Satellite Launch & Birdwatching: Witness All This At This Island 10 Hours Away

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What Makes It Awesome

If you're excited about all things space, then you can check watching a satellite launch off your bucket list by making a visit to Sriharikota. Located at a 10-hour drive away from Hyderabad, it is a barrier island that is one of ISRO's launch stations for satellites using multi-stage rockets. There is little to do apart from witnessing this spectacle, but it is definitely worth a visit. Where else can we gawk at a massive rocket take off, after all? There are two viewpoints around 5 km from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre that Sriharikota is famous for, where you have to get at least 30 minutes in advance as the launches take place at sharp designated times. You can check out the timings and date for the launches (which happen pretty frequently), on ISRO's official website and plan your trip accordingly. 

Apart from this, Sriharikota is where the Flamingos flock to during winter. The Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary attracts thousands of birds like storks, pelicans, egrets among a variety of others. Serene as it is, you will need binoculars to spot birds here, as you may not always get lucky. But, if you do, then bird photographers, there's no other place quite like this one. So, go here with a proper itinerary after taking a look at the dates and weather conditions to thoroughly enjoy all that this place has to offer. 

What Could Be Better

There aren't many options for stay and food while here, and your best bet is staying at Kinnera Grand Inn in Sullurupeta, about 35 minutes away.

Pro-Tip

This place is pretty hot throughout the year, and the lake may be dry unless the weather conditions are favourable. The best time to visit, for bird watching, is between November to March. Although there are flights and trains going to Sriharikota, we recommend making it a road trip.

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Shreya is a 23 year old writer, photographer, and film-maker with a serious case of Zayn Malik obsession. She is also the Associate - Content, Features for LBB Hyderabad.