Chidambaram Tourism

Location : 250 kms South of Chennai
Area : 5 sq. kms
Major Attractions : Nataraja Temple, Thillaikaliamman Temple, Annamalai University
Ideal Time to Visit : February to June

¤ Chidambaram, The Divine Land

The lovely town of Chidambaram is situated in the east-central part of Tamil Nadu state of southeastern India. It is located in the Coleroon River Valley on the Madras-Thanjavur road and rail system. Chidambaram (also Thillai) literally means the sky permeated by an atmosphere of intelligence and wisdom. It is one of the five Shaivite mukti sthalams, the other four being Kalahasti, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai and Tiruvanaikaval.

Chidambaram tourism highlights the beautiful temples in the city, dedicated to Lord Nataraja - God Siva in the form of a Cosmic Dancer. It is one of the few temples where Siva and Vishnu are enshrined under one roof. This ancient temple was built by the Cholas. It is devoted solely to the art of Bharatanatyam and is one of the rare temples where Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the customary Lingam. Spread over an area of 40 acres with a gopuram on each side, the temple is distinguished by five sabhas or courts. Apart from this, the sacred land of Chidambarm, has many exquisite temples and attractions. But the unique feature of Chidambaram is that a person of any race or religion can visit the shrine and pray.


¤ Places to Visit in Chidambaram

There are quite a good number of tourist attractions in Chidambaram. Amongst the must visits in Chidambaram is the Nataraja temple located in the center of the town, covering an area of 40 acres. It is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The highlights of this temple are the Sivakamiamman temple, the Sivaganga tank and the thousand pillar hall. The Thillaikaliamman temple in Chidambaram is on the northern end of the town. It was built by Kopperunjingan, who ruled between 1229 AD and 1278 AD. Annamalai University is one of the major attractions in Chidambaram. It is a residential University founded by the Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar.


¤ Nearby Excursions

Chidambaram tourism offers an array of excursion options. There are many scenic and lovely destinations that are an important part of the excursion trip around Chidambaram. Pichavaram, located 16 kms. east of Chidambaram, is among the most beautiful spot with abundant and varied tourism resources. Neyveli, located about 30 kms from Chidambaram via Vadalur, is one of the biggest industrial complexes in the country. The Kalvarayan hills, situated 150 kms north west of Chidambaram on the western side of Kallakurichi Taluk is spread over an area of 600 sq. kms. Situated at a height that ranges between 315 mts. to 1190 mts., these hills are ideal for trekking. Every year in the month of May a summer festival is also held. Another exciting excursion destination is the Tarangambadi, once the site of a Danish settlement, has the remains of the Dansborg fort built by Ore Gedde, the commander of the Royal Dutch Navy, in the 17th century.


¤ Festivals Celebrated in Chidambaram

Some of the important festivals celebrated in Chidambram are, Markazhi Thiruvadhirai Day Festival celebrated in the months of December - January. The Adi Thirumanjanam Festival is celebrated in June and the Panguni Uthiram Festival is celebrated in the month of March.


¤ Reach Chidambaram

By Air : The airports at Tiruchirapalli (195 km) and Chennai (245 km) are the nearest airports from Chidambaram. From Tiruchirapalli, Indian Airlines flights can be taken to Chennai (Madras). Chennai is connected to all the major cities in India and abroad through regular flights.

By Rail : Chidambaram is located on the Madras-Tiruchirapalli main line of the Southern Railway. It is connected with Tiruchirapalli, Madras, Madurai (335 km), Rameswaram (575 km), Bangalore (340 km), and Tirupati (290 km).

By Road : There are frequent bus services available to various places in Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Pondicherry states from Chidambaram. Non-stop bus services and express bus services are also available to major cities like Chennai.

Local Transport : Taxis and auto rickshaws are available without meter for local transportation. Buses and cycle rickshaws are also available here, but a ride on bullock carts is a specialty.