The Hindu : National : Flamingo Festival at Pulicat Lake

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 01, 2006

National

National

Flamingo Festival at Pulicat Lake

Special Correspondent

Birds flock to the lake

CHENNAI: Flamingos have come in droves to the Pulicat lake, about 85 km from Chennai, near Sullurpet in Andhra Pradesh. At the peak of the breeding season, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department (APTDC) is organising a Flamingo Festival between February 3 and 5.

The Pulicat lake, spread over Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, is a feeding ground for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial birds.

Among them are flamingos, painted storks, egrets, grey pelicans, grey herons, pintails and terns. Notified as a bird sanctuary in 1976, the lake has continued to attract vast numbers of birds every mating season. This year, with heavy rainfall, the lake is brimming to capacity and the number of birds have gone up, according to Rajasekhar Naidu, convener, Flamingo Festival.

In addition to bird watching, the festival will also offer tourists cultural programmes, exhibitions and tours to other attractions, Mr. Naidu added. A "flamingo run", in which celebrities will participate, will be organised on the concluding day of the festival.

He also recommends a visit to Nelapattu village, off the National Highway 5. The fresh water tank is a haven for migratory birds, including those from Siberian countries, and some rare and endangered birds.

An environmental centre has been set up in the sanctuary with a museum library, an auditorium with audio-visual equipment for learning and teaching. Tourists could also enjoy their stay at resorts in nearby places such as Mypadu, Thupilipalem, Krishnapatnam port, Somasila dam and Kandaleru dam, he noted.

Bookings and special bulk bookings can be made with the A.P. Tourism office in Chennai, said P.V. Sesha Reddy, Divisional Manager, APTDC.

Adequate facilities have been made for transport and guidance from Sullurpet for those who want to go it alone Details can be accessed at www.flamingofestivalnellore.com

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