Chidambaram

Chidambaram is a town and municipality in Cuddalore district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.The town is believed to be of significant antiquity and has been ruled, at different times, by the Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Later Pandyas, Vijayanagar Empire, Marathas and the British.

Chidambaram is located close to the shores of Bay of Bengal. The topography is almost plain with forests around the town, with no major geological formation. There are no notable mineral resources available in and around the town. The soil types are alluvial and red that are conducive for crops like paddy, pulses and chili peppers.

Chidambaram places 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.

Chidambaram is also visited for a unique reason. The small town boasts of an old palm leaves reading tradition; the leaves are used to determine every individual’s past and future life. People travel from great distances to experience this special kind of horoscope reading.

Chidambaram is an important destination for followers of the Hindu god Shiva and exponent of the fearsome, frenzied Tandav Nritya or the dance of destruction, so sightseeing will include the main temple. At the centre of the town is the large Natraj Temple complex dedicated to Shiva as the divine dancer or Natraj, the foremost of all dancers.

The best season to visit places in Chidambaram are February, March, October, November, December.

Places to visit in Chidambaram

• Nataraja Temple
• Pichavaram
• Sirkazhi Temple
• Sri Mushnam
• Thillaikaliamman Temple
• Thiruvenkadu Temple
• Tirapunkur
• Vaitheeswaran Koil
• Vazhuvur Temple
• Anandheeswaran Koil
• Drowpathiamman Koil
• Elamayakkinar Koil
• Engan Temple
• Kalvarayan Hills
• Kollidam River
• Parangipettai Sea Shore
• Melakadambur
• Pichavaram Boating Place