Tourist places in and around Chidambaram
Nataraja Temple
The Nataraja temple at the heart of the town, covering an area of 40 acres, is one of the ancient temples in Tamil Nadu. It has a gold plated roof, towering over the presiding deity, Akasa Lingam - the Lingam of Space.The ancient temple complex dedicated to Lord Nataraja, the dancing shiva, was built during the reign of Vira chola Raja (927-997 AD). The huge complex is a masterpiece of chola artistry and one of Tamil Nadu's Dravidian architectural highlight. It has four exquisitely carved gopurams (gateways), the noprth and south ones rising to a height of 49 metres. The east and west gopurams are adorned with intricately arved 108 classical postures (54 on each side of both) of Bharatanatyam dance. The temple is quite unique as it enshrines an idol of Lord Natraja instead of the customary shivalingam. It is distinguished for the five sabhas or halls. Raja Sabha, a huge mandapam near the colonnaded shivaganga Tank has intricately carved like a gigantic chariot and has a rich collection of sculptures. Chit sabha or the ‘Hall of Bliss' is the main sanctum, with an unusual hut like gold plated roof. Lord shiva is worshipped here in the form of Akasha (sky) Lingam and is therefore invisible. Kanak Sabha (Golden Hall), the fifth hall is considered to be the most important. It is said that Lord shiva performed his tandava nritya (cosmic dance) over here. The ‘golden hallo' dances in unlimited space. Within the hall is a magnificent idol of Lord Nataraja.
The temple located in the centre of the town covers an area of 40 acres. It is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known as Akasa Lingam.
The eastern tower rises to a height of 40.8 metres. 108 Bharatha Natyam Dance poses can be seen on the Eastern tower as well as on Western tower. The Northern tower rises to a height of 42.4 metres.
The Sivakamiamman temple, the Sivaganga tank, the thousand pillar hall are other important features of the temple.
Thillai Kali Amman temple
This temple is situated on the northern end of the town. It was built by Kopperunjingan, who ruled between 1229 AD and 1278 AD.This shrine on the outskirts is dedicated to Thillai Kali, who was defeated by Lord Siva in a dance competition.
The Chidambaram temple has played major roles in the lives of saints and poets. The story of Nandanar is related in this temple.
The temple dedicated to goddess Parvati was built by Kopperunjingam, who reled between 1229 and 1278 AD. It is said that a trip to chidambaram is incomplete without a visit to this shrine.
Annamalai University
On the eastern outskirts of the town is this residential University, founded by Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar. A great centre of Tamil learning and carnatic music, it offers educational facilities in various disciplines including Medicine, Engineering etc.It is a residential University founded by the Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar. It is a great centre of Tamil learning and carnatic music; now offers educational facilities in various disciplines including Medicine,Agriculture, Engineering, etc.
Srimushnam
Sri Bhuvarahaswami temple here is one of the eight Swayambu kshetras.Vadalur
Satyagnana Sabha constructed by Sri Ramalinga Swamigai is situated here. Devotees woship an etenal flame or Jyothi.Pondicherry
This former French colony has a few temples. These include the shrines of Manakkula Vinayaka and Varadarajaswami.Sri Aurobindo Ashram
An international spiritual center, was founded in 1920 by Sri Aurobindo, a patriot, philosopher and saint. The Ashram symbolizes the ideals of Sri Aurobindo and the Divine Mother.Aurovile
This small township, a new concept in education and urban living, is conceived as a tribute to Sri Aurobindo.Senji (Gingee)
It is located on the Tindivanam - Thiruvannamalai road about 25 kms. from Tindivanam and is about 132 kms. from Chidambaram. This place is associated with Raja Desingh. There is a 700 year old fort running over three hills of huge and steep boulders. According to tradition the original fort was laid by Kone Chiefs. The fort was ruled by Vijayanagar Nayaks, Marathas, Moghuls, Carnatic Nawabs, the French and the British Rajagiri and Krishnagiri are two important fortifications here and it is a popular picnic spot.Entrance fee : Rs. 2.00 per head Visiting hours :9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Every Friday free entry.
Neyveli
It is about 30 km. from Chidambaram via Vadalur. It is one of the biggest industrial complexes in the country. The lignite mined here is used for thermal power generation. Apart from fertilisers ceramic wares and Leco (cooking coal), a number of by-products are also produced from lignite.Natyanjali Festival
The Natyanjali dance festival at Chidambaram brings together all the prominent dancers of India present there with an enchantment and elation, which shone in their eyes and evocative abhinaya as they offered their dance to the great divinity, Lord Nataraja. To many of them it is like a dream come true, to be able to perform in the vicinity of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja himself, whose padams and varnams they often dance upon creating an imaginary figure of the Lord. Natyanjali opens on the auspicious occasion of the Maha Shivaratri day and of course in the right kind of venue - the 'Prakara' of the Chidambaram temple.Natyanjali festival is jointly organised every February by The Department Of Tourism, Govt. Of Tamilnadu The Ministry Of Tourism, Govt. Of India And Natyanjali Trust, Chidambaram.
Tarangambadi
Once the site of a Danish settlement, Tarangambadi has the remains of the Dansborg fort built by Ore Gedde, the commander of the Royal Dutch Navy, in the 17th century.The fort constructed in 1620 with two storeys was the most important building, which housed the top echelons of the Danish officials. Apart from the ramparts, the rest of the buildings are in good condition.
The Church of Zion
The Church was built in 1701 in the corner of King Street and Queen Street. After several modifications during 1782 - 1784 and 1800 - 1839, the Church as it stands today has a vaulted roof and is very impressive.The Gate
The 200-year-old Gate is of historical and architectural interest. The residents of Tarangambadi have to pass through it on their way in and out of the town.Masilamaninathar Temple
The Masilamaninathar temple was built in 1305 A.D. by the Pandya King Kulasekaran and is of great architectural interest. There are several smaller shrines in this temple complex.Rehlings Gard
Another interesting building in Tranquebar is Rehlings Gard named after Johnnaes Rehling who was the Danish Governor and owned the house between 1823 and 1841. It presently houses the St. Theresa's Teachers Training College and well preserved.British Collector's House
The British Collector's house on the eastern end of King street opposite to the Dansborg fort is yet another important and impressive landmark. It is about 150 years old and is one of the largest buildings in the town with beautiful round columns, a central courtyard and a garden at the back.Around Chidambaram
Pichchavaram (16 km)
This popular tourist site site is famous for the beautiful backwaters interconnected by the vellar and Kollidam system. The unique mangrove forests sprawling over an area of 28,000 acres and quite rare and among the healthiest mangrove occurrences in the world. TTDC offers various water sports facilities.Pichavaram, 16 km. east of Chidambaram, ranks among the most exquisite scenic spot with abundant and varied tourism resources. The backwaters, which are interconnected by the Vellar and Kollidam system, offer abundant scope for water sports - parasailing, rowing and canoeing. The Pichavaram forest not only offers waterscape and backwater cruises but combines another very rare occurrence - the mangrove forest - trees permanently rooted in a few feet of water. The Pichavaram mangroves are considered among the healthiest mangrove occurrences in the world. Pichavaram consists of a number of islands interspersing a vast expanse of water and covered with green trees. The area is about 2800 acres and is separated from the sea by a sand bar, which is a patch of extraordinary loveliness. TTDC offers boating facilities, accommodation and restaurant facilities.