Wild Life spots near Chennai - Pulicat Lake (TN side of Pulicat)

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Pulicat Lake (TN side of Pulicat)

An ecologically fragile salt-water lagoon, about 60 kms 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.

The reserve forest area is home to animals like Jackals, Slender Loris and Spotted Deer as well as reptiles such as snakes, tortoieses and monitor lizards.

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.

The town of Pulicat is also an interesting spot, with its Dutch cemetery dating back to the 17th century.Pulicat Lake is a quiet picnic spot for nature lovers and bird watchers. This unpolluted lake is a far cry from the clutter of city life, but at a reasonable distance.

Best time to visit - October to March

Route: 60 kms north of Chenna