Muthupet Mangrove Forest

Muthupet Mangrove Forest, also known as Alayathi Kadu, is a large mangrove ecosystem located at the southern end of the Cauvery Delta in Muthupet, Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu. Covering about 6,800 hectares of lagoon and mangroves, it is Tamil Nadu's largest mangrove forest. Notable for its dense Avicennia marina growth, tidal creeks, wooden walkway and boat access, it supports diverse birdlife and serves as a natural coastal buffer.

Visitors can expect a coastal lagoon landscape with dense mangrove channels, tidal creeks and mudflats. Access is via a wooden walkway/bridge extending into the lagoon and motorized or row boats operated by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. The area offers views of mangrove vegetation, birdlife including herons, kingfishers and migratory birds, and calm backwaters. Facilities are basic with a jetty, visitor area and boating point near Muthupet town.

The mangrove lagoon is formed at the confluence of Cauvery delta distributaries such as Paminiyar, Koraiyar, Kilaithankiyar, Marakkakoraiyar and Kandankoraiyar, and has traditionally supported local fishing communities and acted as a natural coastal buffer.

Locally known as Alayathi Kadu, the forest is valued by coastal fishing communities for livelihood, fisheries and traditional coastal protection.