Pitchavaram Mangrove Forest (2025)- Boating, Timings, Bookings etc
Pitchavaram Mangrove Forest (2025)- Boating, Timings, Ticket Price, etc
Pitchavaram Mangrove Forest is located on Tamil Nadu’s Coromandel Coast near Chidambaram, around 75 kms from Pondicherry. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest boating offers much more than just picture-perfect scenery in a single visit. You can observe iridescent kingfishers spearing drift through green root tunnels, and end the day with a spiritual halt at the renowned Chidambaram Natarajar Temple, all within a short radius.
Why Pichavaram Mangrove Forest Boating feels magical
The forest spans over 1,100 hectares and comprises more than 4,000 tidal canals. Many tunnels are only a little wider than a coracle due to the closely woven canopy; sunlight penetrates through spangled shards, and every turn unveils a micro ecosystem, including fiddler crabs, mud skippers, and occasionally even water monitors. More than 200 species are listed by bird watchers, including migrating spoonbills and brahminy kites, which spend the winter months here from November to February.
Book your boating slots: +91-8344246257
Boating Timings: 8 am to 4 pm
From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. In high season, weekends sell out by noon, so it’s a good idea to arrive before 10 a.m. Life jackets are given out for free and are required. There is no shade once you enter the open lagoons, so carry water bottles, sunscreen, and a hat.
Beyond the mangroves: Natarajar beckons
A 25‑minute drive (about 15 km) north lands you at Chidambaram, home to the 10th‑century Thillai Natarajar Temple. Dedicated to Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer, it is one of the five Pancha Bootha Sthalas symbolising the element of space (akasha) and a masterpiece of Chola architecture.
• Highlights of the temple include the 108 stone reliefs that freeze Shiva’s dancing stances, the gold-roofed Chit Sabha that houses the jewelled Nataraja idol, and the yearly Margazhi Arudra Darshan event, which takes place on December 31, 2025, when thousands of people flock to see the processional deity.
• Dress code: smart casuals that cover the knees and shoulders; shoes should be left at the door.
Book your chidambaram guide tour : +91-8344246257
Logistics at a glance
How to get there: Pichavaram is 75 km north of Pondicherry (2 hours) and 230 km south of Chennai (5 hours by ECR). Chidambaram is the closest railhead; cars cost about ₹350 to reach the mangroves.
Food: Fresh coconut water and basic vegetarian meals are served at a Forest Department canteen beside the jetty. Make a detour to Killai village (4 km) for seafood at the beach shacks.
Stay: Although there are plenty of day visitors, reserve a room if you want to experience the forest’s dawn mist.
Book your boating slots: +91-8344246257
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