Kolleru Lake

The deltas of the Godavari & Krishna are very wide and form a lake in between, called the 'Kolleru Lake'. It is the largest fresh Water Lake in the country, located 95-km from Vijayawada. During the monsoons, it spans nearly 260-sq-kms.

It receives water from four rivers, namely Budameru, Ramileru, Tammileru and Errakalva and 18 drains. This lake empties its water into the Bay of Bengal, every six months through an outlet called 'upputera'.

A Pelican Haven
The lake attracts several species of birds and now has been converted into a bird sanctuary called "Kolleru Sanctuary". Kolleru Lake is largest pelican refuge and is considered as heaven for migrating birds. This lake supports a rich biodiversity and high biomass of fish, plankton that forms the source of food for birds. Pelicans arrive here during the nesting season to raise their young. In winter great activity can be seen here.

HOW TO GET THERE

Rail: The nearest railway station is Vijayawada, which is 60-kms away from the Sanctuary.
Road: The Lake is approachable from Atapaka, 1.5-km from Kaikaluru town, Murthiraju Tanks 8-km from Nidamarru, Gudivakalanka 3-km from Gudivakalankas and 15-km from Eluru. One can take buses from Vijayawada.