Pulicat Lake- Near Chennai

Are you planning to go on a short trip with your friends and family? Do you enjoy boat rides and bird-watching? If the answer is yes, then pack your stuff and get ready to witness the picturesque beauty of Pulicat Lake.

Introduction

A lagoon is a salty shallow water body separated by a large water body, such as a river or an ocean. It can also be separated by peninsula or reefs. Pulicat is an integral part of coastal Tamil Nadu. It is the second-largest lagoon after Chilika Lake in Odisha. The lake is spread across 60 km in length, along the borders of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. This place is a perfect weekend destination to spend with your family and friends. If you love boat riding and seafood, then you will certainly enjoy the fried sea fish prepared by the local people.

You have to start from Nellore to reach your destination in 2.5 hours. If you are traveling from a different state, you can also board a train to reach Sellurpeta. It is a town in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.

This place is a perfect blending of nature and bird sanctuary. Once you reach here, you have to book the 8- or 10-seater boats to visit the island. Along with the coastal area, you will experience some fishy odor, but the journey will become exciting when you hear the sound of the sea roaring and hitting on the shores of the island. The bright sunny weather makes the sand look like gold. The twinkling of the water will make you mesmerized.

The boat rides charge Rs 2000 for the double rides. After reaching the island, the fishermen will provide shade and small bathrooms for everyone with basic needs. You will be served the famous fried sea fish marinated in delicious spices. The main attraction of this lagoon is the bird sanctuary where you can find different types of migratory birds, such as kingfishers, flamingos, and storks. The sight becomes heaven for birdwatchers and ornithologists.

A few years ago, Portuguese people ruled this place and gave their touch to it. Their colonial architecture is a center of attraction that will leave you mesmerized. Now let us visit the most beautiful places virtually through this article. This will give you the experience of a lifetime.

Migratory Bird Sanctuary

The bird sanctuary is a visual treat for the birdwatchers. You will not get to witness this beautiful view of Chilika Lake. Every year, flocks of migratory birds arrive from the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, and the Himalayas for breeding. The best time to visit this place is from November to February.

The boat ride lasts for 25 to 30 minutes and you can enjoy the beauty and serenity of the place. Chennai is famous for its temples and you will get the chance to visit the beautiful beaches too. This place is a famous tourist attraction for those who love bird watching.

Beauty and loneliness of ‘Sriharikota’ Island

While enjoying your boat ride, you will come across ‘Sriharikota’ Island. It is a barren land that separates the Pulicat lagoon from the Bay of Bengal. It is located 70 km north of Chennai. One of India’s satellite-launching facilities, Satish Dhawan Space Center is located on this island. It is operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for launching rockets.

The silence on the island is broken by the roaring sound of waves. You will find many shells and different species of crabs. The chirping of the birds and loud DJ music can be heard from the distance. All this makes the place unique and marvelous.

Threatened Ecosystems of Fish, Imperilled Livelihoods

The livelihood of these people is in peril due to pollution and wastewater coming from the Buckingham canal. This adversely affects the aquatic species. The waste coming from the Ennore thermal power plant must be carefully managed by the authorities to protect the lagoon’s ecosystem from crashing. Precautions must be taken so that the water bodies don’t get contaminated and the aquatic life remains safe.

This is a matter of serious concern and the locals must take care of the ecosystem to prevent it from the perils of industrial wastes. This will badly affect the tourism and livelihood of the fishermen.

Conclusion

This lagoon is a beautiful place. It is a home for different types of migratory birds. The tourists must act responsibly and maintain cleanliness around the area. This will greatly enhance the beauty of this place and boost tourism. If you are planning to come and enjoy the boat rides, start packing without wasting time.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section.