches of the district. The beach has shallow water and High sand dunes on the background. The tourists can reach the beach through the newly laid coastal road, which is a very beautiful drive along the sea-coast. People enjoy the place very much as they visit this with of joy.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Petrol Pump:Ponneri Rd,Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu,India

Petrol Pump:Erukkancheri High Rd,Madhavaram, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu,India

Petrol Pump:Mettu Street,Pozhal, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

The Park Hotel:601, Anna Salai,Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu,Ph:044 42676000

Hotel Ambica Empire:79 100 Feet Road,Chennai,Tamilnadu,Ph:044 23621818

Hotel Taj Coromandel:37, Mahatma Gandhi Road,Brakathambal St, Nungambakkam,Chennai,Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:0(91-44) 6600 2827

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Help Line/Phone Number:

Ponneri Police Station:Ponneri, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu,India

Minjur Police Station:SH 104,Minjur, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu

Ponneri Government Hospital:Ponneri, Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu,Inida

Apollo Hospitals:Tiruvottiyur High Road,New Washermanpet,Chennai,Tamil Nadu,Ph:044 25913333

Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary