- From city centre
- ~20 km · 40–80 min
- Best months
- Nov–Feb
- Best hours
- Sunrise to 9 am
- Entry
- Confirm at gate
- Habitat
- Lake
- Birds listed
- 11
How to get there
On the Velachery–Tambaram stretch of Pallikaranai, beside the Perungudi side. Birders use the road along the marsh and the sanctuary edge near the Narayanapuram side.
Best time to visit
Best: November to February. Time of day: Sunrise to 9 am.
Entry fee & timings
As reported at the review date (2026-11-05). Confirm at the gate: fees and timings change.
Birds you can spot
11 birds listed. Tap a bird to add it to your life list (saved in this browser only).
Regularly reported, not guaranteed. See recent sightings on eBird
About Pallikaranai Marsh
One of the last natural wetlands in Chennai, a mix of open water, reed beds and wet grassland. Waders, herons and jacanas are easy to see from the road, and winter adds ducks and sandpipers. A birding writer counted about 120 species here a decade ago.
History
Once part of a far larger wetland south of the city, the marsh has shrunk with development and dumping. It has since been protected as a reserve forest and is listed as a Ramsar wetland of international importance.
Flora
Reeds, sedges, floating plants and wet grassland, with scattered trees on the edges.
Fauna
Fish, frogs and snakes, plus small mammals along the dry edges.
Nearby places
Tips
- Stay on the road edge; the marsh is soft and deep in places.
- Bring a spotting scope for the far pools.
- Go early: traffic and dust build up by mid-morning.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Pallikaranai Marsh for birds?
November to February. Sunrise to 9 am.
What is the entry fee for Pallikaranai Marsh?
Open land along the road; no ticket reported. Parts are reserve forest, so confirm access with the forest office. Timings: Daylight; confirm locally.
Which birds can I see at Pallikaranai Marsh?
Regularly reported birds include Pheasant-tailed jacana, Purple swamphen, Black-winged stilt, Glossy ibis, Little grebe, Painted stork, Clamorous reed warbler, Garganey. Sightings change with season and water levels.
How do I get to Pallikaranai Marsh?
On the Velachery–Tambaram stretch of Pallikaranai, beside the Perungudi side. Birders use the road along the marsh and the sanctuary edge near the Narayanapuram side. It is about 20 km from central Chennai (40–80 min depending on traffic).
More birding spots
Reviewed 2026-11-05. Species lists, fees and timings are as reported and can change; confirm before you go.