Chidambaram is a town in Cuddalore district of Tamilnadu. This place was ruled by several dynasties such as Marathas, Vijaynagar Empire, Pandyas, and Cholas. This place is most famous for Chidambaram Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Nataraja. Other temples famous in Chidambaram are Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara dedicated to Fire, Kalahasti Nathar dedicated to wind, Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara dedicated to water, Kanchi Ekambareswara dedicated to Earth. Annamai University which is the largest public residential University is located here.
What to see in Chidambaram:
Nataraja Temple: Chidambaram is known for Nataraja Temple. This temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was reconstructed by Pallavas and Chola Kings. In this temple Lord Shiva is in the form of Nataraja. The deity of this temple represents air and it is known as Akasa Lingam. 5 Sabhas are located inside the temple. They are Raja Sabha, Nritya Sabha, Deva Sabha, Kanaka Sabha and Chit Sabha. Beautiful carvings and hundreds of dancing poses can be seen on the temple.
Annamalai University: In 1929, this was founded by Raja Sir Annamalai Chettair. Plenty of courses offered by this university such as Medicine, Agriculture, Humanities etc…
Thillai Kali Amman Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali Amman incarnation of Goddess Parvati. In this temple 4 faces of Kali idol can be seen here. This was built by Kopperunjingan in 13th century.
Tiruvetkalam Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in 16th century. Inscriptions of Nayaka Period can be seen in this temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva gave Paasupataastram weapon to Arjun.
Tirunallurpperumanam Temple: This temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva. After the defeat of Thanjavur Army, this temple came under the control of British in 1744.
What to see around Chidambaram:
Pitchavaram Backwaters: It is located 15kms away from Chidambaram. Boating and water sport activities are most famous in this place. It is situated in the midst of mangrove forest. Area covered by this forest is 3000 acres.
Chathapurinathar Temple: This temple is located 19kms away from Chidambaram which is situated at Tirukolakka. Every year thousands of visitors come to this place.
Tarangambadi: It is located 51kms away from Chidambaram. Dansborg Fort is most famous in this town. It was built in 17th century.
Vaitheewaran Koli: It is located 24kms away from Chidambaram. This temple is dedicated to Vaidyanatheeswar incarnation of Lord Shiva. Devotees will have bath in Siddhamirtham tank which is place inside the temple complex. It is believed that people who take bath in this tank will be cured from all the diseases.
Neyveli: This area was covered with lush green vegetation. Neyveli is famous for Lignite mines. Lignite is used in Fertilizers, cooking coal and power generation.
Getting to Chidambaram: Chidambaram is well connected through road and Railways. From the cities such as Varanasi, Tirupati, Madurai, Rameswaram, Chennai buses and trains are available. Nearest airport is located at Tiruchirapalli which is 195kms away from Chidambaram.
Getting around Chidambaram: Autos and local buses are available to visit the places around Chidambaram.
Best time to visit Chidambaram: Tourists rush is more during Natyanjali Dance Festival. This festival celebrates in the month of March. Best time to visit this place is between January to March.
Where to stay in Chidambaram: Plenty of accommodations are available to stay in Chidambaram. Budget and midrange hotels are available in Chidambaram. Plenty of Ashrams are located around the main temple. Best hotels in Chidambaram are Shri Murugan Lodge, Alritz Hotel, RK Residency, and Hotel Akshaya.
Where to eat in Chidambaram: Plenty of restaurants are available. All the restaurants provide only vegetarian food.