If it is Thursday, it must be Gangaikondacholapuram!

Thanks Gobbledegeek. Looking forward to reading your trip report too.

just checked out your url... stupendous reading and visuals snonymous
if ever you're in bangalore - here is something that will interest you - the green heritage walk.



:brishti

ps
didnt make it to nashik and the wine country last year.
went to igatpuri instead.
it was just after the monsoons - absolutely amazing seeing the numerous strips of waterfalls on them table top mountains

Thank you Brishti
I have seen that website earlier and do look forward to visiting the Lalbagh and Cubbon Parks in peak flowering season - someday...

Will pm you for info on Igatpuri when [if] we plan a trip this monsoons, I know the general region since we used to be regular visitors to the pristine forests which have now metamorphosed into the Middle Vaitarna dam site - such a pity. But Ive never stayed at Igatpuri and would love to spend a few days exploring all the waterfalls and valleys there. By the way, I could not find Bengal Sweet House at Pali Naka, there is only Punjab Sweet House which I have never particularly liked, and Sweet Bengal - which does not understand the concept of a true Sandesh. Where exactly is BSH?

Since this thread gives so uch info on the WHS around Thanjavaram, I thought it would be benificial if I add info on pichhavaram here.

Pichhavaram essentially a Mangroove haven is located at a stones throw distance from chidambaram.

Healthy mangrooves here are comparable with the best in the world and would come up trumps

The drive in itself is very beautiful with the rustic village life unfolding at every nuke

Tented accomodation in the island was an added attraction but allegedly closed down due to Tsunami and other activities

Irrespective, with a good guide(for birding)and a good Ambiga(Kannada for one who rows a boat)this happens to be the X factor in the hitherto dravidian culture extravaganza

Satyaa, did you stay in Chidambaram for the Pichavaram trip? Are there timings for the boat ride, can you engage a private boat and what are the rates etc like? Thanks.

Yes we did stay in chidambaram. Although there is no specific time (open from sunrise till sunset), its best to go early in the morning to catch the sunrise there- more so for the birds

Yes its strongly recommended to hire a private boat. The deal is a little steep at 750 for 2 to 3 hours but its worth it.

Refrain from taking the boat all the way to the sea for an additional cost as thats nothing special. Instead ask the boat man to take you through avenues b/w the thick mangroves. They are magical and some avenues are so dense and lush that harly a few rays of sunlight can penetrate through, lending itself for an excellent photo opportunity

Sounds lovely Satyaa, and that's a good tip about not going out to the open sea. 750 for 3 hours is not really that steep. At the Ranganathittu bird sanctuary near Mysore, they charge 250 per half hour.

I will make it a point to visit Pichavaram when I next am in that area. Do post your photos.