Eco Tourism at Pichavaram Mangrove Forest in Tamil Nadu
A maze of roots and stems! Pure visual drama! If you can’t afford a trip to the Amazon rainforests don’t lose heart. Pichavaram mangrove forests are the easily accessible desi (Indian) version! Judged the world’s healthiest mangrove and the second largest after the Sunderbans, this floating forest has to be experienced firsthand.
Are you keen in eco tourism? Ideal destination would be at Pichavaram, near Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. Pichavaram is the World’s second largest mangrove forest in the world covering an area of 2800 acres. It is an ideal eco tourism spot of India.
Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
Detour from Chidambaram
Our intended destination was Chidambaram, a holy temple town in Tamil Nadu. On our drive from Cuddalore, we spotted a road diversion fourteen km north of Chidambaram. The diversion board indicated ‘mangroves of Pichavaram just 10km down the road’. We made a quick decision. A little off the beaten track will definitely add to the excitement of the journey we thought.
Chidambaram temple remains open till ten in the night and this detour could easily fit in the itinerary. The road to Pichavaram looked rather pockmarked, but that didn’t deter us. After all it promised a rendezvous with the world’s healthiest and second largest mangrove forests. Soon we were at the Pichavaram Boat house.
Pichavaram Mangrove forests Tamil Nadu
Pichavaram Mangrove Trees
As I approached the place I realized the place hasn’t been commercialized yet. There were just a few boats waiting to take the tourists around, a toilet, a watch tower and a cafeteria.
No touristy chaos at all! There were some resorts and hotels near Pichavaram. The place has some basic accommodation facilities too, but we didn’t explore them. Unless one is involved in a project or a study about the place, two to three hours or a day trip suffices as an introduction to this unique ecosystem.
Several boating packages are available. We chose a motor boat. “You are lucky madam, weekends are very crowded and there are long queues for boats”, commented the boatman, Murugan, as I stepped into the boat. I was silently excited about the adventure as we set off for the mangrove forests. Probably I was in the sixth grade when I first read about mangrove trees. And it was with the same sixth grader’s inquisitiveness that I was scanning the place.
Till I visited this place I had only read in books and seen pictures of the mangrove trees. It was always very difficult for me to visualize how trees can float. At Pichavaram, I saw them for real.
Ecotourism destination Pichavaram
One glimpse and I realized how the name ‘floating trees’ fits perfectly! The trees did look as if they were actually floating. Long finger-like roots seemed to vanish into the waters. One gets the impression that the branches loaded with abundant foliage are standing on stilts.
Pichavaram is so much like the mangrove trees of Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal. Covering an area of 2,800 acres (11 sq. km.), this is the world’s second largest mangrove forest after the Sunderbans. Wikipedia mentions that Pichavaram mangroves are the healthiest mangroves in the world. These floating forests are located at the confluence of Uppanar tributary of Coleroon River, Vellar River and the Bay of Bengal.
I was told there are 4,000 canals encircling 1,700 islands covered with dense growth of mangrove trees. This huge stretch of the mangroves is separated from the sea in the east by a sandbar. I was bit worried if the Pichavaram boating time we selected would be sufficient to see all. We could see the Pichavaram beach from a distance.
Years later I saw mangrove trees in Lombok, Indonesia. Read here: Merese Hill in Lombok
Flora and Fauna of Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
The more we explored the canals and islands, the more curious we got. Brilliant green sights! Completely mesmerising! We floated past them into the slightly eerie dark interiors. Our eyes constantly searched for any moving creature though we felt quite safe with the boatman beside us. Murugan felt quite encouraged seeing our eagerness to know more about the place and kept
sharing his knowledge with us.
There were a variety of trees. Murugan seemed to know each one of them by their scientific names. The wood from these forests is put to several uses. He explained how each is put to a specific use, for example, the porous trunks are ideal for boat building we were told. The local people around make their living from these, he said. He even mentioned there is a ban on collection of timber for firewood purposes. Fishing has always been the main source of income though.
I strongly believe people like him should be made official tour guides. They understand their community and landscape better than anyone and are most likely to sincerely work for the progress and conservation of the area.
The evergreen trees grow to a medium height in the saline coastal sediment habitats. They grow in tropical and subtropical regions, to be accurate, between the latitudes 25° N and 25° S (25 degrees north and 25 degrees south) only. As the trees are well adapted to flourish in the saline waters, the root system is unique. Partly inside water and partly out in the air, it’s capable of breathing in oxygen.
The seeds germinate while they are still on branches. After a reasonable growth, they fall off into water, growing rapidly after that. Ripe fruits that fall from the trees drift away to colonise new areas.
