Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is regarded to be the largest habitation for pelicans in Southeast Asia. It was established in the year 1970.

Flora
Forest type: Barringtonia swamp forest.
Tree: Hijal, kaayam, Ceylon Iron Wood, Barringtonia and others.

Fauna
Jackals, monitor lizard, slender loris, tortoises and different species of reptiles and amphibians.

Avian Fauna
Flagship species: pelicans
Other bird species: White Ibis, Open Billed Stork, Night Heron, Painted Stork, Spoon Bill, Little Cormorant, etc.

Getting there
The nearest airport to Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is in Chennai, about 50km away. The closest railway station is situated about 4km away at Sullurpet. One can easily get buses or taxis from Nellore and Sulurpet which are well connected with Chennai through National Highway No 5.

Tourist Information
The visitors to this sanctuary can find quality accommodation at the PWD Rest House at Sulurpet and at AP tourism Hotel in Dorvarisatram. The tourists can find proper eating facilities at the APTDC Restaurants located at Dorvarisatram and Tada.
The sanctuary also houses a museum, library and an environmental education centre where the visitors can get different information about the flora and fauna of the forest reserve. There is also an auditorium located within the sanctuary that is well equipped with audio-visual facilities for discussions and seminars.
Bird watching and nature walk are the primary tourist activities here. While going for bird watching trip always carry a binocular and bird identification book. Pulicat Lake, the second largest salt water lake in the country, is located around 20km away from the Nelapattu sanctuary.

Additional Information
Location: Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, Nelapattu village, Nelapattu district, Andhra Pradesh
Area: 404 sq km approximately
Best time to visit: October to March
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