Featured Post

A Journey across India: The call to Adventure

on
An easy, practical and in-sequence itinerary planner I have travelled the length and breadth of India, and am truly proud of its rich and varied heritage. I am amazed by the tradition and values, the people, festivals, celebrations and the changing landscape. Have you wondered if it's possible to travel across India completely? Most foreigners arriving in India, land in Delhi and then travel the Golden Triangle route first- which is a good decision incase you have limited time at hand and want to make the most of it. The Golden Triangle- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur includes the much hyped Taj Mahal which invariably is part of a tourist's bucket list. This blog on the other hand- is a sequential strategy and detailed 'been there done that' itinerary plan starting from Mumbai. I am sure as we go through this Journey you will understand India better. My experiences are based from the perspective of a - digital nomad, budget backpacker and from a local standpoint. Each Itinerar
0

CHIDAMBARAM and PICHAVARAM mangroves day trip

on

How to reach Chidambaram

If you are arriving from Chennai there is excellent bus connectivity from Koyambedu bus stand, which cruises along the East Coast road until Chidambaram. And if you haven't till now; then stop by Mahabalipuram en route and pay a visit to the Shore temple here before heading onward.
 
   

The TamilNadu pilgrim's journey so far...

It took us 7 days to cover 2  pilgrimage routes in Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh.

In Route 1~ we covered Kanchipuram [Day 1, 2,3] then Tiruttani, Tirupati and SRIKALAHASTI [Day 4] followed by a leisure break at KAILASAKONA falls [Day 5] enroute our return to Kanchi again.

In Route 2- we started from Kanchi to Vellore and continued the journey till Tiruvannamalai where we ended our trip for the day.
 
 
 


The TamilNadu pilgrim's Route 3

 
< Day 1 > 
    

Thillai Nataraja Temple at CHIDAMBARAM

An evening at Thillia Nataraja temple, Chidambaram
An evening at Thillia Nataraja temple, Chidambaram
 




Our first stop for the day will be the coastal town of CHIDAMBARAM. Seeped in history CHIDAMBARAM too, like MAHABALIPURAM and KANCHIPURAM was part of the PALLAVA dynasty around 9th century AD. Later it witnessed the rule of the glorious Cholas and Pandyas, followed by the Vijayanagara kingdom~ all of whom patronised the rich art, culture and traditions that we see to this day at the Thillai Nataraja Temple at CHIDAMBARAM



Tip~ the temple will close AT 12 noon and reopen at 4 pm. So ideally it's best to visit the temple first before the leisure trip to nearby Pichavaram mangrove forest.


Shiva~ the Cosmic dancer 

Natataja statue of Shiva
Natataja statue of Shiva as the Cosmic dancer

Uninhibited in richness and beauty the Thillai Nataraja Temple at CHIDAMBARAM is world famous, and also referred to as the Nataraja temple. Nataraja Means the Cosmic Dancer. The image of Nataraja lies within the Chitsaba (holiest part) of the temple, behind 2 curtains (red and black). 


Shiva~ as Akash (Sky)

 
Shiva~ the expression of Akash (Sky) at Chidambaram
Shiva~ is the expression of Akash (Sky) at Chidambaram 


To the right of the Chitsaba is the Chidambaram rahasya (the mysterious antiquity of Chidambaram)~ which is basically the Shivling here that represents AKASH (SKY 🌌). One can sit here awhile  and meditate. During aarti the curtains are drawn.

This is our 4th Pancha bhoota sthala. The previous 3 pancha sthalas being~ 

Ekambareswarar temple at KANCHIPURAM which represents the element #EARTH, 

SRI KALAHASTI temple at Chittoor, A.P.  which represents the element #AIR and

Arunachaleshwara temple which represents the element #FIRE.


There is a steady ebb and flow of devotees throughout the day at the Nataraja temple. We walked slowly down the cobbled path and admired the beautiful sculptures of different classical dance poses.
 
A pathway leading to Nataraja temple at Chidambaram






The sound of Thevarams filled the spaces within, it was so utterly enthralling. The temple also hosts an annual classical music and dance festival (around Feb), similar to Mahabalipuram 


Where to eat at Chidambaram
 
There is a good multi-cuisine restaurant right across the bus stand, which serves reasonably priced delicious food.


Leisure time at Pichavaram mangroves forest

aerial view of Pichavaram mangrove forest, Chidambaram





PICHAVARAM is the second largest mangrove forest in the country, after the Sunderbans of West Bengal.  

Boating at PICHAVARAM

The best way to experience the rich biodiversity of this vast mangrove forest is by boat. And the best time is during high tide from 10am to 12noon, however it's quite hot so carry a head covering as these are all open boats. There are supposedly over 4000 canal routes to explore the forest.

  
boating at mangroves forest, PICHAVARAM
boating at mangroves forest, PICHAVARAM



The winter months and early hours from 8am to 9.30  and evening from 4 to 5 pm are most comfortable. This is also a good time for birding enthusiasts.


Boating time~ 8am to 5pm. 
Duration~ 1 to 2 hrs 
Rates~ 200rs to 700rs depending on the number of pax and how much of the forest you wish to explore.


Tip~ An easy languid slow row boat ride is better than a motorboat any day 


Tip~ negotiate the rates well with the boatman. Ask to be taken within the forest instead of just the lake periphery.


Tip~ Do carry water and snacks as required.


Tip~ There's a better chance to pool in with other people during weekends, thus bringing the cost down further. Although that will be a bit crowded.


Getting here

Buses are available from Chidambaram bus stand 15km/ 30 min, but the frequency is not too good. You can get one at least in an hour. There are however cabs available.


Where to stay in PICHAVARAM

Sadly there are no stay options at Pichavaram. There are however some
hotels and lodges in CHIDAMBARAM. 

We on the contrary preferred to head down further south to the Temples of the Cauvery delta~ KUMBAKONAM will be our final destination for the day. 

Comments

Post a Comment