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