Kolleru Lake also called Colair Lake, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India located in state of Andhra Pradesh 15 kms away from the city of Eluru. Kolleru is located between Krishna and Godavari deltas. The lake is fed directly by water from the seasonal Budameru and Tammileru streams, and is connected to the Krishna and Godavari irrigation systems by over 67 major and minor irrigation canals. The lake is a major tourist attraction, and is known for being the stopover point and temporary residence of variety of migratory birds who flock to the lake in thousands. The lake is a important birds like grey or spot-billed pelican.
The lake is facing existential threat ever since diversion of Budameru into the Krishna river and the construction of a project on the Tammileru river at Nagireddy gudem has affected water flow into the lake, thus reducing the size of the Kolleru lake. Sewage and industrial pollutants from nearby towns are other threats to the sanctuary. To protect it the lake was declared a wildlife sanctuary in November 1999 under India’s Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, and designated a wetland of international importance in November 2002 under international Ramsar Convention. The wildlife sanctuary around the lake covers an area of 308 km2.
A birdwatcher’s paradise the lake is home numerous variety of resident birds including grey pelicans, such as Asian open-bill, painted storks, glossy ibises and white ibises. The lake is a stopover destination for numerous species of migratory birds including red-crested pochards, black-winged stilts, pied avocets, common redshanks, Eurasian wigeons, gadwalls, great cormorants, garganeys, purple herons, greater flamingos, green-winged teals, northern pintails and northern shovelers.
Well connected by air, road and rail through nearby cities, tourist can easily reach this location in hired taxi. The lake also has historic significance, and has been a bone of contention between rulers of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Well connected with all major cities of Andhra Pradesh the lake is open to visitors al through out the year but monsoon and winter are the best time to visit, that is from July to December when the lake receives heavy inflows increasing its area and attracting birds. It is a navigable lake and visitors can enjoy boating and swimming with ease.
There are numerous hotels in nearby cities from where tourist can visit the lake to admire nature and birdwatch. There are several locations near the lake that are ideal for photography. The watch towers for sighting the birds located at Atapaka, Murthyraju, and Chodavaram are the best locations to watch birds. The fishing community that lives in the vicinity of the lake is involved in commercial fishing of Carp and prawns in the lake, The lake is a must visit for nature lovers who want to spend time with nature. Efforts are on to revive the lake and take it back to its former glory.
