Pichavaram ranks among the most exquisite scenic spots with abundant and varied tourism resources. The backwaters which are interconnected by the Vellar and Kollidam system offer abundant scope for water sports like -- rowing, kayak and canoeing. The Pichavaram forest not only offers waterscape and backwater cruises but combines another very rare occurrence - the mangrove forest trees are permanently rooted in a few feet of water.

Pichavaram consists of a number of islands interprising a vast expanse of water and covered with green trees. The area is about 2800 acres and seperated from the sea by a sand bar which is a patch of extraordinary loveliness. To a botanist, rare species like avicennia and rhizophora will present a special attraction. To an orinthologist the sight of numerous birds like watershipes, cormorants, egrets, stocks, herons, spoonbills and pelicans holds great interest.