PULICAT LAKE – An Ideal Day Out

‘’When a window of opportunity appears, don’t close the shades’’ a popular saying reverberated in my mind, when a chance to spend time surrounded by nothing but pristine and awesome nature and its wonderful ways, presented itself, out of the blue.

When my amiga suggested we take a day trip to Pulicat Lake, I readily agreed, excited to explore a new place. Couple more guys pitched in and the four of us hit the road on a Friday morning. Though I googled about the place before leaving, I was blown away at the sheer beauty, tranquility and solitude the backwaters offered.

Pulicat Lake is a brackish (mix of freshwater and seawater) water lagoon and the second largest one in India, after Chilika Lake, Orissa. These marshy, shallow waters are haven for shorebirds, sea birds and waders with more than 15,000 migratory birds from 80 varied species visiting these backwaters every year, attracting bird watchers, photographers and ornithologists to its shores.

Pulicat was a Dutch settlement and Fort Geldria built by them in 1613 A.D. here acted as its governing centre, which lies neglected and dilapidated today. The Pulicat Lake consisting of backwaters, sand banks, fishing villages, lagoons and bird sanctuaries lie wide spread across Tamil Nadu and Andhra, with the rocket launch pad of India, Sriharikota Island creating the lagoon on Bay of Bengal.

The drive of 60 kms from Chennai via NH 16 was a pleasant one, which turned eye pleasingly green with paddy fields, once we turned towards Thatchoor and Ponneri. Flocks of Asian Openbill Storks and Herons were found in between the velvety green fields, painting a pretty, perfect picture. The map link below for reference. https://goo.gl/maps/Bc7yyJbt1jsWVQSAA

Those driving from Andhra side, can reach Sullurpet, 50 km from Kalahasti. The route link from google map https://goo.gl/maps/1DF643FqvgSvSinz9 for your convenience.

We reached Pulicat bridge, which connects the mainland with the numerous hamlets of fishermen on the other side. The fishing boats bobbing up and down on the wonderous wide waters of Pulicat proffers mesmerizing views. The imposing structure of the light house attracted us, but could not climb on top, as it was closed. I am sure the views from atop would be astounding and a feast to our eyes.

We were checking out the undisturbed shores of the mainland when our boatman / guide Antony called. A soft spoken and friendly chap, he is a fisherman by profession and was quite eager to show us around his town. Prior booking the day before will save your precious time, which will otherwise be wasted in waiting and haggling with others. Traditionally cooked seafood, life jackets and day / night camping accessories are also provided by Antony, who can be reached at 99651 45577.

The pier side looked attractive with colourful fishing boats moored on the shoreline. Antony’s boat was neat and clean which glided effortlessly through the waters, once we hopped aboard. Wafts of sea breeze and gentle spray of water caressed our faces. Mullets, Sardines, Green crabs, Catfish and Prawns are found here in abundance.

Numerous shoals / mudbanks jutting intermittently on the waters act as landing space for the feathery birdies, flocking, cooing and flapping, seeking our attention. Egrets, Caspian Terns with bright orange beaks, greyish Common Terns and Brown Herons were some we could identify.

Though the season is from October to March, the lake turns attractive, lively and full of avian beauties in December and January with the arrival of the highest congregation of flamingos – both lesser (pink) and greater (grey) species, flying in all the way from Siberia. Spot Billed Pelicans, Ibis, Spoonbills, Sea Eagles, Little Cormorant to name a few, also reach the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary to escape the harsh winters and for breeding at the Lagoons.

The 3-day annual Flamingo festival organized by the Andhra government during Dec / Jan at this wetland bird reserve remains the best time to visit the lake, when the highest concentration of more than 15,000 exotic avifauna flock and grace the bird sanctuaries here, turning the place magical.

As we neared the final spot of the day, kept secretive by Antony, my eyes popped at the miles and miles of clean sandy shores waiting for my footprints on its soils, where the brackish waters meet the Bay of Bengal, with no human in sight. It was a one-to-one between me and the sun, sand and surf for a long, long time. The waters are shallow, apt for some fun and frolic.

We spent hours roving and rambling around, picking up shells, checking out crawly sea creatures and finally admiring the beauty while munching on some snacks from the shades of the tent, pitched by our guide. We should have opted for a night camping, I regret now!

As we resumed our return to mainland, Antony let me manoeuvre his trawler to the utter shock of my mates. As I took control of the stern, the horrified expression on their faces gave me a devilish grin ! 😄😉😛

Few pointers for those who are planning – Do not miss the ‘golden hours’ (early morning hours) for better bird sightings and photography. Carry enough snacks and water, along with sunglasses and hats for protection. Binoculars and DSLRs enchances the birdie experience. Wear comfortable water proof footwear, so that you can jump into the inviting waters. Let your kids run free, build castles, soak in the waters and have a blast! For, the simple joys of life, come free😍.

As my thought forays into the ‘great migration’ happenings in faraway lands showcased on channels like Animal Planet and Nat Geo, I was unaware of such a swarming-beauty, in our own backyard, with large flocks visiting our lands. There is a heavenly appeal to this place, that can only be felt, and cannot be justified in words. Adios Amigos! 🤗🦩🐦🦅🖐