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Peaceful Pichavaram
Situated 230 kilometers away from the hustle and bustle of the Chennai on the East Coast Road, there is the world’s second largest mangrove forest, Pichavaram, where nothing but silence speaks
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
The village located 12 kilometers away from the Chennai’s nearest temple town of Chidambaram, offers you a perfect rural experience where you will be once more convinced that survival is at its best without phone networks or social media’s dreariness.
The forest has been successful in rejuvenating a part of the extinct fauna of the region like the snipes, pelicans and other 180 species of birds.The world’s second largest man¬groves, spread at 2100 acres between Vellar and Kolladam in Killai’s estuaries, the place is always buzzing with activities like kayaking and rowing. Paddle boats are the best ways to take a stroll inside the mangroves. A two-hour trip in a paddle boat can cost you around Rs 500 whereas a motor boat costs around Rs 1100. When paddling away, one can realise that Pichavaram was seen before in the movie, Dasavatharam.
How to Reach
Pichavaram is about 230 kilometres from Chennai and 70 kilometres from Pondicherry on the ECR. Before taking a right on the curved road to Chidambaram there is this signboard on the left which says Pichavaram. Do not miss it. Chennai and Pichavaram are also well connected with buses for every 15 minutes from CMBT. There are also trains from Chennai to Chidambaram and it takes about half an hour drive from Chidambaram station to the mangroves.
Accommodation
Staying at Pichavaram can be ideal only of you are planning to visit Chidambaram the next day. However, Saradharam 3 star hotel and eco resorts offer economy rooms from Rs 750 to the Presidential suite priced at Rs 4000. Chirping of birds or the rustle of leaves or gentle winds blowing will pacify your ears throughout.
The Plan
It is ideal to start from Chennai at 6:30 am in your car and much earlier if it is a public transport and reach Puducherry at 9 am. There are various restaurants along the Pondi-Cuddalore stretch offering delicious South-Indian breakfasts. One should also be wary of the ECR and the Cuddalore-Chidambaram road as they are under construction.
Travel Tips
- Visit Pichavaram only from January to September as monsoon starts later in the year. Summers are too hot and humid.
- Hydrate yourself often as the sea-breeze passing through the mangroves can tire you quickly.
- If you plan to visit during February, make sure you spend an extra day to visit Natyanjali at the Chidambaram Nataraja temple.
- The TTDC management of Pichavaram is strict in terms of discipline, cleanliness and noise pollution.
- Overall Pichavaram can offer you one of the best weekend experiences, be it with family or friends. The place is worth to keep you isolated from the virtual world.
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