Roughly 60 kms from Chennai, this lake turns pink with flamingos in summer. April is the best time to see them

Visiting Tamil Nadu in the hot and humid summer season might feel odd. But if you are a true-blue travel enthusiast with a keen eye for nature or consider yourself a bird-lover, then Pulicat Lake in the Thiruvallur district must be on your bucket list. Reason? Pulicat, an alluring town located on the seaward side of the Sriharikota island, houses the country's second-largest brackish water lagoon, after Chilika Lake. Every year in April, the shimmering water body that covers the borders of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh turns into a spectacular pink canvas, thanks to the flock of flamingos descending on the lake.

All about flamingos in Pulicat Lake

Recently, IAS officer Supriya Sahu posted a video on her X-fandle sharing a video from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, featuring a group of flamingos walking gracefully on the water in a queue at Pulicat Lake. She admired the ‘magical spectacle’ of the pink hues shimmering across the waters.



Pulicat Lake is the crown jewel for flamingo sightings in Tamil Nadu, thanks to its calm waters. The summer season and monsoon are the best times to watch these migratory birds in glory. The lake also holds the flamingo festival every year, a cultural event that raises awareness about the conservation of these birds and celebrates their arrival through music, dance, art and food. Apart from flamingos, you can also spot pelicans, storks, herons, spoonbills, and egrets.

Things to do in Pulicat

Surrounded by spectacular natural beauty and a cutting-edge technology hub, Pulicat’s history dates back to 300 BCE when it served as a major port in the Bay of Bengal. As a British colonial town, it was also noted for its fishing village and health resort.

Trekking: You can opt for easy treks in the region, visiting the Pulicat Lighthouse, the Dutch Fort and the Dutch cemetery, which hold historical significance of the colonial past.

Boating: Enjoy a serene boat ride in the tranquil waters of Pulicat Lake and click photos of the lush green surroundings, watching the glorious sunset and sunrise. The Sriharikota Island is also a must-visit destination.

Water sports: Adventure enthusiasts can engage in fun aquatic activities like kayaking, parasailing, banana boat rides and jet skiing.

How to reach Pulicat

By Road: The Thiruvallur Bus Stand is only 58 km away

By Air: The Chennai International Airport is about 68 km away

By Train: The Thiruvallur Railway Station is around 59 km away