Located near the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh in Nellore district, the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is one of the most significant pelican habitats in Southeast Asia. It provides a tranquil and picturesque retreat for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts from around the world.
The sanctuary gained prominence in the 1970s when conservation efforts began to protect the rare and endangered species of birds, especially the Spot-billed Pelican. Recognizing its ecological significance, the sanctuary was declared as one of the most important breeding grounds for pelicans and other migratory birds. This led to an increase in ecotourism activities in the area. The history of the sanctuary is closely tied to the communities around it, who are integral to the conservation efforts of the sanctuary.
Over the years, tourism at Nelapattu has evolved from being a lesser-known local attraction to a destination for international ornithologists and nature enthusiasts. Visitors are drawn to the sanctuary especially during the winter months from October to March, when the migratory birds arrive for breeding.
The sanctuary is spread over an area of nearly 459 hectares. Visitors can walk along the designated paths and watchtowers that offer a vantage point for bird watching. The sanctuary is equipped with facilities to ensure a fulfilling visit while keeping the impact on the wildlife to a minimum.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards sustainable tourism in Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary. Efforts are being made to educate tourists on the importance of conservation and to involve them in the process actively. There has also been an increase in the number of guided tours, where local experts provide insightful information about the sanctuary's diverse avian life and ecology.
Furthermore, the government has taken steps to improve the infrastructure, such as better accommodation facilities and information centers to cater to the growing number of visitors. The sanctuary also promotes community-based ecotourism, where the local population is involved in providing services to tourists, thus ensuring economic benefits to the local community while also reinforcing the significance of the sanctuary.
Visitors to Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary should be aware of the following:
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary remains one of the jewels of Andhra Pradesh's wildlife reserves and continues to charm visitors with its serene beauty and the splendor of its avian inhabitants.
