Atapaka is the main access point for birdwatchers visiting Kolleru Lake — a designated section of shore on the lake's southern side, with two raised watchtowers, a small visitor centre and a forest department office that can arrange boat trips.
From November to March the area is dense with painted storks, ibises, egrets and waterfowl, with grey pelicans (slowly returning after the lake's restoration) and various raptors making cameo appearances. The best viewing is at dawn; an early morning auto-rickshaw from Eluru takes about thirty minutes.