Pichavaram Mangrove & Nataraja Temple Chidambaram from Pondicherry with lunch
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
On this day trip from Pondicherry, explore the wide expanse of mangrove forests in the village of Pichavaram. Take a boat ride through the mangroves and discover several of the 200 species of birds that call it home. Next visit a 10th century Hindu temple in the neighbouring town of Chidambaram. The temple is dedicated to God Nataraja, the dancing incarnation of God Shiva.
Highlights :
• Boat ride through the Mangrove Forests of Pichavaram
• Over 200 species of birds
• Visit to the world famous Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Adult pricing applies to all travelers.
Not recommended for pregnant women and people with back problems.
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
A moderate amount of walking is involved. Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and hats are highly recommended
Temple visit timings are 06:00 a.m. to 12 :00 Noon in the morning and 05:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the evening.
What To Expect
Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and driven to the village of Pichavaram that is situated at a distance of 40 miles from Pondicherry. Upon reaching Pichavaram, you will be taken for a boat ride on the waters of the mangrove forest that join the Bay of Bengal. There are around 20 different varieties of trees in the mangrove forest. The forest is spread over a diverse range of habitats - channels, creeks, gullies, mud flats and sand flats - and is home to over 200 species of birds. Among the birds seen here are Snipes, Cormorants, Egrets, Storks, Herons, Spoonbills and Pelicans. Many varieties of seaweed, fish, prawns, crabs, oysters, turtles, and otters can also to be seen here.
Nataraja Temple - Chidambaram
After the tour of the mangrove forest, drive over to the town of Chidambaram, an half an hour’s drive away. Once in Chidambaram, visit the ancient 10th century Nataraja Temple, one of the few temples in India where God Shiva is worshipped in his dancing form called Nataraja. The huge temple complex is spread over 50 acres and has shrines dedicated to a few more Gods as well, among them are Devi, Vishnu, Surya, Ganesha and Nandi. Next enjoy lunch (beverage excluded) at a local restaurant. After lunch you will be driven back to Pondicherry and dropped off at your hotel
Options
1-8 Travelers (with Lunch)
Price per person for 1-8 travelers Pickup included
What‘s Included
02 bottles of mineral water per person
Lunch (beverage excluded)
Local English speaking guide
Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food or drink, unless specified
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Meeting points
Pondicherry
Pondicherry India
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Pichavaram visit
57aks,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome, must visit place.very helping staff
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Operated by SITA World Tours