Time - 4 to 6 hours
Distance - 240 Kms
Cost - Petrol, car at 10 Km to a litre - Rs 1200/-
Month of Visit - Nov 2008
How to Get There -
Pulicat is India's second largest Lagoon, the entire Pulicat lake is shallow and has an average depth of about 3.5 feet, many areas are just a few inches in depth. The easy way to reach pulicat is to take the Nellore Highway leading to Thirupathi. Pulicat is a long lake, about 70 Kms in length and therefore one can get into the lake area at any point. We will for the sake of this entry look at Pulicat from the entry point of Sulurpet which is about 95 kms from Chennai. Not many places where you can stop for a quick breakfast or a meal. The drive to Sulurpet from Chennai is enjoyable, the road is very good and there are enough signs to lead you direct to Sulurpet.
At Pulicat -
From the highway take a right turn into Sulurpet Town, the road leads straight to Pulicat Lake, if you have doubts on which road to take do ask someone for directions. Within a few Kms you will pass through fields to your right and then the marshland starts. Pulicat information centre is on the main road and adjacent to the centre is a road on the right side, this is a mud road and leads to a village called Venaad. The road has been laid to connect Sulurpet to the island of Venaad. This road is about 10 Kms in length and is all ups and downs. However if you have a vehicle that can be navigated on this road, then you are presented with a huge and unique opportunity to spot a lot of birds and activity. On this road the wildlife department has constructed watchtowers, do make use of them. Remember that Flamingos need shallow water not more than a few inches to get their food.
However, if you decide to proceed on the main road rather than risk your vehicle on this mud road, you still have huge opportunities to spot many birds. The main road which cuts through the pulicat lake has been laid to connect Sriharikota to Sulurpet. Both sides of this road are marshlands where you can spot a number of birds during the migratory season. Greater Flamnigos, Pelicans (not so common), painted Storks, Herons, Egrets, Falcons and more. On this road one can spot benches, I suggest a few minutes to rest, experience the serene and calm environment. Maybe even longer if you like.
Distance - 240 Kms
Cost - Petrol, car at 10 Km to a litre - Rs 1200/-
Month of Visit - Nov 2008
How to Get There -
Pulicat is India's second largest Lagoon, the entire Pulicat lake is shallow and has an average depth of about 3.5 feet, many areas are just a few inches in depth. The easy way to reach pulicat is to take the Nellore Highway leading to Thirupathi. Pulicat is a long lake, about 70 Kms in length and therefore one can get into the lake area at any point. We will for the sake of this entry look at Pulicat from the entry point of Sulurpet which is about 95 kms from Chennai. Not many places where you can stop for a quick breakfast or a meal. The drive to Sulurpet from Chennai is enjoyable, the road is very good and there are enough signs to lead you direct to Sulurpet.
At Pulicat -
From the highway take a right turn into Sulurpet Town, the road leads straight to Pulicat Lake, if you have doubts on which road to take do ask someone for directions. Within a few Kms you will pass through fields to your right and then the marshland starts. Pulicat information centre is on the main road and adjacent to the centre is a road on the right side, this is a mud road and leads to a village called Venaad. The road has been laid to connect Sulurpet to the island of Venaad. This road is about 10 Kms in length and is all ups and downs. However if you have a vehicle that can be navigated on this road, then you are presented with a huge and unique opportunity to spot a lot of birds and activity. On this road the wildlife department has constructed watchtowers, do make use of them. Remember that Flamingos need shallow water not more than a few inches to get their food.
However, if you decide to proceed on the main road rather than risk your vehicle on this mud road, you still have huge opportunities to spot many birds. The main road which cuts through the pulicat lake has been laid to connect Sriharikota to Sulurpet. Both sides of this road are marshlands where you can spot a number of birds during the migratory season. Greater Flamnigos, Pelicans (not so common), painted Storks, Herons, Egrets, Falcons and more. On this road one can spot benches, I suggest a few minutes to rest, experience the serene and calm environment. Maybe even longer if you like.
