In continuation of the previous post about Chidambaram, let’s travel to the Pichavaram mangrove forest!
Mangrove trees at Pichavaram
Pichavaram is small coastal village, situated to the east of Chidambaram. The huge Kollidam river and the Vellar river pour into the Bay of Bengal here, forming two massive estuaries. Several sand bars are formed between these two estuaries, over which the mangrove trees flourish. The mangrove forest here, is the second largest in the world, with the Sundarbans being the largest.
Mangrove trees
There are many state and private operated boats, steamer and rowable, that take us for a ride through the mangrove forests, over the shallow waters.
The mangrove trees are quite hard and strong, than they appear to be. They support a variety of life forms within them, forming a major eco system of their own, within the marshland. There are also occasional trees of other variety nestled within these mangrove shrubs.
Waterways through the mangrove forest
The boat operators are well versed with the routes, and they maneuver the boat smoothly. The water ways are quite shallow a places, with knee deep water, and deep at other places.
That’s me, during our boat ride!
The coastal ecosystem is quite suited for cashew plantations, many of which are present along the coast.
Thus said, Pichavaram is a must visit, for any adventure seeking traveler!
Cheers. God Bless.
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