day trip
India's second largest brackish water lagoon, home to thousands of flamingos during winter migration.
60 km north of Chennai (approx. 1.5 hours)
Best time: November to February (flamingo migration)
How to Get There
Drive north on NH16 towards Tada/Sullurupeta, turn east at Elavur towards Pulicat village. Government buses run from Koyambedu to Pulicat Town. Best accessed by private vehicle for flexibility.
Things to See & Do
- 1Flamingo watching (November to February)
- 2Dutch cemetery and colonial-era church ruins
- 3Pulicat Bird Sanctuary
- 4Fishing village boat rides
- 5Pulicat Fort ruins
Travel Tips
- Visit between November and February for flamingo season
- Hire a local fisherman's boat for a lake tour (₹500–1000)
- Carry binoculars for birdwatching
- There are limited food options, so carry snacks
Location
More Day Trips
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 7th-century Pallava rock-cut temples and sculptures along the Coromandel Coast.
Kanchipuram
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Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
One of India's oldest bird sanctuaries, where thousands of migratory birds nest in a shallow lake from November to March.

