Highlights : Very few people know of the existence of these places as far less even visit them.  But the occasional visitor and the inquisitive foreigner have managed a trip and soaked in the natural beauty of their surrounding. Fourteen kilometers from Chidambaram is the extensive Pichavaram Mangrove forest. mangrove forest constitute unique ecosystems. They are found in the coastal areas of tropical and sub-tropical regions where the level of the saline water rises and falls with the tides twice every day. No where else in Indian sub - continent you will encounter an unique Eco system as found in Pichavaram. Very few people know of its existence as far less even visit them. It is a place in the deep Southern India for those who can manage to go there and intern get soaked in the natural beauty of their surroundings. A true trip for Eco conscious members.
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[These Eco Tour Programs are best run with minimum 6 travelers to a group & more]

PICHAVARAM MANGROVE FOREST - Fourteen kilometers from Chidambaram is the extensive Pichavaram Mangrove forest. Mangrove forests constitute unique eco systems. They are found in the coastal areas of tropical and sub-tropical regions where the level of the saline water rises and falls with the tides twice every day.

Very few people know of the existence of these places as far less even visit them. but the occasional visitor and the inquisitive foreigner have managed a trip and soaked in the natural beauty of their surrounding.

Fourteen kilometers from Chidambaram is the extensive Pichavaram Mangrove forest. Mangrove forest constitutes unique ecosystems. They are found in the coastal areas of tropical and sub-tropical regions where the level of the saline water rises and falls with the tides twice every day. The terrain is open to the devastating effects of wind and rain, making life in this inhospitable region difficult, to say the least. But the mangrove tree has adapted itself exceedingly well. Not only does it survive it thries under these conditions. It not only counters the erosion caused by the wind and waves but is responsible for actually reclaiming the land!

Seeds could hardly survive in such a hostile environment so the mangrove evolved a singular solution. The seeds germinate on the tree and develop into cigar shaped seedlings, pointed at the lower end. When mature enough, these fall of the tree and penetrate the soil where they develop roots. This mode of germination ensures a high percentage of survival and a rapid growth of new trees.

The roots have very developed membrances which act like filters permitting only fresh water to enter. If by chance some salinity filters through, the excess salt is accumulated in the leaves which simply fall off. The most important feature of the tree however are its prop-like roots which give it is peculiar appearance and made it appear as it were standing on stilts. The root system has pores through which the tree breathes in oxygen from the air when the water level falls and the roots are exposed.

There root system acts like gigantic net trapping broken branches, dead leaves and sundry debris. Mud and sand collects at the base of the tree entrapped by the roots and in this way the mangrove forest is the most effective natural barrier against the erosive forces of the wind and waves, cyclones and storms. The mangrove forest is the most effective natural barrier against the erosive forces of the winds and waves, cyclones and storms. The mangrove swamps are gigantic biological sinks with unrivalled capacity to absorb and assimilate chemicals from polluted water and recycle them into nutrients from the surrounding vegetation.

This unique ecosystem attracts a large variety of fish invertebrates which in turn attracts birds and animals. The Pichavaram Mangrove forest remains unknown till Late M G Ramchandran selected this location for his film Idayakani.

The forest area of 1400 hectares has an extensive covering of Mangrove trees and is crises crossed by numerous creeks and channels. On the eastern side is a narrow sand bank. Reasonably good accommodation is available in comfortable cottages. Restaurant facilities though not lavish are more than adequate and boats are available for the adventurous who want to explore nature’s bounty to the full.