Pichavaram is on the Bay of Bengal coast in the Cuddalore district of Tamilnadu state, India, and the second-largest mangrove forest in the world is found here. It has been declared a Ramsar wetland of International Importance in 2022.

Eastern Great Egrets in Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Pichavaram Mangrove Forests, spread over an area of around 1100 Hectares, have mangrove trees that are rooted, all through the year, in feet(s) of water. The Mangrove forest is separated from the Bay of Bengal waters by sand bars. There are many islands inside these Mangrove Forests.

Situated between the Vellar estuary in the north and the Coleroon estuary in the south, This Mangrove Forest on the Killai backwaters offers one of the best experiences for a tourist. You can go boating in the backwaters or deep inside the forests, and you may also go canoeing, kayaking, or rowing. Tourists can also go to the viewing tower and enjoy the beauty of the woods.

These areas are rich in aquatic flora and fauna. These forests are beneficial in maintaining the shell, finfish, and many other species and are home to many birds, including migratory birds. Birds numbering 177 species are there in this Mangrove Forest. November to January is when the maximum number of migratory birds visit the Mangrove Forests.

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest and its surrounding areas resisted the devastating Tsunami in 2004. The mangrove forest’s roots helped to prevent the Tsunami in these areas.

How Do I Go to Pichavaram Mangrove Forest?

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is 15 kilometers away from Chidambaram town. Chidambaram railway station, with station code CDM, is the nearest railway station to these mangrove forests.

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is around 220 kilometers from Chennai, the capital of Tamilnadu state. Pondichery town is approximately 70 kilometers from this mangrove forest. Trichy city is approximately 160 kilometers distance from Pichavaram Mangrove Forests.