The foundation of Inner Wheel is
friendship. With this motive in mind, we
wanted to give an opportunity to our members to interact off the regular
meetings and projects, into an outing where we unwind and make bonding more,
taking time to talk, play, picnic and visit some place together.
In this process, we planned a trip to
Pulicat. We planned so much on the
travel comfort, food and photography and in this sheer enthusiasm forgot to
check if it is the season for the migratory birds….ultimately we missed
them. However, the trip did not
disappoint us on a whole. Around 20 of
us boarded the mini-bus and taken the route of Manali-Ennore-Ropapuram and reached
the Pulicat after good 3 hours thanks to our driver who took the longest route
possible..giving us enough time to play, sing and eat in the van.
To our utter disappointment, there were no
birds. Forget about Flamingoes or
Pelicans, we hards found much of swans and ducks in the lake due to the hot sunJ
But that did not stop us from cheering up each other. We went spooky reaching the Dutch Cemetry
watching the 400 year old archeologically important sight. Only wished government gives importance to
tourism and keep this place clean and accessible for tourists. For a good one hour, we lost time with a tout
who did not leave us till we suddenly had to let him go
Then came
the best part. Boating in the beautiful
Pulicat lake. What a ride. It was transforming us from a chaotic city
scenario to the nature’s lap of happiness.
The boat ride was a blessing and to see the ‘Mukadwaram’ where the back
water lake merges with the sea was a treat to our eyes. The evening sun, the breeze, the friends, the
fun and the unpolluted waters- what else can you ask for in a boat ride. The water was shining with a silver sparkle
of the setting sun.
We took few steps in
the beach…and kids were overjoyed.
Seeing a dead turtle, a friend’s son was mentioning that turtle come to
shore when they know it is time for their death. Only wished turtles don’t get
trapped in the fishing nets during their breeding time and get succumbed.
Children
were happy to pick up the shells and found a star fish and we watched the
fishing folks catching their day’s best.
Crabs making good holes into the sands and the live snails and lobsters
made us enjoy the sea shored and back waters.
The boat
ride back to the shore showed us the island beaches and also the gateways of
one’s trade where the Pulicat was the entrance for the trade of the 17th
Century, where Dutch, Portuguese and later British came in through these
passage for trade, later establish settlements and unfortunately later rule on
our land.
The small
town is full of traces to our history.
Very rich heritage be it the trade point today for fisheries or those
days for minted coins and other trade.
The place is also known for its 17th century mosque, old
church that replicates the dutch architecture, a old temple that’s under renovation, that
shows that all religions lived in harmony in this small town that’s famous for
its migratory bird, beautiful beaches and lakes and for its fishing hamlets,
light house and Dutch memories.
We enjoyed
our travel back to Chennai, eating and watching movie, tired and honestly happy
for the time we got to spend together and that made our bonding much more
stronger and happier
***************More About Pulicat********************
Pulicat is
located on the Coromandel Coast, about 60Km north of Chennai. As a prominent
Dutch settlement in the seventeenth century, this small town boats of a vibrant
and diverse cultural tradition. However, the history of this region is not
limited to the Dutch colonialism alone; the Arabs, the Portuguese and the
British established their stronghold in Pulicat at different times.
Apart from
the historical and cultural importance, this tiny seashore town has an amazing
scenic beauty. Pulicat offers an invigorating and thrilling experience of
expedition. Among travelers, Pulicat is best known for two things: Pulicat Lake
and Pulicat Bird Sanctuary. The lake in Pulicat is regarded as the second
largest brackish water body in India and attracts thousands of tourists every
year.
Day Trip Itinerary: 9am to 7pm
Starting 9am
in Chennai, reaching Pulicat by 11am. 11 to 1pm Sightseeing (Market Street,
Dutch Cemetery, Shadow Clock, 500 years Old Church and Temple). 1 to 1.30pm
Lunch. 1.30 to 4pm (Visit to Island beaches/boat-ride). 4 to 5.00pm Lighthouse.
Leave Pulicat at 5pm and reach the city back by 7pm.
Places
to Visit:
Dutch Cemetry
The Old Dutch Cemetery is probably the most interesting of its
kind in India. Many of the tombstones are over 400 years old. One tomb carries
a representation of the original Dutch fort and others represent Dutch coats of
arms which were sent from Holland.
The
Lighthouse
Pulicat lighthouse is the historical monument in India. At the
time of its construction, it was one of the largest in South Asia. The
Lighthouse positioned adjacent to the present Lighthouse Tower. It was a 20m
high Brick masonry circular tower with black & white bands. The tower was
constructed in the year 1859.
Pulicat Lake
The lagoon is rich with animal and birdlife and is a center for
the commercial fishery activities. The water body of the lagoon is fed by three
major rivers namely the Arani River, the Kalangi River the Swarnamukhi River.
Rich biodiversity and remarkable natural beauty make this lake a must-see
attraction for those who visit Pulicat.
Beaches/Islands
Another major attraction of Pulicat is its beaches. The
island beaches in Pulicat are the finest beaches in South India and has the
charm of its own. All beaches are clean and ideal for sun bathing, relaxation
and water sports activities.
Bird
Sanctuary
The Pulicat bird sanctuary is the second largest in India.
Spread over 232 sq. km and its a home to numerous birds including the seven
species of herons, egrets and spot-billed pelican. Every year thousands of
flamingos congregate in these shallow waters which are rich in food especially
the prawns.
People &
Fishing
The major source of livelihood for the local community is
fishing in the Lake. The lake has rich fish diversity, mostly marine species,
some truly brackish water and a few freshwater species. Mullets and Catfish are
the major brackish water fish. Clams, Finfish, Prawns, Sardines and Milk Fish
are also harvested heavily from the lake.
source: visitpulicat.com
