PULICAT - TAMIL NADU
Pulicat or Pazhaverkadu is a historic seashore town in Thiruvallur District, of Tamil Nadu state, India. It is about 60 kilometres north of Chennai and 3 kilometres from Elavur, on the southern periphery of Pulicat Lake. Pulicat lake is a shallow saltwater lagoon which stretches about 60 kilometres along the coast. With lakeside and seashore development as well as several Special Economic Zones (SEZs) including a US$1 billion Medical SEZ, coming up in nearby Elavur, land prices in the area are rising.
History- The Portuguese established a trading post in Pulicat in 1502 with the help of the Vijayanagar rulers. They built a fort there and held this fort until 1609 when they were defeated by the Dutch. The Dutch occupied the Pulicat fort in 1609. Between 1621 and 1665, 131 slave ships were deployed by the Dutch to export 38,441 Indians captured on the Coromandel coast and transported from Pulicat to be sold as slaves to Dutch plantations in Batavia. Pulicat was in 1690 the capital of Dutch Coromandel. It repeatedly changed possession, until finally occupied by the British in 1825. It became part of the Madras Presidency, which later became Madras state in independent India and was renamed Tamil Nadu in 1968. The Dutch church has been built several times and is rather dilapidated today, and the Dutch fort has fallen into ruin. The old lighthouse still stands on the opposite bank of the lake. The cemetery dating to 1622 has been taken under the wing of the Archaeological Survey of India and so has survived the passage of time. The grand, Dutch-inscribed tombs and graves, carved with skeletons rather than the cross, have been quite well preserved. The cemetery lies behind the market.
Aadhi Narayana Perumal temple is an old temple located at Pazhaverkadu.
Pulicat-Day is celebrated on World Wetland Day (2 February) at Pulicat by AARDE Foundation. Famous traditional catamaran competitions and several competitions are held on this day. The small information centre (Pulicat Museum) at Pazhaverkadu gives detailed information on Pulicat ecology and built heritage.
Fort Geldria- Fort Geldria or Fort Geldaria, located in Pulicat, Tamil Nadu, was the seat of the Dutch Republic's first settlement in India, and the capital of Dutch Coromandel. It was built by the Dutch East India Company in 1613 and became the local governmental centre in 1616. It was named for Geldria, the native province of Wemmer van Berchem, the General Director of the company. Regularly protected by a garrison of 80 to 90 men, Fort Geldria was the only fortification in the Indian empire; all other positions of the Dutch Company were trading posts.
Wildlife- Pulicat is within the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary. Every year between the months of October and March, thousands of migratory birds land here. Though many species can be seen, the Flamingos are the most visible, covering the swamps surrounding the lake, and giving it a pink tinge.
Weather: 32 °C, Wind SE at 13 km/h, 77% Humidity
Local time: Tuesday, 10:41 am
PULICAT TOUR PACKAGES
Package G N G RRPLC 1: 1 Night 2 Days Stay in Homestay in Pulicat + Sightseeing Fort Geldria + Breakfast + Dinner
Package G N G RRPLC 2 : 2 Night 3 Days Stay in Homestay in Pulicat + Sightseeing Pulicat Light House + Breakfast + Dinner
Package G N G RRPLC 3: 2 Night 3 Days Stay in Homestay in Pulicat + Sightseeing Our Lady Of Glory Shrine + Breakfast + Dinner
Package G N G RRPLC 4 : 3 Night 4 Days Stay in Homestay in Pulicat + Sightseeing Chintamaneeswarar Temple + Breakfast + Dinner
Package G N G RRPLC 5 : 3 Night 4 Days Stay in Homestay in Pulicat + Sightseeing Pulicat Lake + Boating + Breakfast + Dinner
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH G N G GROUP PROFESSIONALS
Come and Explore Safe River Rafting & Camping, Jungle Safari through Professionals. Call on Our Customer Care Executive Contact no.s on +91-9600017031 +91-8894915059,+91-7060507245 Landline +91-5832-267070. You can also Fill out the Inquiry Form on Our website, Our Executives will call you back in case our phone no.s are continuously engaged or not reachable due to a network problem in Pulicat these days. It is recommended by Government and tourism department that any adventure activity should be booked through licensed professionals to avoid accidents.
