Pulicat Lake

Pulicat Lake is the second-largest brackish water lagoon in India, spanning about 759 square kilometers and located mainly in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, extending into Tamil Nadu. It lies on the Coromandel Coast and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by the long Sriharikota Island, which houses the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

The lagoon is shallow and fed by seasonal rivers, with a rich ecosystem that supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, including numerous migratory and resident bird species such as flamingos, storks, and pelicans. Pulicat Lake is also an important wetland for attracting northeast monsoon rains. It features the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, which is a major attraction for ornithologists and tourists. The area is known for its scenic beauty, boating, bird watching, and eco-tourism activities.

The lake's historical significance includes colonial influences from the Portuguese and Dutch, who once used the area as a trading post. Pulicat Lake also hosts cultural events like the Flamingo Festival that celebrate the arrival of migratory birds in winter. This combination of natural, cultural, and scientific importance makes Pulicat Lake a unique and valued destination near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.