With an average water spread area of 350 sq km, Pulicat Lake is the second largest brackish-water lagoon in India on the Coromandal Coast. Claimed to be a million years old, it has sixteen islands that enhance its topographical beauty. Across these waters is the beautiful landmark — the lighthouse. Loaded ferry boats transporting fisher folk to the 15 villages on the seaside, boats landing fish-catches, tribal women hand-picking prawns, bullock-carts traversing these waters and tourists bargaining, are some of the rare and fascinating backwater scenes at Pulicat.

Punting or sailing slowly northwards, "adventure tourists" can head towards the lake-mouth, about four or five kilometers north-east, across the waters. Trekking amidst low sand dunes, one can appreciate this idyllic camping site.

Pulicat town is also the site of several grand 17th century structures built by Dutch settlers in the region. The historic structures, now maintained by the Archeological Survey of India, include a fort, church, tombs and mausoleums.