Journey to Pulicat: Discover ancient forts, migratory birds, and coastal charm

Pulicat, a historic city in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district, lies about 60 kilometers north of Chennai, on the seaward side of Sriharikota Island. This island separates the scenic Pulicat Lake from the Bay of Bengal. The city and the lake share a deep historical connection, with the lake lending its name to the city.

Pulicat’s rich history dates back to 1609 when Dutch settlers constructed a fort, making Pulicat their main settlement. Over the centuries, numerous invaders, including the British, took control of Pulicat. The British annexed it in 1825, integrating it into the Madras Presidency. Despite the passage of time and the loss of many of its treasures, Pulicat retains an old-world charm, symbolized by the ancient lighthouse standing opposite Pulicat Lake.

Pulicat is renowned for its vibrant birdlife, especially around Pulicat Lake. From October to March, the area becomes a haven for migratory birds, with flamingos being a significant highlight, flocking to the lake’s swamplands.

To enhance tourism, Pulicat’s travel infrastructure has significantly improved. The journey to Pulicat from Koyambedu (CMBT) spans approximately 54 kilometers. Travelers must follow the 100-feet road from Koyambedu to Ennore Port Trust, then proceed to Minjur. After a right turn and a left stretch of 17 kilometers, one reaches the Ponneri-Pulicat central road. A right turn here leads to Pulicat Jetty after a 4-kilometer drive.

Pulicat is not just about its historical allure and natural beauty; it also thrives on cottage industries. Women, especially from the Muslim community, craft exquisite items from Palmyra leaves, which are exported by the local Palmyra Leaf Co-operative Society. The city is also a hub for seafood export, including white and tiger prawns, jellyfish, finfish, and live lagoon fish.

With a legacy spanning over 600 years, Pulicat, also known as Pazhaverkaddu, is an essential historical site. It was a significant Dutch settlement on the Coromandel coast, marked by the construction of Fort Geldira in 1609 for East Indies trade. The Dutch and British fought over Pulicat, with the British finally capturing it in 1825. Today, Pulicat is famous for the eco-tourist spot of Pulicat Lake.

The Buckingham Canal, lighthouse, seaside villages, fisherfolk, bullock carts, and ferry boats paint a picturesque backdrop to Pulicat. Nearby historical sites include Karinmanal village, where the Dutch and British once berthed their ships, and the highly secured Sriharikota Island, home to India’s space center. Jamilabad, a village dedicated to boat building, and Senjiamman Nagar, a tribal hamlet, add to Pulicat’s cultural richness. The Church of Our Lady of Glory and the Dutch cemetery, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, with beautifully carved tombstones and mausoleums, are other points of interest.

Pulicat’s specialty lies in its palm leaf crafts created by local women and its seafood export industry. The nearest airport and railhead are in Chennai, with Pulicat well connected by road to the city.