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Dreaming of a boating adventure in dense mangroves? Pichavaram Mangrove Forest offers just that—a serene journey through one of the world’s largest mangrove ecosystems. But what makes this experience truly unforgettable, and how can you make the most of it?

Having done boating on the waterways of the mangrove forest and witnessed the stunning natural beauty of Pichavaram, I can assure you the best one-of-a-kind experience in your lifetime. The mangrove forest isn’t just a treat for the eyes; it’s a rich habitat for wildlife and a haven for nature enthusiasts.

If you’re planning to explore this mangrove destination, knowing the best times to visit, what to expect, and how to prepare can greatly enhance your experience.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make your trip as magical as the mangroves themselves!

Boating In Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Timings

The Pichavaram boat house opens at 9 AM and closes at 5 PM on all days. However, the boating tickets are issued only until 4 PM.

Pichavaram Boating Price

The prices mentioned are inclusive of GST. Both QR and cash payments are accepted.

Children above 4 years have to buy a full ticket. Free for kids below 4 years of age.

Row Boat	4 Persons	1 Km	Rs. 450	1 Hour
Row Boat	6 Persons	1 Km	Rs. 650	1 Hour
Motor Boat	8 Persons	2 Km	Rs. 1850	40 Mins

Pichavaram Forest Entry Fee

In addition to the boating price, the visitors have to pay the forest entry fee and a camera fee.

• Forest entrance fee: Rs. 10 per adult and Rs.5 per child for Indians, Rs. 100 per adult and Rs.50 per child for foreigners
• Camera fee: Rs. 25 for the still camera, Rs.150 for the video camera, and Rs.2000 for the documentary.

The vehicle entry fee is collected 500 meters from the entrance. This includes parking charges for the vehicle inside the premises. Ensure to show the same ticket and avoid paying extra.

Pichavaram Boating Booking

The tickets for the boat ride at the Pichavaram mangrove forest can be purchased either online or at the ticket counter.

Online Booking can be done through the official website to avoid queues. 

Explore Pichavararam Mangrove Forest on a private tour from Pondicherry

How to Reach?

From Chidambaram to Pichavaram

Chidambaram Railway Station (16 Km, Station code: CDM) is the nearest railway station. It’s a thirty-minute ride to Pichavaram. You can hire an auto or hop on a local bus to reach Pichavaram.

Chidambaram is the closest town located 15 Km away. Government buses are available from the Chidambaram Bus station to the Pichavaram boat house. The frequency of the buses is less, once every hour.

If you are hiring a vehicle, it is advisable to book a round trip from your desired place, especially if you do not wish to encounter the wait time. Also, please note that online cab services like Ola and Uber are not available in this region.

From Pondicherry to Pichavaram

Pondicherry is located about 65 Km from Pichavaram. Several buses are available from Pondicherry to Chidambaram. From the Chidambaram bus station, board another government bus to reach Pichavaram, available once every hour. You can also hire a taxi or auto.

From Chennai to Pichavaram

The journey from Chennai to Pichavaram takes about six hours since the two places are 220 kilometers apart.

Direct buses to Pichavaram from Chennai are not available. You have to hop on a bus to Chidambaram first and then to another bus to reach Mangrove forest at Pichavaram. If you own a private vehicle, you can directly reach the destination.

Google Maps navigator for Pichavaram mangrove forest or Pichavaram will take you to a different remote entrance. Make sure you choose the option for “Pichavaram tourist spot and boating” which will take you to the right place – the boating center.

Top 3 Things to do in Pichavaram

1. Pichavaram Mangoves Boating

Picharavam is the second largest mangrove forest in the world, after Sundarbans. Boating in the mangrove forest is the primary activity in Pichavaram.

There are numerous passageways where you can sail along the waterways on a boat while gazing at the canopy of dense twisted roots that touch the surface of the water on either side.

The over-salted backwater is of shallow depth, only 3 – 4 feet. You can immerse yourself in the sounds of gentle padding, the birds chirping, and the distant roar of sea waves crashing along the shore.