Call Us For booking on +91- 8894915059, +91- 9600017031 Or +91-5832-267070. In case of Phone no.s are continuously engaged, You are requested to fill contact us form, Our Executives will get back to you as soon as possible. You may also leave us a message on WhatsApp no. +91-9600017031 to get the different Packages with the price.
PULICAT TIRUPATI CHENNAI KANCHIPURAM CHENGALPATTU NELLORE MAHABALIPURAM TOUR PACKAGES
Package G N G RRPTCKCNM 1 : 1 Night Stay in Pulicat + 2 Night Stay in Tirupati + + Sightseeing Place + Breakfast + Dinner
Package G N G RRPTCKCNM 2 : 2 Night Stay in Pulicat + 2 Night Stay in Chennai + Sightseeing Place + Breakfast + Dinner
Package G N G RRPTCKCNM 3 : 2 Night Stay in Pulicat + 2 Night Stay in Kanchipuram + 1 Night Stay in Chengalpattu + Sightseeing Place + Breakfast + Dinner
Package G N G RRPTCKCNM 4 : 2 Night Stay in Pulicat + 2 Night Stay in Tirupati + 1 Night Stay in Nellore + Sightseeing Place + Breakfast + Dinner
Package G N G RRPTCKCNM 5 : 2 Night Stay in Pulicat + 2 Night Stay in Chennai + 2 Night Stay in Mahabalipuram + Sightseeing Place + Breakfast + Dinner
PULICAT TOUR PACKAGES AND ADVENTURE SPORTS
Pulicat Lake Boating - A scenic spot located at the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Pulicat Lake is perfect to enjoy within the arms of nature. Spread over an area of about 600 square kilometres, this is a major reserve which functions as a bird sanctuary and is the epitome of serenity. Separated from the Bay of Bengal by the island of Sriharikota, this is located about sixty kilometres north of Chennai. The multitude of birds like kingfishers, storks and flamingoes which adorn the landscape make it a haven for bird watchers and ornithologists. The buildings from the era when the Dutch ruled over this town also add an exquisite touch to the region. With plenty of sightseeing to do, and water activities to enjoy carrying out, this is the perfect weekend getaway to visit. Avail Pulicat Lake Boating here and make the most of your visit to Chennai.
Famous For: Serenity, Nature, Birds, Boating
Visiting Time: 6 AM to 6 PM
Visit Duration: 1 hour to 2 hours
HOW TO REACH PULICAT
BY AIR
The nearest airport to Pulicat is the Chennai International Airport (about 74 km from the town of Pulicat). Chennai airport is well connected to all the major cities in India such as Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. The airport has international flights flying to some of the cities abroad as well. Those who arrive by air can hire a taxi from the airport to reach the small town of Pulicat at a charge of about 1500 INR per trip.
BY TRAIN
The major railhead closest to Pulicat town is the city of Chennai. The railway station in Chennai has regular trains running to all other parts of India. Travellers who arrive by train can either hire taxis from the railway station or take buses to reach Pulicat. Chennai railway station is well connected to southern cities such as Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Regular trains are available to and from other major Indian cities like New Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai as well.
BY BUS
The most cost-effective mode of transportation to reach Pulicat is by means of buses. Both State Transport Buses and privately operated ones are available to Pulicat from Chennai Moffusil Bus Terminus. The journey to Pulicat town from Chennai city will take about a couple of hours and ticket charges come to around 50 INR per trip.
