KOLLERU LAKE ANDHRA PRADESH

KOLLERU LAKE -THE BIRD HEAVEN

HISTORY OF KOLLERU LAKE:

                          Kolleru forms the largest shallow fresh water lake in Asia. The Kolleru Lake situated about 15 kms from Eluru is a nature's paradise. Kolleru Lake is the best place for nature lovers and for people looking for peace and tranquility. Kolleru Lake is located between the delta of Godavari and Krishna Rivers and functions as a natural flood balancing reservoir between these two deltas. The lake supports about 63 species of fishes, fresh water turtles and other amphibians, apart from being a habitat for many migratory birds that forms Kolleru Bird Sanctuary.

Flock of birds resembling the heaven on earth.

                              Kolleru Lake is one of India’s largest freshwater lakes in India, situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Kolleru is formed between Krishna and Godavari delta and hence spans into two districts of AP, namely Krishna and West Godavari. The lake is an awe-inspiring tourist destination where its water body serves as a natural flood balance for the two rivers.

                           The vast lake, a haven for tourists is fed by water from Budameru and Tammileru streams, which is inturn connected to the Krishna and Godavari delta by many in-flowing drains and channels. The lake is a major tourist attraction. It is home for many migratory birds in winter, such as ibis, Siberian crane, and painted storks. The lake is considered and important wetland habitat for close to 20 million resident and migratory birds, the prominent of them being Grey or Spot-billed Pelican. The lake earned the tag of wildlife sanctuary in November 1999 under India’s Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, and has been designated a wetland of international importance in November 2002 by the international Ramsar Convention. The wildlife sanctuary of Kolleru covers an area of 308 km², which is home for several aquatic living forms. It also hosts 193 species of birds and a variety of flora and fauna, including some of the valuable medicinal plants. A trip to Kolleru Wild Life Sanctuary is an unforgettable one and it hosts renowned bird watchers, conservationists, wild life enthusiasts and photographers at any given point of time.

HOW TO REACH KOLLERU LAKE:

                                   The lake is located 15 kms from Eluru town. Eluru is the closest urban settlement to this lake and is the district head quarters of West Godavari district. Eluru is an important railway station on the Grand Trunk rail line that connects it to rest of AP and the country. Eluru is located at a distance of 55 km from Vijayawada. The nearest airport is at Gannavaram, Vijayawada. Eluru is located 35 km away from Gannavaram Airport. From Eluru tourists can visit this sanctuary using private boats. Within the sanctuary, tourists enjoy rids on country boats which are available on hire.

BEST SEASONS TO VISIT:

                                        The best season to visit Lake Kolleru is from November to March, when the lake brims with water. This is the peak season, which attracts thousands of migratory birds to Kolleru Lake. It is a delight to watch thousands of birds, hundreds of species and varieties of wildlife amidst clear and settled water, which are surrounded by green paddy fields. This is the best destination to immerse oneself in the lap of Mother Nature.