Pulicat Lake

Pulicat Lake, an ecologically fragile salt-water lagoon, about 60-km north of Chennai, is the second largest lagoon in India. It is situated on the route taken by migrating birds, tempting them to stop for a break. The lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a strip of land, in which the town of Pulicat is located. A Wildlife Hub The lagoon is protected as a wildlife sanctuary because of its rich biodiversity. It boasts 65 different species of fish, 30 varieties of terrestrial and aquatic birds and a host of small mammals and reptiles. Flamingos are the most frequent visitors to the lake, about 15,000 of them visit every year. Pelicans, Kingfishers, Herons, Painted Storks, Spoonbills and Ducks are some of the other birds that show up at Pulicat Lake every year. Other Attractions The town of Pulicat is also an interesting spot, with its Dutch cemetery dating back to the 17th century. A few centuries ago the town was an important center for woven and colorfully printed cotton fabric. An Old Danish fort built in 1609, now reduced to shambles, can be seen here. Only the moat is clearly distinguishable now. A dilapidated church and cemetery can also be seen in the town. Pulicat Lake is a quiet picnic spot for nature lovers and bird watchers. This unpo lluted lake is a far cry from the clutter of city life, but at a reasonable distance. Birds on the lake can be seen from the Shar Road, Vedurupathi and the National Highway 5 from Chennai.