Grace on still waters: Pulicat’s flamingo season lures photographers south
Pulicat: Each winter, the still waters of Pulicat lake turn pink as thousands of flamingos arrive, and with them come birders and photographers from across South India. The historic lagoon town near Chennai has become a seasonal hub for wildlife watchers who take early morning boating trips to see the birds feed and fly in formation.
The shallow waters and abundant algae make Pulicat a reliable stopover for greater and lesser flamingos migrating along the Central Asian Flyway. Local boat operators report a surge in visitors between November and March, when the flamingo numbers peak.
Photographers line the shores before sunrise, while birding groups track new arrivals and rare sightings through the season. The “flamingo phenomenon” has boosted eco-tourism in Pulicat, supporting guides, homestays, and conservation awareness in the region. Birding clubs say the spectacle highlights the lagoon’s ecological value and the need to protect its wetlands from encroachment and pollution.
For many visitors, the sight of the graceful birds reflected in calm water remains the main draw, turning Pulicat into one of South India’s most photographed natural gatherings.
