Kaikalur sits on the Central Asian Flyway — one of the world's major bird migration routes that stretches from the Arctic and Siberia, through Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, all the way to Sri Lanka and the islands of the Indian Ocean. Every year, as temperatures drop in the north, tens of thousands of birds follow this ancient route south. For many of them, Kolleru Lake is the destination.
The appeal is the lake itself. Kolleru's shallow waters — rarely deeper than two metres — make feeding easy for wading birds. The extensive reed beds and aquatic vegetation provide nesting sites. The mild Andhra winter, with temperatures rarely below 15°C, makes it comfortable. At its historical peak, estimates put the number of resident and migratory birds at Kolleru at 20 million. That number has fallen significantly due to habitat loss, but the lake remains one of the most important bird habitats in South Asia.
The Pelican Colony
Atapaka, a small village within the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary area, is home to one of the most remarkable bird spectacles in Andhra Pradesh — a large nesting colony of Spot-billed Pelicans. These birds, with wingspans approaching 1.8 metres, arrive at Atapaka to breed, building nests in the trees and bushes at the water's edge. Thousands of pelicans nesting together in a single location is not a common sight anywhere in India.
The best time to visit Atapaka is between November and February. In the early morning, the light is low and golden, the lake is still, and the pelicans are active — taking off, landing, feeding, and carrying nesting material. For wildlife photographers, this is one of the most accessible large-bird photography locations in South India: the birds are habituated to people and the distances are manageable with a moderate telephoto lens.
October to March is the only window. Outside this period, the lake is either flooded (July–September) or dry and birdless (April–June). November and December are peak nesting months at Atapaka — come then if you want the full pelican colony experience. January and February are slightly quieter but excellent for photography, with crisp morning light and calmer birds.
The signature bird of Kolleru. Large colony nests at Atapaka.
Distinctive pink-and-white colouring. Common in winter.
Patient hunter standing still in the shallows.
Recognisable by the distinctive gap in its bill.
Seasonal visitor — spectacular in large flocks.
Long-distance migrant from Siberia. Critically endangered.
Ubiquitous on the lake — dives for fish constantly.
Year-round resident, common across all wetland areas.
Arrive before 7am — birds are most active at dawn
Bring binoculars — at minimum 8×42 for good views
Move quietly around Atapaka — loud noise disturbs nesting pelicans
Ask local fishermen for a boat ride — they know the best spots
200mm+ lens for close bird shots; wide angle for flock landscapes
Which birds come when?
Bird presence at Kolleru Lake by month
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spot-billed Pelican పెలికాన్ | ||||||||||||
| Painted Stork పెయింటెడ్ స్టార్క్ | ||||||||||||
| Grey Heron గ్రే హెరాన్ | ||||||||||||
| Flamingo ఫ్లమింగో | ||||||||||||
| Siberian Crane సైబీరియన్ క్రేన్ | ||||||||||||
| Openbill Stork ఓపెన్బిల్ స్టార్క్ | ||||||||||||
| Little Cormorant నీటి కాకి | ||||||||||||
| Spot-billed Duck స్పాట్బిల్ డక్ |