Location : 16-km from Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
Water Sports : Boating, Rowing, Kayak and Canoeing

This is another fishing village, 16 Kms south of Mamallapuram. A ruined fort of Dutch origin near the beach houses tomb stones dating back to 16-17th century. If you are heading further down south, 75 kms away from Pondicherry you will reach Pichavaram. Mangrove forests could be seen with backwaters criss crossing the entire forest area. An ecological paradise, Pichavaram could be visited throughout the year. Boating operations on backwaters and the simple accommodation on the bank are run by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. 16 Kms West of Pichavaram is Chidambaram, a town famous for the Lord Nataraja Temple, a sprawling complex with multiple gopurams.

The presiding deity Siva is worshipped as the cosmic dancer. Various "Mudras" - gestures of the South Indian dance of Bharatanatyam, adorn the temple. The temple is a stupendous repository of art. Every year, a dance festival called Natyanjali festival is celebrated during Mahasivarathn period. Pichavaram consists of a number of islands interspersing a vast expanse of water and covered with green trees. The area is about 2800 acres and is separated from the sea by a sand bar, which is a patch of extraordinary loveliness.

To a botanist, rare species like Avicennia and Rhizophora will present a special attraction; to a zoologist, no doubt, the sight of numerous birds like Water snipes, Cormorants, Egrets, Storks, Herons, Spoonbills and Pelicans holds great interest. TTD offers boating facilities to the visiting tourists. Pichavaram can be visited at any time of the year.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air : The nearest airport is at Trichy (168-km)

Rail : The nearest railway station is at Chidambaram, which is on the Chennai Tiruchirappalli main line, between Villuppuram and Thanjavur and is well connected by rail with Trichy, Madurai, Chennai, etc.

Road : Bus routes connect Chidambaram to various places in Tamil Nadu like Thanjavur, Madurai, Chennai, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Nagapattinam, etc. From Chidambaram there are regular buses to Pichavaram.

WHERE TO STAY
TTD'S Aringar Anna Tourist complex houses, cottages, youth hostels and a restaurant cater to the needs of tourists.