Mangroves provide much needed habitat to wildlife like Bangos fry, shrimps, mud crab, other marine species and salt tolerant species of crops. Birds like Watersnips, Cormorants, Egrets, Storks, Herons, Spoonbills and Pelicans migrate here for the season.
See more Mangrove Trees here: Sundari Trees of Sunderbans
As Murugan took us to the interiors of the forests, it became evident why Pichavaram backwaters is a much sought after ‘shooting locale’ for filmmakers. Kamal Hassan’s Dasavatharam movie has scenes and songs shot here. There was pride in the boatman’s voice when he mentioned how his native place had become world famous because of this one movie. Probably he is not aware how mangrove trees play a crucial role in the protection of the planet.
This small coastal stretch is far safer and ecologically beneficial when compared to the rest of the sea front. Thanks to these thick mangroves! These lush greens lock carbon away in bulk. Nurturing the mangroves thus makes it an economical way to curb climate change. In a scenario where all technological and engineering solutions to stabilise the coastal areas fail, these mangrove forests protect the shoreline.
During the Tsunami of December 2004, the loss of lives around this particular stretch of mangrove trees was less compared to other parts of coastal Tamil Nadu. The entire stretch of trees was uprooted and ravaged but the trees absorbed the shock of the ferocious waves and people living here escaped the direct wrath of the killer waves.
Murugan narrated how fishermen who saw the approaching tall waves moved into the mangrove trees and escaped death. Having learnt the lesson that ‘if man protects nature, it will protect man from its fury,’ the locals now care for these trees much more.
Serious efforts are on to place Pichavaram on the world eco-tourism map. Once this is done so the local people will have a far better life, steady income working as guides without giving up their original profession of being fishermen. Besides educating the travelers, it can generate funds for conservation.
So take that detour to Pichavaram. It’s worth it!
Fishermen of Pichavaram
This is eco tourism: responsible travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strives to be low impact and (often) small scale. It helps educate the traveler; provides funds for conservation; directly benefits the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and fosters respect for different cultures and for human rights.
Pichavaram backwaters is an ideal holiday destination for nature lovers, eco tourism promoters, and nature photographers. For adventure sports buffs, there is abundant scope for rowing, canoeing and kayaking. All that Tamil Nadu Tourism Board that is promoting Pichavaram as an ecotourism spot asks you to take care to bring back all the disposables. And that I am sure all eco conscious people would happily do.
What is the best time to visit Pichavaram?
If you plan to visit this place to see the birds, best time would be from September to April, when the place is teeming with plenty of bird activity. We spotted a variety of birds. I was hoping to find some crabs too or a snake camouflaged and hidden among the roots, but none were in sight.
Tickets and Timings to Explore Pichavaram
Open Timings of Pichavaram: 9 AM to 6 PM.
Entry to the forest complex is free but boating charges apply.
Ticket charges depend on the various packages offered. The costs depend on boat type, number of people, distance, and attractions covered.
Approx charges: 1000 INR per hour for a motor boat
300 INR upwards for a row boat to go inside the mangrove jungle. (Ticket prices may vary.)
Is Pichavaram Boating experience safe for tourists?
The boats are well equipped with safety jackets. Visit during bright day hours to be in safe company. Don’t linger one after evening hours.
How to Reach Pichavaram
Nearest airport – Neyveli Airport (44km), nearest railway station – Chidambaram Railway station (11.1km). Distance from Chennai to Pichavaram – 243 km. Distance from Chidambaram to Pichavaram – 16km via Therkku.
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(This post was first written on Jan 4, 2010.)
Was on my list. Wanted to visit it when I went to Pondicherry. May be next time. Thanks for sharing Indrani!
Very interesting to hear about these floating trees. First time I heard about such trees. But what happens when roots of these trees find land?.
Would love to visit this someday! To be honest, I had no idea about this. Thanks Indrani 🙂
These types of journey recharges us !! Beautiful post
Enjoyed the tour!
Nice location
But does one has to ride one of those canoes in the picture. That would be scary
Very interesting Indrani! Thanks for sharing.
Would love to go there. Thanks for writing about this Indrani.
They do use motor boats and cause some oil spill
That is unfortunate! Long since I have been there now.
I had plans to go see Pichavaram last year and didn’t work out. I’m so desperate to see this mangrove forest.
Thank you for the sights. The info about how the mangrove and how it received the 2004 tsunami was news to me. Thank you, Indrani. 🙂
A great post. You surely had a great experience in this beautiful place 🙂
a true nature’s beauty
But I am afraid of forest
worlds second largest mangrove…awesome Indrani 🙂
Pichavaram with its mango groves look like a paradise
Have grown up hearing about this place but have never been there! Thank you for taking me there. 🙂
Great post …Would like to share it with our readers too. It would be great if you share it on our portal too.
