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Pulicat Lake, an ecologically fragile salt-water lagoon,
about 60-km 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.
A Wildlife Hub
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.
Other Attractions
The town of Pulicat is also an interesting spot, with its Dutch cemetery
dating back to the 17th century. A few centuries ago the town was an
important center for woven and colorfully printed cotton fabric.
An Old Danish fort built in 1609, now reduced to shambles, can be seen
here. Only the moat is clearly distinguishable now. A dilapidated church
and cemetery can also be seen in the town.
Pulicat Lake is a quiet picnic spot for nature lovers and bird watchers.
This unpo lluted lake is a far cry from the clutter of city life, but at a
reasonable distance. Birds on the lake can be seen from the Shar Road,
Vedurupathi and the National Highway 5 from Chennai.
Air: The nearest airport is at
Chennai, which has
both domestic and international terminus.
Rail: Chennai
is the nearest rail hub, which is well connected by rail with the
important cities and towns within and beyond the state.
Road: Regular buses ply from
Chennai and the
nearby places to Pulicat.
Being the capital city of the state, Chennai is well equipped with various kinds of accommodation options, varying from economic class to luxurious ones.