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Pichavaram Mangrove (Cuddalore - Tamil Nadu)

MANGROVE FORESTS IN INDIA
Let's check your IQ. Which is the WORLD's largest mangrove forest - Sundarbans in West Bengal, India. Second largest? - Pichavaram in Tamil Nadu!
Recently to attend a friend's wedding, I went to Chidambaram and just 16km from there is this is gorgeous mangrove. 

Pichavaram Mangrove Boating

Pichavaram Mangrove Boating

Pichavaram Mangrove Boating

Pichavaram Mangrove Birds & Animals

Pichavaram Mangrove Boating

BUS TRIP FROM CHIDAMBARAM TO PICHAVARAM 
I left the hotel at about 7:30 and reached took a bus to Pichavaram. The hotel receptionist had told me that it would take an hour by bus to reach Pichavaram and for an hour long travel by bus, that would be a long distance and would cost a lot too!!! I handed over a Rs.100 note to the conductor and he was like 'No change?'. Well, the ticket cost turned out to be just Rs.18 and the trip was just half an hour. The bus went right into the TTDC (Tamilnadu Tourism Dev. Corp.) complex of Pichavaram. 

BOATING IN PICHAVARAM LAKE
The boating section had 2 branches - Row boat and Motor boat. The buzzing of the motor gives me a headache, so we opted for a row boat. Here's the breakup of the rowing costs, based of people & time.
Unlike Muthupet, here Pichavaram is much shallow than there and didn't have much occurance of island like formations. There were huge chunks of land, mostly that bordered the waterbody. This waterbody is 2800 acres vast expanse. The boatsman who came for us was a mind-blowing person. Let me tell you how - there are 5 varieties of trees here in this mangrove. And guess what, he gave me the botanical scientific name of all those varieties!!!

MANGROVE TREES OF PICHAVARAM LAKE
So here they are. The main 2 varieties are Rhizphora and Avicennia. The Rhizophora varities are locally called Surappunnai and they filter the salt content in the water before intaking the water. This Rhizophora varieties reproduce by Viviparous reproduction. That is, the new roots grow from below the branches and they detach themselves from the parent only after they get pretty strong. The types of Rhizophora here are Rhizophora Apiculata (Kuttai Surappunnai), Rhizophora Mucronata (Nettai Surappunnai) and Rhizophora Lamarckii (Kalappina Surappunnai).
The Avicennia varities are locally called Kandal and they take in the salt water and gives out the salt through their leaves. Here reproduction happens by Aerial roots or Pneumatophores. The roots emerge from the soil and grow outwards to the air to absorb oxygen. The types of Avicennia here are Avicennia Marina (Venn kandal) and Avicennia Officinalis (Karungandal).
These plants together have made the place so exquisite with their viviparous roots and aerial roots. These roots are so very strong and they are infact used to steer the boat at times instead of using the paddles. 

THINGS TO DO IN PICHAVARAM MANGROVE
While the main mangrove and vast expanse of water is splendid, the best thing to do in Pichavaram Mangrove is to visit the little sublets of water that went into the lands. These sublets were hidden from sun with all the branches and roots forming a cage like topography. Within these cage like structures, nestled inside are several several birds. I heard so so many creeches and a variety of other sounds. But thanks to the caged housing these birds couldn't be spotted. 

Things to do in Pichavaram

Things to do in Pichavaram

Things to do in Pichavaram

Things to do in Pichavaram

Things to do in Pichavaram

FISHING IN PICHAVARAM LAKE
Picking molluscs from the river bed is a thriving business there apart from fishing & farming. The depth of this place varied from just 2 feet deep to 7 feet deep. From the shallow areas, these are picked by hand. 

CINEMA / FILM SHOOTING LOCATION OF DASAVATHARAM & IDHAYAKKANI
And what more, this is the very location where the legendary MGR Tamil movie Idhayakkani was shot and also this is the very location where Kamalhassan is dropped into the water in the first part of the movie Dasavatharam. 

TIPS FOR VISITING PICHAVARAM MANGROVE FOREST & LAKE
So, here take a tip or two. Opt for the row boat, its better to go into the smaller sublets of water. Take cash, Pichavaram has no ATM. And leave back only footprints and take back only pics & memories. And yeah, plastic is banned here. And most important, maintain silence inside the mangrove. Just like, how you wouldn't want anyone to play noise with blaring speakers in front of your house and how painful would it be for you, your slightest sound would be the same pain for the birds nested in here!!! Shhhh.......

BEST TIME TO VISIT PICHAVARAM
While for boating and to see the mangrove trees anytime is good, it is important to know that the mangroves is an important place for birding / bird watching in India. The migratory birds arrive here in the winters. If birdwatching in Tamil Nadu is your target, the best time to visit Pichavaram would be November to February. Some of the birds that can be spotted here are snipes, cormorants, egrets, storks, herons, spoonbills and pelicans.

