The lake receives fresh water from the Arani, Kalangi, and Swarnamukhi rivers.
The barrier island of Sriharikota acts as a natural buffer between the lagoon and the Bay of Bengal.
The lake supports one of the largest congregation sites for greater flamingos in the Indian subcontinent.
The historic Dutch settlement of Pulicat, known as Geldria, sits near the lagoon's southern mouth.
The lagoon serves as a nursery for various species of prawns and fish before they migrate to the open sea.
Pulicat Lake is the second-largest brackish water lagoon in India, spanning the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The lagoon is separated from the Bay of Bengal by the barrier island of Sriharikota, which houses the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. It is a critical habitat for migratory birds, including significant populations of greater flamingos, pelicans, and grey herons. The lake's ecosystem includes extensive mangrove forests and seagrass beds that support diverse marine and estuarine species. The water salinity levels fluctuate significantly based on seasonal monsoon cycles and tidal inflows from the sea. Local communities in the surrounding villages rely primarily on fishing as their main source of livelihood. The area is designated as a protected bird sanctuary to manage and preserve its fragile biodiversity. Its vast shallow expanse makes it an essential stopover on the Central Asian Flyway.
From the water-level vantage point of a local fishing boat during sunrise, capturing the silhouetted bird flocks.
Carry binoculars for wildlife spotting, as the best bird habitats are often far from the shoreline.
Hire a local boat operator to navigate the shallow channels, as private motorized watercraft are restricted in protected zones.
Visit during low tide to see larger mudflats where flamingos congregate to feed.
Avoid visiting during the intense summer heat when water levels recede significantly and bird activity diminishes.
Bird sanctuary accessibility may be restricted during the peak monsoon season due to flooding.
Maintain silence near nesting areas and do not disturb the wildlife or attempt to feed birds.