Hello Greenmoksha, please feel free to share the post in your portal and share with your readers. Thank you!
A good Post.. The Photographs are so fascinating.. Reminds us one of our visits to Coorg interiors.. Thanks for sharing, Indrani!
Thanks for sharing your photo and nice eco -tourism spot.
The spot is full of natural beauties.I will try to visit the spot place one day.
Great post, will visit this place soon.
sounds fabulous…I hope they leave it alone for the future and not rip it apart like they are doing in Brazil…
Lovely pictures. Did you travel on a boat like the one in your picture? That is a little scary! But the place seems so beautiful, and worth all that trouble to just be around there!
The area is full of natural beauties. Thanks for the info. I will try to visit this place one day.
Nice one! This is on our things to do list.
Wish you a very Happy New Year
Amazing pictures! I like seeing these kinds A LOT. 🙂
Very informative. The pictures are breath-taking.
Hi Indrani,
Thanks for sharing your photo & interesting eco -tourism.
I do love this kind of trip..nature.
Thanks again & do have a nice day.
Hi Indrani! Very interesting post! I am always interested in mangrove forests. I saw in Australia many mangrove trees along the Endeavour River. They were home to crocs and other animals. Happy New Year!
An enchanting place.
Wish you a very happy new year.
Wonderful place, isn't it ! Am so glad you visited it .
Very true! there is a famous saying in sanskrit which goes like this – "Vriksho rakshati rakshitaha", meaning the same; those who save trees will be saved. simple yet a powerful that only through experience we can feel.
Great post as always 🙂 I have marked this place into my list of to visit places. Thanks for the nice pics too.
Is exactly right what you write:
if we want to survive we must uphold the balance of nature!
Thanks, wonderful post and magnificent pictures!
🙂
What amazing pictures! Thank you so much for sharing them and for stopping by for a visit! I have so enjoyed reading your blog!
What a wonderful and peaceful place to visit.Nice shots taken.
TC
Enjoy
Love the second shot!
Great place. Such wonderful captures.
Happy New Year!
Regards.
Great pics….. pichavaram is high on my list of places to visit… lets see if i can visit it at least this year…
and wish u a very happy, prosperous and travel filled year ahead…
what a beautiful place, thanks for sharing indrani
love the post ghost crabs too… lovely photo's
Hanuman
Nice pics !
I have chance to see mangrove forest in Bhitarkanika and Andaman.
Traveling through those creeks where u feel totally isolated from outside world in complete peace with your environment.
Truly interesting. We have all these wonderful places closeby and never know or take the time off to visit. Thank you
Nature's bounty!
Thanks for reminding..
It is a wonderful place, the mangrove trees are a great place for the birds. I would like to take a triplike this too. Thanks for the tour. Very nice!
If we have neglected our responsibility to nature we shouldn't wonder anymore why when calamities strike. I love boat trips among mangroves. So Indrani, did you spot snakes wound around those roots? 🙂
Great pictures. And such a valuable lesson – that nature can protect us from natural disasters, so we should take care of her (Nature, that is)…
Very interesting and lovely landscapes.
fascinating place indeed!
heres wishing you and yours a super duper 2010!
these mangroves and the deserts in kutch are the natural protection for our country from the cyclones… !!!
i m yet to ever visit a mangrove but dying tooo !!!!
lovely pictures !!!
Mangrove just proved its vital importance. Very interesting post with neat photos. Liked much the reflection frame.
Seems a lovely journey. Thanks for sharing Indrani.
Never knew all that about mangrove trees – fascinating stuff. Great trip you took.
Fascinating Place. I would love to be in this place myself to see this fantastic nature.
It is indeed a fascinating post and terrific photos as always, Indrani!
And I, too, always learn something. Thanks for sharing and for the wise words!
Hope your new year is off to a great start!
Sylvia
I would love to go on a trip like that. Wonderful shots. So sad to think about the loss of lives from the Tsunami. Hopefully the care of the trees will help if that happens again. Great post from a fascinating trip.
It's a enchanting place I think. I would love to see this in person. Another thing to put on the list of must-see in India.
What a neat, neat place! Thanks for taking us along for the ride.
what a fab post and so informative. thank you for sharing this info with us. enjoyed very much.
erin
A fascinating post with lovely photographs of this very beautiful area. Wise words: "If man protects nature, it will protect man from its fury." Thank you Indrani. I always feel I learn something new when I visit here.
Hi Indrani, great post! How the mangrove swamps saved lives during the tsunami. people should protect the natural environment and not contribute to the degradation.
Hello! It has been months! I float like a tree for other reasons..does that count? Hehe..
Ah..what marvelous creations we have. You capture so well in words and pictures. So glad to be back and reading what inspires me to be better. Thank you!
Happy New Year! :0)