Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
Despite being one of the world's largest mangrove jungles, you might be forgiven if you had never heard of Pichavaram mangrove forest (along with the Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal and Bhitarkanika in Odisha). After all, it's off the beaten path. This unusual and fascinating location, though, is well worth a visit.
Pichavaram Mangrove Forest's Importance
Pichavaram's mangrove forest covers 1,100 hectares and joins the Bay of Bengal, where it is divided by a long sand bank. The woodland is said to have around 50 islands of varied sizes and 4,400 large and small waterways. Astonishing! The little canals are sun-flecked tunnels of roots and branches, some of which hang so low that passing through them is difficult. Everything is peaceful and still except for the swish of paddles, the murmur of birds, and the distant roar of the sea.
Students and experts from all across India visit the mangrove forest to learn about its amazing biodiversity. Around 200 bird species have been identified, as well as numerous types of seaweed, fish, prawns, crabs, oysters, turtles, and otters. In addition, the mangrove forest contains roughly 20 different tree species.
In various locations, the trees grow in water that is three to ten feet deep. Because the sea's tides carry salt water in and out twice a day, varying the salinity, the conditions are highly unfriendly. As a result, the trees have distinct root systems with membranes that enable only fresh water to pass through. They also develop breathing roots that emerge from the water and contain apertures that allow oxygen to enter.
The terrible 2004 hurricane that devastated Tamil Nadu decimated the mangrove forest. However, inland destruction would have been devastating if not for the forest functioning as a water barrier. The tsunami's water has harmed its growth, necessitating the implementation of preventative measures. Villagers had already cut the tree roots for firewood. This practise has now been outlawed.
The mangrove jungle's unusual backdrop has been featured in several south Indian films, notably Idayakanni (1975), Sooryan (2007), Dasavatharam (2008), and Thupparivalan (2017).
Due to its complicated tangle of canals, it was also a smugglers' hotspot.
Mythology and History
The mangrove forest of Pichavarm, originally known as Thillai Vana, is a significant element of the area's history. Lord Shiva is claimed to have appeared in the appearance of a handsome but modest merchant in the jungle, where a group of rishis (sages) dwelt and practised magic. Lord Vishnu was escorted by Mohini, Lord Vishnu's attractive feminine incarnation. When their wives fell in love with Lord Shiva, the rishis were furious. To kill him, they summoned snakes, tigers, and devils. It didn't work, of course. Finally, Lord Shiva revealed his true identity and performed the Ananda Tandava (blissful cosmic dance) in his human form.
As a result, the rishis realised that magic rites could not govern god, as they had previously assumed.
Where to Go and How to Get There
Pichavaram is around a 30-minute drive from Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu's temple town. It's a beautiful drive through rice fields, villages with brightly painted buildings, traditional style huts with thatched roofs, and ladies selling fish on the side of the road.
The most convenient way to get there is by taxi, which costs around 800 rupees for a round trip. Local buses run every hour between Chidambaram and Pichavaram, with tickets costing around ten rupees. Chidambaram can readily reachable by train from Chennai in around four hours.
Here are some train alternatives. Tiruchirapalli (three hours southeast of Chidambaram) has the closest airports.
Post a Comment