The boat ride will cover a specific distance based on the package you choose. After a certain distance, the boatmen usually stop and ask for an extra INR 500 per person if you want to go further. Although this isn’t fair, it’s a standard practice that all the boatmen in the area follow.

Which Boat To Choose?

Rowboats and Motorboats are the only two options available.

Rowboats are fully exposed to the heat of the sun, yet worth an Instagram picture amongst the mangroves. Another great advantage of rowboats is that they can go into the interior passageways of the mangroves, and turnings are easy, unlike motorboats.

If it is too hot during the day, opt for a motorboat as it comes with roofing for shade.

2. Pichavaram Beach

Pichavaram Beach is an isolated hidden natural beauty. This place can be reached only by boat. The beach is separated from the backwaters by a sandbar that needs to be crossed on foot. The beach is calm, serene, and secluded from the crowd.

TTDC Boating packages will not take you to the beach. If you wish to go to the Chidambaram Pichavaram beach and enjoy the backwaters at your own pace, it is recommended that you do so by arranging a private tour as we did.

Book your Private trip to Pichavararam from Pondicherry at the lowest price

Contact: Kathiravan – (+91) 9751501882, speaks only Tamil.

Mr. Kathiravan is a very genuine and kind person. We can vouch for a safe experience with him. You can contact him while you are at the place. He can also arrange for lunch and take you to the harbor nearby, provided you reach in the morning. When you take a private, you can have fun and relish it at your own pace.

The beach and the entire stretch of forest land are clean and well-maintained. Make sure to carry your waste back to the mainland and not litter.

3. Bird Watching

Pichavaram is not only known for boating activities but also is home to numerous bird species.

As you navigate the backwaters of the mangrove forest, take a moment to listen to the natural sounds around you and try to spot the various bird species in the area.

It’s a perfect destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to see rare birds in their natural habitat while enjoying the serene beauty of the mangroves.

4. Visit the nearby places at Chidambaram

Thillai Natarajar temple at Chidambaram is one of the most popular tourist attractions which is situated nearby. The architecture and sculpture are awe-inspiring.

Best Time To Visit Pichavaram

Although Pichavaram can be visited throughout the year, the ideal time to visit is during the winter from September to February. Since it is a popular attraction in Tamil Nadu, expect huge crowds during weekends and public holidays.

The summer tends to get very hot and humid making it troublesome for people to explore around. Opt for a motorboat with a roof as it will be too hot in the afternoon. Wear sunglasses and hats to beat the heat.

Avoid afternoons, as might run into long queues. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that you will get a ride.

Pichavaram Hotels to Stay

There are no accommodations or resorts available in the Pichavaram village. The resorts are available only in Pondicherry and Chennai. Most travelers take a day trip while visiting Chennai or Pondicherry.

The best option is to stay in Chidambaram and take a short ride here. Here are a few recommendations in Chidambaram.

• Sai Homes Chidambaram ($) – recommended
• Homestay Senthil Akam ($$)
• Krish Garden ($$)
• Suloram Illam ($$)

Restaurants in Picharavam

Since Pichavaram is a popular tourist destination, several restaurants can be found just a few meters from the entrance. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods are available. Seafood is fresh and popular in the region.

Shops can also be found inside the Pichavaram boating premises. It offers cool drinks, ice creams, and some packaged snacks.

Note: Carry water in a reusable water bottle. Online food delivery services like Zomato and Swiggy are not available in Pichavaram.

Languages Spoken

Tamil is the native language spoken by the people of this region. Very few people can understand or converse in English. However, all the signs and notice boards are written in both English and Tamil.

ATM Availability

No ATMs are available near Pichavaram mangroves. You have to go all the way to Chidambaram to withdraw cash. So, it is advisable to carry enough cash for the entire day.

Mobile Network Availability

India’s major network providers – Airtel and Jio, work well in the region. The network is moderate to good within the area and throughout the mangrove forest.

Parking Facilities

Plenty of paid parking space is available. Your vehicles will be safe inside the parking premises.

Restroom Facilities

Restrooms are available, but they are not maintained properly. It is best to avoid it unless it’s an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Few places in the world can provide you with a reality-altering experience, and a visit to Pichavaram is nothing short of that.