PULICAT LAKE AND BIRD SANCTUARY
Nature
is always the best teacher and when we indulge in unwinding too; better to take
the children close to nature as they learn from being part of the complete
experience. In one such experience with Devesh we could visit the Pulicat Lake
and Bird Sanctuary. The whole concept of a bird reserve is to create a refuge
for birds and also protect from hunting and habitat destruction. It is a marvel
of nature that these sanctuaries which are naturally formed, pruned by the
human intervention promote the wonderful continued existence and rehabilitation
of the endangered species. There are many bird sanctuaries across the world.
The Walsrode Park in Germany in terms of space and species and the Jurong Bird
Park in Singapore housing largest number of individual birds are spectacular
(we had a fortunate opportunity of visiting the Jurong Park). But, India has
got its marvels too. It is just that we need to take time out to travel around.
The
climatic conditions play major role in bird migration. As the birds transport
themselves from one continent to another, their life style and eating habits
spill out the seeds and in the course of time foster the growth of forests. I
was always intrigued by the birds and whenever read about Salim Ali, the renowned
Indian Ornithologist and his explorations it seemed quite an interesting study.
But as we all go through, the monotony of our regular life is an excuse to be
away from little pleasures of life. We always took a strong stand to let Dev
enjoy all these little delights. It was one such Sunday long drive was the
visit to the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary far from the hustle of the city.
Pulicat
Lake is one of the most fascinating water eco-systems in India. The brackish
lagoon is 759 kms huge, which covers part of Andhra Pradesh (the major portion
of the lake) and Tamilnadu. The Lake is an enchanting weekend destination and
is at a drive of 95 kms from Chennai and 110 kms from Nellore. The bird
sanctuary is a haven of birds which migrate for winter retreat. The climate is
pleasant all through the year though the best time to visit is between October
and March. The exotic drive starts from Sullurupet from where we can take 25 kms
drive through the picturesque road with water on both the sides, spectacular views of birds
and the joy of life time.
The
biodiversity of the sanctuary is captivating as it is said to be habitat for
more than 180 species of fish and prawn, scores of worms, snails, clams,
sponges, crabs, insects, spiders, plankton, mussels, spiders, oysters, anemone
and mollusk species. The sanctuary is thronged by Ibis, Pelicans, Herons,
Painted Storks, Spoon Bills, Cormorants, Open Billed Storks, Egrets, Ducks, Garganey,
Sandpipers, Gadwalls, Shovelers, Black Tailed Godvit, etc. The great attraction
of the place is the Flamingos. In fact, the State Government of Andhra Pradesh
organizes the three day Annual Flamingo Festival every winter at Pulicat and
adjacent Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary where it is estimated that more than 12,000
birds visit the reserve. The barrier island of Sriharikota separates the lake
from the Bay of Bengal. Though not allowed for public without permission, a
glimpse of Satish Dhawan Space Centre at one end of the road is quite a sight
to watch. Arani and Kalangi are the two rivers which feed the lagoon and the
Buckingham Canal, a navigation channel, is part of the lagoon on the western
side. The beautiful lake under the canopy of azure sky is a sanctuary which provides
a prospect for trekking through unusual forestation special to the place, bird
safari, eco tourism and aquatic sports. What else the senses would want when
the nature gives a chance to rejoice and rejuvenate with bonus assortment of
charming butter flies.
No comments:
Post a Comment