Places to Visit in Chidambaram
Chidambaram Travel
Famous for the Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram is considered to be one of the major pilgrimages of the Shaivites and the Vaishnavites.
The place attracts tourists from different parts of the country for its rich culture in terms of music and dance, festival traditions as well as sculptural and architectural splendor. Located towards the eastern part of the state, this city of south India is among the fast emerging industrial city. Apart from this the renowned Annamalai University enhances the value of the city.
Best Time to visit
October to March
Places to see in and around Chidambaram
- Chidambaram Nataraja Temple- Spreading over 40 acres of area this is one of the old Tamil Nadu temples which includes the the Sivakamiamman temple and a hall that is featured with thousand pillars.
- Mayiladuthurai- This place is known for the Dakshinamurthi shrine and the God of wisdom.
- Melakadambur- This place has got a brick structured temple that was built by King Kulothunga I during 1113 A.D. and which houses an idol of dancing God Shiva which reflects the Pala art.
- Pichavaram- Situated at a distance of 16 km towards the eastern part of Chidambaram it is known for para-sailing as well as its scenic beauty.
- Sirkazhi Temple- This Lord Shiva shrine located 20 km away from the city is the birthplace of the Thirugnana Sambandar who was among the top four saints of Saivism.
- Sri Mushnam- Being among the 8 Swayam Vyaktakashethra this place is visited for the big Bhuvarahaswamy temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Thillaikaliamman Temple- Constructed by Kopperunjingan this temple located on the northern end of the city dates back to the 13th Century.
- Thiruvenkadu Temple- Devoted to Swetharanyam or Agora Virabadra (Lord Shiva's fierce aspect) this Saiva temple is just 28 km away from the Chidambaram city.
- Tirapunkur- This place signifies the movement of mount Nandi of Lord Shiva to obstruct Nandanar's darshan of God Shiva.
- Vaitheeswaran Koil- This temple houses the deity called Vaitheeswara who is the Lord of healing.
- Vazhuvur Temple- This is among the 8 famous places of Siva's dance for the destruction of demons and which houses the deity called Krithivasa who wears the skin of elephant.
- Anandheeswaran Koil (Anandheeswaran Koil Street)
- Drowpathiamman Koil (Drowpathiamman Koil Street)
- Elamayakkinar Koil (Elamayakkinar Koil Street)
- Engan Temple
- Kalvarayan Hills
- Kollidam River
- Parangipettai Sea Shore
- Pichavaram Boating Place
How to Reach Chidambaram
Nearest Airport
Tiruchirapalli International Airport is located at a distance of around 195 km from the city of Chidambaram.
Nearest Railway Station
Mayiladuturai Junction is situated at a nearby distance of 34 km from the Chidambaram city.
Shopping
Chidambaram shopping is restricted mainly to local textile and handloom products. Apart from that, the place has got various other options like images of God Shiva carved on stone in the posture of Ananda Tandavam, replicas of the famous temples, framed and laminated images of the Hindu deities and gods. People who love to shop can even opt for the small trinkets like local jewelry, handcrafted items of the state. One can take home some of the local food items such as snacks and sweets as a souvenir of this south Indian city. The city has got many market places, which includes some super markets as well. To name a few of them are: Asian Super Market, U. D. P. Shopping Complex, West Car Street Daily Market, M. U. D. P. Shopping Complex.