IS PICHAVARAM SAFE?
Some of my friends refused to come into Pichavaram just because they were a bit scared about insect bites. But throughout my visit to Pichavaram, I wasn't bitten by one single insect, not even mosquitoes.
On the human aspect, the local fishermen really take care of you if you're a ladies only group of you have kids with you. Afterall, boating and tourism is a major part of their livelihood and they wouldn't let anything harm their livelihood!

How to reach Pichavaram from Chidambaram

Pichavaram to Chennai

Pichavaram Contact number

Pichavaram Mangrove

PICHAVARAM BOATING TIMINGS
9:00AM to 04:00PM

PICHAVARAM BOAT HOUSE ADDRESS
Pitchavaram Boat House, 
AATC Campus, Killai Post, 
Chidambaram Taluk, 
Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu - 608102

PICHAVARAM CONTACT NUMBER OF BOAT HOUSE
Land line: +91 4144 249249
Mobile: +91 9176 995 838

PICHAVARAM BOATING PRICES / TARIFF (Updated Jan 2021)
Varies from Rs.300/- to Rs.1700/- depending on duration (1 hour to 4 hours) and the boat capacity (4 seater boats to 8 seater boats). 

HOW TO REACH CHIDAMBARAM
How to reach Chidambaram from Chennai: 220 km via ECR, Pondicherry, Cuddalore
How to reach Chidambaram from Trichy: 157 km on NH227 via Jayamkondan, Palayamkottai
How to reach Chidambaram from Pondicherry: 70 km via Cuddalore

HOW TO REACH PICHAVARAM BOAT HOUSE FROM CHIDAMBARAM
On Google Maps: Pichavaram Boat House
Cuddalore to Pichavaram Lake distance: 50 km towards south
Chidambaram to Pichavaram Lake distance: 15 km towards Killai village
Yes, the mangrove is actually located in Killai village and Pichavaram village is a bit far from this mangrove.

How to reach Pichavaram from Chidambaram by public transport:
Buses are available every half an hour from Chidambaram. Its called the 'Sutrula Maiyyam' bus.

CHIDAMBARAM & PICHAVARAM RESORTS & HOTELS
Eco Hotel Saradharam Pichavaram is available at Pichavaram overlooking the mangroves. This is the only option for a Pichavaram Mangrove forest stay.
Contact number of Eco Hotel Saradharam: +91 4144 249399/249400
On Google Maps: Eco Hotel Saradharam, Pitchavaram
Accommodation at all price points head to Chidambaram town. Chidambaram hotels are available at all budgets.

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest Pinterest Pichavaram Mangrove Forest Pinterest

Bhushavali

An ardent traveler by passion. Being an ex - Art History Teacher, my area of interest especially lies in Nature and Heritage. Visited 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of June 2022. I've been listed among the Top 7 Women Travel Bloggers of India, Top 50 in UK. I have been interviewed in a couple of TV Shows, Radio Channels and Events as well. Read more about me and read the testimonials of different brands

35 comments:

  1. Phivos NicolaidesDecember 8, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    Amazing place and beautiful pictures. If you change their size to the bigger it might be better!

    ReplyDelete
  2. R Niranjan DasDecember 8, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    Nice post. Have heard a lot about this mangrove forest.

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. TeamgsquareDecember 8, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    Lovely place to visit . Did you sight any crocodile or turtle .

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  4. UnknownDecember 8, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    this looks awesome!!!

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  5. Anuradha ShankarDecember 9, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    wonderful! another place on my travel wish list!

    ReplyDelete
  6. RamakrishnanDecember 10, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    I love your spirit of adventure. From your description & pics Pichavaram looks like a great & interesting place to visit. Thanks for the wonderful post.

    ReplyDelete
  7. TrotterDecember 11, 2011 at 12:22 AM

    Hi Friend! I’m so happy to be here after my accident ;)

    Wonderful shots!!

    Blogtrotter Two is around Scandola. Fabulous! Enjoy and have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownDecember 11, 2011 at 2:48 AM

    I love the mangrove habitat. The boat shot is fantastic!

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  9. SridharanDecember 11, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    Very nice.. Reminds me of my visit..!

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  10. Aravind GJDecember 11, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    Nice place!! Need to visit it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ganesh PuttuDecember 11, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    you can always stay at Chidambaram and do a day trip to the mangrove forests. the best time to be there is to get as early as possible and hit the magraoves when the early morning mists are still curling aroung the roots/branches ( i bow down to your superior botanical knowledge)..of ourse on my trip i was hosted by a few friends of annamalai university at their hostel overnight- so stay wasnt a problem- although waking them all up early the next morning to visit pichavaram was the tougher part and they were cursing me and their hangovers alternately - the entire way down- but the view definitely was worth the trip..

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  12. Shashidhar SharmaDecember 11, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    Oh I have been fortunate to be here in Chennai (though I am from Kushinagar born and brought up in Delhi) and more fortunate to be at this place at the time when the Collector of Cuddalore was my friend.. so had a great time...
    Its unfortunate that my images from that period is lost.. but you pictures brought back lovely memories..
    Its a lovely post...