WHEN TO VISIT PULICAT
October - March
The best time to visit Pulicat is. During this period, thousands of migratory birds fly to Pulicat. While the weather is pleasant throughout the year, peak summer and monsoon months are avoidable.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN PULICAT
- Fort Geldria
- Pulicat Lake
- Pulicat Lagoon
- Green Beach
- Dutch Church
- Bridge Sceneries
- Big Jamia Masjid
- Dutch Cemeteries
- Pulicat Bird Sanctuary
- Pulicat Light House
- Pulicat Light House
- Giri Boating Guide
- Our Lady Of Glory Shrine
- Chintamaneeswarar Temple
- Siruvapuri Sri Balamurugan Temple
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PULICAT
- Bigstay
- Comfort Stay
- The K11 Hotels
- Taj Club House
- Taj Connemara
- Taj Coromandel
- Hotel Rishi Gardens
- FabHotel Sky Bay
- The Residency Towers
- Park Hyatt Chennai
- Ramada Plaza Chennai
- Taj Wellington Mews Chennai
- The Westin Chennai Velachery
- Novotel Chennai OMR
- Ibis Chennai OMR
- Atlanta Park Chennai
- Novotel Chennai Sipcot
WHERE TO EAT IN PULICAT
- Nr Hotel
- Al-mar
- Hotel Jamal
- Vinoth Hotel
- Ambur Briyani
- Hotel Madina
- Shiny Hotel
- Jmj seafood
- Home Meals
- Pulicat boating
- Pulicat bridge
- Bismilla Briyani
- Hotel Jeeva
- Best Kitchen
- Kilikodi Lake
- Madeena Hotel
- Juice corner
- Sheik Fareed
- Pandian hotel
- Kabaddi star atti
HOMESTAY IN PULICAT
- Gopinath
- The Lawns
- ARK Homestay
- Homestay Hub
- Devyani Homestay
- Ekta Homestays
- Krithika Homestay
- Low budget Home Stay
- Sweet Memories stay
- Tamara Home Stay
- Hassle-free homestay
- Iris Homestay Hotel
- Homestay Deshna Home Stay
- Vijay's Home Stays
- Blue Bell Homestay
- Gita Vatika Homestay
- Vivaresidence Homestay
- Gramam Homestay Cochin
- Athena Homestay in Coorg
- Fab hotel Skyry Homestay
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PULICAT
Q1-Why is Pulicat famous?
Ans. Among travellers, Pulicat is best known for two things: Pulicat Lake and Pulicat Bird Sanctuary. The lake in Pulicat is regarded as the second biggest brackish water body in India and attracts millions of tourists every year.
Q2-Where is Pulicat situated?
Ans. In Tamil Nadu, the city Pulicat is located in the district of Tiruvallur. It is situated almost 60kms north of Chennai city, particularly on the seaward side of the Sri Harikota island blockade that segregates Pulicat Lake from the Bay of Bengal.
Q3-What is the present name of Pulicat?
Ans. Pulicat was 1690 the capital of Dutch Coromandel. It repeatedly changed possession, until finally occupied by the British in 1825. It became part of the Madras Presidency, which later became Madras state in independent India and was renamed Tamil Nadu in 1968.
Q4-Is Pulicat Lake Worth Visiting?
Ans. Pulicat is an amazing destination for a weekend trip. We had a great trip. One day is enough, still, if you want to relax you can stay overnight.
Q5-Which is the best time to visit Pulicat Lake?
Ans. The best time to visit Pulicat is between October - March. During this period, thousands of migratory birds fly to Pulicat. While the weather is pleasant throughout the year, peak summer and monsoon months are avoidable.
Q6-Why is Pulicat Lake salty?
Ans. Salinity levels in Pulicatlake are normally high during summer resulting in a decrease in the quantum of fish. Lack of water flow into the lake due to closed sea mouths and mixing of contaminated water from nearby industries are also adding woes.
Q7-Is Pulicat Lake a freshwater lake?
Ans. This beautiful lake comes under the category of 'brackish water' lakes, which is saltier than freshwater but not as much as seawater. Previously known as "Pralaya Kaveri", Pulicat Lake is home to a wide range of aquatic creatures and birds. Therefore, the lake has been turned into a bird sanctuary.
Q8-What type of water is in Pulicat Lake?
Ans. Pulicat Lake is located 40 km north of Chennai city and is the second largest brackish water lake in India after Chilka Lake.