Several families, especially those travelling with school-going children, visited Sullurpeta town for the ongoing Flamingo Festival 2026 and to watch migratory birds. The festival has turned the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary and nearby venues into major attractions. The birds arrive in November to breed and begin their return migration by the end of winter, making this period important for birdwatching and eco-tourism.
Festival Venues and Visitor Footfall
The government school ground in Sullurpeta served as the main venue for the inaugural session and cultural programmes. Other key sites included the Environmental Education Centre at Atakanithippa, the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary and the Bheemunivaripalem boating facility in the backwaters. Large crowds arrived from Tirupati, Nellore, Annamayya, Kadapa and Chittoor districts. Some families also travelled from Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary as Main Attraction
The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary drew the highest attention from visitors. It is home to migratory species such as spot-billed pelicans and other water birds. Visitors observed thousands of birds perched on shrubs in the swamp forest. The sanctuary’s seasonal bird concentration makes it a key site for biodiversity awareness and nature tourism in Andhra Pradesh.
Facilities and Visitor Experience
The district administration arranged free buses to connect the scattered venues. Makeshift toilets were also provided at all locations, which helped visitors, especially students and families. However, the wide distance between venues created some difficulty for tourists. The Bheemunivaripalem boating point posed a particular challenge as it is located close to the Tamil Nadu border.
Ecotourism and Conservation Significance
The festival marks the link between tourism, conservation and environmental education. It promotes awareness about migratory birds, wetland habitats and the need to protect breeding grounds. Such events also support local participation in eco-tourism and encourage public interest in bird conservation.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026