Pichavaram Mangrove & Nataraja Temple: Boat Ride & Lunch

A 10th-century temple complex sprawls across 50 acres, and the mangroves hold over 200 bird species.

This full-day tour from Pondicherry combines a boat ride through the mangrove forests of Pichavaram with a visit to the ancient Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, where God Shiva is worshipped in his dancing form. The 40-mile journey includes private transport with hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, lunch at a local restaurant, and two bottles of mineral water per person. Temple entry is restricted to morning (6am–noon) or evening (5pm–10pm) hours, and a dress code applies: knees and shoulders must be covered.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Pichavaram and Chidambaram

• Pick up from hotel in morning
• Drive to Pichavaram village
• Boat ride through mangrove forest
• Observe birds and marine life
• Drive to Chidambaram town
• Visit Nataraja Temple
• Enjoy lunch at local restaurant
• Drive back to Pondicherry
• Drop off at hotel

The experience

The boat ride cuts through channels, creeks and mud flats where mangrove trees root in shallow water. Snipes, cormorants, egrets, storks, herons, spoonbills and pelicans move through the canopy. Seaweed, fish, prawns, crabs, oysters, turtles and otters inhabit the water below. The forest spreads across diverse habitats and is home to around 20 different varieties of trees. Your guide points out the birds and wildlife as the boat moves through the waterways.

After the mangrove tour, the drive to Chidambaram takes half an hour. The Nataraja Temple is a sprawling 10th-century complex with shrines dedicated to Devi, Vishnu, Surya, Ganesha and Nandi alongside the main temple to Shiva. The temple grounds cover 50 acres. Lunch follows at a local restaurant (beverages are not included), and then the drive back to Pondicherry ends the day at your hotel.

A moderate amount of walking is involved, so comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat are worth bringing. The boat ride itself requires no special fitness, but the temple visit and general pace of the day suit travelers with at least moderate physical fitness. Infants can sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.
• boat ride through the mangrove forests.
• entry to the Nataraja Temple.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• two bottles of mineral water per person.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 29 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SITA World Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to explore two distinct landscapes (mangrove waterways and an ancient temple) in a single day with a private vehicle and guide. The fixed itinerary keeps both stops within the daylight hours and temple opening times, which is what makes the full experience possible in one trip from Pondicherry.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What birds and wildlife will I see on the mangrove boat ride?

The mangrove forests of Pichavaram are home to over 200 bird species including snipes, cormorants, egrets, storks, herons, spoonbills and pelicans. You'll also see seaweed, fish, prawns, crabs, oysters, turtles and otters in the water and among the trees.

What is the Nataraja Temple and why is it significant?

The Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram is a 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva in his dancing form, called Nataraja. It is one of the few temples in India where Shiva is worshipped this way. The temple complex spans 50 acres and includes shrines to other deities as well.

What should I wear to visit the temple?

A dress code is required: knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women, so no shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended since there is a moderate amount of walking involved.

What times can I visit the Nataraja Temple?

The temple is open in the morning from 6am to noon and in the evening from 5pm to 10pm, so your tour timing will depend on which hours work for your schedule.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks?

Lunch at a local restaurant is included in the tour price, but beverages are not included, so you'll want to bring money for drinks or purchase them separately.