Kolleru Lake is one of the fresh water lakes in India. It is located near Eluru, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India. This lake is situated between Godavari delta and Krishna delta. Water of this lake comes from the rivers Ramileru, Yerru Kalva, Tammileru, and Budameru. Other name of this place is Peerless Fisherman’s Paradise and Bird Heaven. Under India’s wildlife Protection Act of 1972, this lake was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary. This place also got international importance in 2002. Area covered by sanctuary is 308 sq.kms
What to see at Kolleru Lake: This is the best place for natural lovers and bird lovers. Nearly 20 million resident and migratory birds can be seen here. In the lake two copper Plates of early Pallava dynasty has found here. Major attraction of this lake is Grey Pelicans. These birds come to this place for breeding from Central Asia (Siberia). Some of the birds come to this place between October to March. These birds are adjutant storks, flamingos, mallards, gargeney teals etc. Large number of wild ducks including whistling teals, flamingos, pintails, mallards also found at this place. Endangered birds of this place are Parakeet, King Fishes, Herons, Egrets, Drongos, Doves, Curles, Cormorants, Coot, Bunting, Bulbuls, Barbles, pink headed duck etc. Popular air faunas of this place are Raptors, Passerines, Cormorants, Darters, Wild Species of ducks & teals, Herons, Varois Storks, Jacanas.
What to see around Kolleru Lake:
Gangeshwaralayam: It is located 19kms away from Kolleru Lake. This temple was constructed by Bhishma who was the character in the epic Mahabharata. Inside the temple, Swayambhu Gangeswar Shivalinga is situated. Another attraction near this temple is Lord Rama Temple.
Dwaraka Tirumala: Other name of this place is Chinna Tirupathi. It is located 51kms away from Kolleru Lake. Lord Venkateswara is worshipped here. Temple is situated on Seshadri Hill. Saint Dwaraka, had unearthered the idol of Lord Venkateswara at this place. So this place is named after him.
Eluru Ashram: It is associated with Datta Peetham. Other name of this place is Nam Datta Natha Kshetra. Inside the ashram there is a small temple. In this temple, Anagha Devi and Lord Dattatreya idols can be seen. Guru Nilayam and Prayer hall is located inside the ashram. It is located 19kms away from Kolleru Lake.
Sri Adikesava Embermannar Swamy Temple: It was constructed 200 years ago. This is most important place for Vaishnavites. Annual Brahmotasavam Festival is most famous at this temple. Architecture of this temple is similar to Sriperumbudur Temple in Tamilnadu. It is located 22kms away from Kolleru Lake.
Getting to Kolleru: It is essential to reach this place from Eluru. This is located 39kms away from this place. Only way to reach this place is through road. APSRTC and Private Buses come to this place. Nearest railway station is located at Eluru. Nearest airport is located at Gannavaram.
Getting around Kolleru Lake: Buses, Private Vehicles, Taxis are available to visit the surrounding places of Kolleru.
Best time to visit Kolleru: Best time to visit Kolleru is November to March.
Where to stay in Kolleru: Accommodations are not available at this place. Only option is to stay is at Eluru . Along with hotels guest houses are also available to stay at Eluru. Best hotels are Adithya Central Hotel, Athidhi International, Hotel Grand Aarya, Usha Valentine Hotel.
Where to eat in Kolleru: Only limited eateries are available at this place. Plenty of restaurants are available at Eluru.