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Vizag to Pulicat Lake: Exploring the Second-Largest Brackish Water Lagoon in India

If your soul craves still waters, rare birds, and sunsets that spill molten gold across the sky, then a journey from Vizag to Pulicat Lake is one worth taking. Located along the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Pulicat Lake is India’s second-largest brackish water lagoon after Lake Chilika. Just around 600 kilometres from Vizag, the drive or train ride offers a beautiful transition from the bustling coastal city to a world where flamingos dance on saline flats and wind whispers through ancient fishing villages.

Pulicat Lake spans over 759 square kilometres, stretching from Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh to the northern villages of Tamil Nadu, near Chennai. It’s separated from the Bay of Bengal by the Sriharikota barrier island, which is famous for housing ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre. But what lies beyond rockets and saltwater is a lagoon ecosystem of incredible biodiversity and delicate balance.

Pulicat Lake is a designated wetland of international importance, crucial to India’s ecological health. It acts as a buffer against floods and serves as a natural breeding ground for fish and shrimps, sustaining the livelihoods of thousands of fisherfolk. Its shallow, nutrient-rich waters attract over 15,000 migratory birds annually, making it one of South India’s most vibrant bird sanctuaries.

Among the rare and notable species, Greater Flamingos are the stars of the lagoon, especially during the December-January peak migration season. Other birds, including Spot-billed Pelicans, Painted Storks, Black-winged Stilts, and Northern Pintails, also grace the skies and endangered reptiles like the Indian softshell turtle and fish such as milkfish and mullet thrive here. These avian and aquatic residents make Pulicat a living sanctuary perfect for eco-tourism and photography.

How to Get There from Vizag

From Visakhapatnam, you can travel by:

Train: Board a train to Sullurpet or Nellore, the closest stations. From there, Pulicat is accessible by road.

By Road: A scenic ~750 km drive down NH16, best done with overnight halts

By Air: Fly to Chennai (if preferred), then drive 60 km north

Vizag to Pulicat Lake: Exploring the Second-Largest Brackish Water Lagoon in India

What to Do in and Around Pulicat Lake

Your visit to Pulicat isn’t just about watching birds; it’s about experiencing a landscape where time slows down.

  1. Boat Rides and Lagoon Cruises

Local fishermen offer boat rides across the lake, allowing you to witness flocks of flamingos up close or glide silently through the calm brackish waters.

  1. Explore Sriharikota Island

Though the ISRO launch centre is off-limits, the island offers pristine beaches and untouched landscapes. Great for day picnics or offbeat exploration.

  1. Visit the Dutch Cemetery and Pulicat Town

Pulicat was once a Dutch trading post in the 17th century. Explore the ruins of colonial-era warehouses, a Dutch cemetery, and ancient churches and temples still standing today, reminders of a forgotten maritime past.

  1. Try Local Seafood

The villages around Pulicat serve incredibly fresh seafood such as prawns, crabs, and fish curries cooked in traditional coastal Andhra and Tamil styles.

  1. Watch the Golden-Hour

With no cityscape in sight, the sunsets and sunrises here are cinematic. Find a quiet spot along the shore and just breathe.

A journey from Vizag to Pulicat Lake is best planned between November and February, when migratory birds are in full flight and the weather is cool and inviting. While the monsoons paint the region in lush greens, they can disrupt travel plans, and the summer heat may be overwhelming for some. For a truly immersive and comfortable experience, winter remains the most rewarding season to visit.

Stay tuned to Yo! Vizag website and Instagram for travel articles.

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