Oussudu Lake

Oussudu Lake is a lake in the Puducherry Union Territory of Tamil Nadu. This lake is also called Ousteri Lake because it is located in the village called Osudu. The lake covers about 800 hectares of which 390 hectares are in Puducherry and the rest in Tamil Nadu. Oussudu lake is the largest lake in Puducherry. The coastal city of Puducherry, formerly Pondicherry, is a perfect blend of French and Indian architecture. You can witness a nice gathering of tourists, who love to explore the city throughout the year. Puducherry’s beautiful monuments, tranquil beaches, and religious shrines attract national and international tourists alike.

History

Oussudu Lake Spread across 800 hectares, Osteri Lake is located between Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. An area of about 390 hectares falls in Puducherry and is one of the top tourist spots in Puducherry. It is an artificial lake built by the French and serves as a source of drinking water for all its inhabitants. Over the years, the lake has turned into a swamp. Several years ago it was declared an eminent bird sanctuary by the Government of India. Osteri Lake is the most famous freshwater lake in Puducherry. Ousteri Lake is also known as Osudu Lake by its local name. The local name is derived from the nearby village of Osudu, which is 15 km from the village. The main attraction of the lake is the boating facility provided by the Puducherry Tourism Department to cruise through this beautiful wetland and witness the chirping of numerous colorful birds all over the place. It has been recognized as an important wetland of UT and the country by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

Inside/Outside Views

Oussudu Lake Lake Oussudu (covering 390 hectares) is a man-made lake and is recognized as an important wetland by the IUCN. Osudu Lake is a good place for bird watching, especially for migratory birds. PTDC operates a boat house, which offers 15-minute and 30-minute boat rides. You need to take a boat trip to see the migratory birds. Birds flock together in the middle of the lake. The boatman will stop the boat at certain places to enable the tourists to take pictures. Dusk is the best time for birding.

How to Reach

By Air: Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport. It is 135 km away. Chennai is well connected to many cities in India some of them are Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Pune, Hyderabad, etc. One can hire a taxi from the airport to reach Oussudu Lake.

By Rail: Villupuram, Central Railway It, 35 km. Villupuram is with Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, and Chennai by State Railway. The hospital is available from Villupuram to Puducherry. One can hire a taxi from the airport to reach Oussudu Lake.

By Road: Pondicherry is best accessible by road, bus, or taxi. Private tourist buses from Chennai, Madurai, and Bangalore ply to Pondicherry. Buses connect Pondicherry with Thanjavur, Trichy, Chidambaram, and Coimbatore. There are frequent buses from Koyambedu in Chennai about every 15 minutes. One can hire taxis from the bus stand to reach his desired place.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes, this place is safe to visit.

Que-02: Is photography allowed in this place?

Ans: Yes, photography is allowed in this place.

Que-03: What is the best time to visit the lake?

Ans: The best time to visit the beautiful Ousteri Lake is from October to March. The cool winter months, coupled with the pleasant breeze across the Bay of Bengal, make your trip mesmerizing. It is also a great time to visit other top tourist attractions in Puducherry.

Things to do at the Ousteri Lake:

Although it is a small place and does not require much time, you can soak in the beauty of the lake and still enjoy spending some moments alone.

Boating: The best way to tour the wetlands is by taking a boat which starts from INR 100 per person and may vary depending on whether you are an adult or a child and the distance. Whether you go on a long or short trip, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the lotus mangrove trees.
Bird watching: Along with the variety of birds that have made Osteri Lake their home, you can spot these spectacular avian species perched all over the trees. If you are an avid bird-watcher or enjoy watching them at work, look out for a few species such as Golden Orioles, Painted Storks, White Ibis, Spotted Owlets, Cormorants, Darters, Lapwings, and Hawks, among others.
Walk: With the misty breeze kissing your face and the waves lapping gently on the shore, Ousteri Lake is a great place to enjoy a walk with your loved ones. Enjoy the beautiful golden sunset from the lakeside too!
Eating: You can eat and devour local delicacies at roadside stalls and a few restaurants dotted around the lake. While it may not be of the 5-star variety, there is an air of homeliness and plenty of warmth in the food served here – a perfect way to wind down after spending some time at the lake.