Places To See In Chidambaram

Chidambaram, a town with ancient temples and beautiful locales, is an important tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. Chidambaram is a place which must be visited as it has a lot to offer, ranging from its antiquity, cultural richness, festival traditions, architectural and sculptural splendor and love for music and dance, truly a perfect representation of the rich Indian cultural heritage.


¤ The Nataraja Temple

The Nataraja temple is located in the center of the town and covers an area of 40 acres. It is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with gold plates. The deity presiding in this temple is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe. It is also known as Akasa Lingam. The Eastern tower has a height of 40.8 metres whereas the Northern tower has a height of 42.4 meters. One of the special things seen here are the 108 Bharatha Natyam Dance gestures on the Eastern tower as well as on Western tower. Apart from these, the Sivakamiamman temple, the Sivaganga tank, the thousand pillar hall are other important features of the Temple.


¤ Vaitheeswaran Koil

The Vaitheeswaran Koil is famous for the Siva temple dedicated to the healer of all diseases, Vidyanatheeswarar and his consort Thaiyalnayaki. It is located around 24 kms away from Chidambaram. A bath in the holy waters of the Siddhamirtham tank within the temple complex is believed to be therapeutic.


¤ Gangaikondas Cholapuram

about 50 kms. from Chidambaram, Gangaikondas Cholapuram was established as a capital by Rajandra -1, a mighty Chola King. He also built a temple of Lord Siva. This temple is famous for its massiveness and richly carved sculptures. There's big Nandi in front of the temple made of brick and mortar, a lion head well with a flight of steps leading to the water level and gigantic Dwarapalakas are the other highlights of this temple.


¤ Natyanjali Festival

The Natyanjali dance festival at Chidambaram is famous for various dance performances by well-known dancers. It brings together all the renowned dancers of India. The enchantment and elation with which they dance can be seen in their eyes and evocative abhinaya performed by them presents an outstanding scene. These dances are supposed to be offered to Lord Nataraja. Many dancers feel privileged to be able to perform in the vicinity of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja.


¤ Pichavaram

Pichavaram is situated 16 kms. east of Chidambaram. It is among the most eye-pleasing destinations with abundant and varied tourism resources. Pichavaram also has backwaters which are interconnected by the Vellar and Kollidam system. These backwaters offer an array of water sports opportunities like - parasailing, rowing and canoing.


¤ Kalvarayan Hills

The Kalvarayan hills are situated 150 kms. north west of Chidambaram on the western side of Kallakurichi Taluk. It is sprawled over an area of 600 sq. kms, located at a height that ranges from 315 mts. to 1190 mts. The climate at these hills is temperate, offering absolute serenity. There are two waterfalls and a botanical garden here. This area is the venue of a summer festival held every year in the month of May. It is also ideal for trekking.