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The deltas of the Godavari & Krishna are
very wide and form a lake in between, called the 'Kolleru Lake'. It is the
largest fresh Water Lake in the country, located 95-km from
Vijayawada. During the
monsoons, it spans nearly 260-sq-kms.
It receives water from four rivers, namely Budameru, Ramileru, Tammileru
and Errakalva and 18 drains. This lake empties its water into the Bay of
Bengal, every six months through an outlet called 'upputera'.
A Pelican Haven
The
lake attracts several species of birds and now has been converted into a
bird sanctuary called
"Kolleru
Sanctuary". Kolleru Lake is largest pelican refuge and is
considered as heaven for migrating birds. This lake supports a rich
biodiversity and high biomass of fish, plankton that forms the source of
food for birds. Pelicans arrive here during the nesting season to raise
their young. In winter great activity can be seen here.
Rail: The nearest railway station
is Vijayawada, which is 60-kms
away from the Sanctuary.
Road: The Lake is approachable from Atapaka, 1.5-km from Kaikaluru
town, Murthiraju Tanks 8-km from Nidamarru, Gudivakalanka 3-km from
Gudivakalankas and 15-km from Eluru.
One can take buses from Vijayawada.
Forest Rest houses are available at
Vijayawada and Eluru. One can also look for accommodation in hotels at
Vijayawada.