    Shashi

    ॐ नमः शिवाय
    Om Namah Shivaya
    http://shadowdancingwithmind.blogspot.com/2011/12/up-close-personal-wilbur-smith-five.html

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousDecember 11, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    A very nice and detailed account of the visit. I now know where to look for first before going for any travel :-)

    VC

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  14. RoyDecember 11, 2011 at 8:16 PM

    A great new look to your Blog Mitr.

    ReplyDelete
  15. R GopuDecember 12, 2011 at 1:01 AM

    Excellent! And here I was wondering how to spend sunny days outdoors!

    The directions, hotel tips etc. are outstanding. Lonely Planet has serious competition :-)

    Gopu

    ReplyDelete
  16. Puru@ShadowsGaloreDecember 12, 2011 at 4:41 AM

    Beautiful ! I had gone to Pichavaram on this Diwali eve and found it amazing ! It looks like a different world inside those mangroves, isnt it ? :)

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  17. magiceyeDecember 12, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    wonderful virtual tour!

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  18. AshDecember 15, 2011 at 5:00 AM

    Lovely photos. I quite like the boats!

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  19. BhushavaliDecember 17, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    @Phivos,
    I would like to. But picasa has limited storage na!!! So don't wanna risk it overflowing!!! :(

    @Niranjan,
    You don't say that... Plan a trip of Pondy and Chidambaram together... Its a must visit...

    @Team G,
    The place has no crocs as for as I know. And I had no luck with turtle spotting... :(

    @Swati,
    Thanks dear.. :)

    @Anu,
    You must visit. Its an awesome place...

    @Ram Sir,
    Thank you so much. It is indeed a breathtaking place.. :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. BhushavaliDecember 17, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    @Trotter,
    How are you??? Hope you are getting well...
    Thanks for visiting inspite of not being at the pink of your health. Thanks for the appreciation. Take care dear..

    @Jose,
    Thank you so much sweetheart.. :))

    @Sridharan,
    Glad that my pics took you to your visit... :)

    @Aravind,
    It is a must visit. 100%

    @Ganesh,
    True. It is definitely better to start early before heat kills you.. Guess what, it was the Boatsman who gave all those botanical names!!!!!

    @Shashi,
    Wow. It would have been very nice to be taken care of by the collector of Cuddalore on a trip!!! Am so so glad that my post took you back to your memories!!! :)
    Guess its your first visit here to my blog. Thanks for visiting and commenting... Do visit often. :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. BhushavaliDecember 17, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    @VC,
    Thank you so much Sir.
    And for the 2nd part of your comment, that's the best compliment. Thank you so so so much... Am glad!!!
    And thanks for visiting my blog. Do drop by often.. :)

    @Roy,
    Thank Roy!!! :)
    I was so doubtful. Now am happy... :)

    @Gopu,
    Thank you so much Gopu. :)
    Blessed to be here in this part of the world. We have so many places to venture out, no matter sun or rain!!!
    And thanks for visiting my blog. Do drop by often.. :)

    @Shadows Galore,
    Well said. Its indeed a different world in there...

    @Magic Eye,
    Thanks dear.. :)

    @Ash,
    Thanks darling... :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Tamilnadu TourismDecember 19, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    Very informative. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  23. BhushavaliDecember 27, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    @Tamilnadu Tourism,
    Thank you do much... :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. JohnpaulJanuary 5, 2012 at 12:26 PM

    I thought that you have enjoyed well in pichavarama and boating,the images on the blog is goodtourist destinations

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BhushavaliFebruary 6, 2012 at 11:52 AM

      Yes John Paul, I really enjoyed a lot there!!! :)
      Thanks for dropping by...

      Delete
  25. animal loverFebruary 4, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    The PICHAVARAM MANGROOVE FORESTS in Chidambaram, South India is the second largest mangroove forest in the world!!!It is home to a large variety of local birds and the migratory birds...
    Don't throw plastics in the shallow waters...Hope you woun't allow someone to throw wastes in your home!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BhushavaliFebruary 6, 2012 at 11:52 AM

      Thanks for this socially and environmentally responsible comment... :)

      Delete
  26. kaviselvanDecember 14, 2012 at 6:35 AM

    naan indha oorai serthavan enbathil perumai kolgiren my village is best in the world amezing forest

    ReplyDelete
  27. SRINATHOctober 27, 2013 at 4:54 AM

    Till now for planning I used few tourism websites,trip adviser etc. Thanks for your blog. It was completely informative & attractive. This diwalli I will visit this place for sure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BhushavaliNovember 16, 2013 at 9:11 AM

      Thank you so much for your appreciation Srinath! :)
      Hope you enjoyed Pichavaram this Diwali!!! :)

      Delete
  28. ChitraDecember 6, 2013 at 1:40 PM

    Wonderful and also helpful. Thanks a lot

    ReplyDelete
  29. SujJune 13, 2017 at 6:22 AM

    How long is the boat ride in the mangroves? just trying to plan a visit to Chidambaram, Pichavaram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BhushavaliJune 23, 2017 at 8:50 PM

      The ride was about half an hour to 45 mins long.

      Delete

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