Lakes & Falls · Around Tirupathi
Pulicat Lake & Atakanitippa Bird Sanctuary
Timing & entry
Daylight hours. Entry is free or low-cost at the viewing points.
Best time to visit
November to February for flamingos. Mornings are best.
Location
On the Andhra Pradesh–Tamil Nadu border; about 96% of the lagoon is in Andhra Pradesh. The main viewing point is Atakanitippa, near Sullurpeta.
What to do
India's second-largest brackish-water lagoon after Chilika. Each winter about 15,000 greater flamingos arrive, along with pelicans, painted storks, herons and many shorebirds.
The Andhra Pradesh government holds an annual Flamingo Festival at Sullurpeta.
Distance from Nirvana Backpackers
About 95 km, 2–2.5 hours via Srikalahasti and Sullurpeta.
How to reach
By cab or bike via Srikalahasti and Sullurpeta.
Tip: Pulicat Lake, BV Palem, Nelapattu, Sriharikota and Tupilipalem sit close together near Sullurpeta. Plan them as one full-day trip, ideally during the Flamingo Festival in January.
Stay at Nirvana Backpackers
Budget AC dorm beds in Tirupati, a base for Pulicat Lake & Atakanitippa Bird Sanctuary and the rest of the temple town. Lockers, Wi-Fi and free luggage storage.
See beds & prices