Designated as the second-largest brackish-water lake in India after Lake Chilika, Lake Pulicat is home to one of the best bird sanctuaries of the world. Spread over an area of about 481 sq. km. (84% in Andhra Pradesh and 16% in Tamil Nadu), the sanctuary attracts thousands of migratory birds, the most popular ones being the greater flamingos. Apart from flamingos, the sanctuary is a hotspot to watch birds like squats, curlews, sandpipers, lapwings, egrets, herons, redshanks, kites, plovers, pelicans, painted storks, ducks, spoonbills, osprey, avocets, cormorants, teals, quails, partridges and many more. The lake is also home to several species of fishes. Tourists can also enjoy the water sports like jet-skiing and boating at the lake. The lake is also popular for hosting the Flamingo Festival annually in the month of January. Visiting the lake is a memorable experience for the enthusiastic birdwatchers.
Opening Time: 06:00 AM
Closing Time: 06:00 PM
Weekly Off: Nil
indianAdult: 2
indianChild: 0
foreignAdult: 2
foreignChild: 0
indianCamera: 50
foreignCamera: 50
indianVideoCamera: 50
foreignVideoCamera: 50
November-February
temperature: Summer: March-May (22°C - 42°C) Winter: December-February (12°C - 32°C) Monsoon: June-August
humiditySummer: 60
humidityWinter: 50
humidityMonsoon: 80
By air: Chennai International Airport is about 74 km. from Pulicat. Taxis can be hired from the airport to reach the sanctuary conveniently.
By rail: Sullurupeta Railway Station is only about 13 km. from the sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, while closest railway station in Tamil Nadu is at Ponneri (about 20 km. from Pulicat). For better rail connectivity, you can board a train to Chennai and continue the journey by road.
By road: By road, the sanctuary is connected to Chennai by NH 5 which passes through villages and fields, offering heart-warming sights of the region’s countryside. Many other roads and modes like buses and taxis connect it with the top destinations of both the states. The sanctuary can be best explored in a ferry.
Explore Way to India
© 2026 Way to India. All rights reserved.