Pichavaram Mangrove Forests

Pichavaram Mangrove Forests

The Pichavaram Mangrove Forests, covering an area of almost 2800 acres, are among the healthiest in the world. It is also home to about about 177 species of birds.

Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow in saline coastal areas mainly between 25° N and 25° S latitudes.

The Pichavaram Mangrove forests offer backwater rides which offers an unique experience.

These mangroves are home to water snakes, water dogs, foxes, turtles, crustaceans, and waterfowl. So far 170 species of birds have been identified in these forests.

Water Dog – squint your eye to see it

These forests are among the healthiest mangrove occurrences in the world. It is a series of small islands covered with green trees.

Fishing for crustaceans

The Pichavaram mangrove forests consists of rare species like Avicennia and Rhizophara, supporting the existence of rare varieties of shell fishes. Avicennia are among the most salt tolerant mangroves and are often the first to colonise fresh deposits of sediment. Its sap is salty and it expels the excess salt through its leaves.

Tamil Nadu Tourism Development have proposed to host an Eco Tourism festival (Dawn Fest) at Pichavaram.