- From city centre
- ~60 km · 1 h 30–2 h
- Best months
- Nov–Feb
- Best hours
- Early morning and late afternoon
- Entry
- Ticketed
- Habitat
- Sanctuary
- Birds listed
- 8
How to get there
About 60 km north of Chennai via the Ennore–Gummidipoondi road to Pulicat town; TNSTC buses run from Koyambedu. Boats go from the Pulicat jetty.
Best time to visit
Best: November to February. Time of day: Early morning and late afternoon.
Entry fee & timings
As reported at the review date (2026-11-05). Confirm at the gate: fees and timings change.
Birds you can spot
8 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 Pulicat Lake
A huge brackish lagoon on the Tamil Nadu–Andhra border and a stop on the Central Asian flyway. Greater flamingos, pelicans and waders gather in winter, and a boat ride gets you close to the flocks. Counts of over 220 species are quoted.
History
A lagoon behind a barrier island that holds the Sriharikota launch centre. It has long been a fishing and salt-making area, and the fishing villages still use traditional boats.
Flora
Salt marsh, mangroves and seagrass beds.
Fauna
Fish and prawn, plus a rich shorebird food base.
Nearby places
- Dutch Fort, Pulicatsame townRuins of a 17th-century Dutch fort and cemetery.
- Ennore Creek~35 kmFlamingo flats near the city.Birding guide →
- Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary~25 kmPelican nesting colony in Andhra Pradesh.Birding guide →
Tips
- Hire a local boat for close views of flamingos.
- Go early and carry sun protection.
- Check recent reports; flocks move around the lagoon.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Pulicat Lake for birds?
November to February. Early morning and late afternoon.
What is the entry fee for Pulicat Lake?
One guide lists a very small entry charge plus a camera fee (about Rs 2 and Rs 50); another is unclear. Boats cost extra. Confirm locally. Timings: Daylight.
Which birds can I see at Pulicat Lake?
Regularly reported birds include Greater flamingo, Spot-billed pelican, Painted stork, Eurasian spoonbill, Ruddy turnstone, Black-tailed godwit, Curlew sandpiper, Brahminy kite. Sightings change with season and water levels.
How do I get to Pulicat Lake?
About 60 km north of Chennai via the Ennore–Gummidipoondi road to Pulicat town; TNSTC buses run from Koyambedu. Boats go from the Pulicat jetty. It is about 60 km from central Chennai (1 h 30–2 h 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.