#1 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

About Thillai Nataraja Temple

At a distance of 2 km from Chidambaram Bus Station, Thillai Nataraja Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Chidambaram town of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the ancient temples in South India, and among the must include places in Chidambaram tour packages. Also referred to as the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple or Chidambaram Temple, the temple is dedicated to Nataraja, the cosmic dance form of Lord Shiva. It is one of the five Panchbootha Sthalas of Lord Shiva, representing the element of space. Chidambaram, the name of the city literally means 'stage of consciousness'.

History of Thillai Nataraja Temple

The temple's origins remain shrouded in some mystery, but historical evidence suggests a Shiva shrine existed at the site well before the 7th century AD, when the town was referred to as Thillai. The Chola dynasty, who revered Nataraja as their family deity, significantly .....

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#2 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

About Pichavaram

At a distance of 16 Km from Chidambaram & 217 Km from Chennai, Pichavaram is an exquisite coastal village in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most picturesque places to visit near Chennai, and among the must include places in Chidambaram packages. Located between the Vellar estuary and Coleroon estuary, Pichavaram is well-known for its mangrove forests spread over 1100 hectares area. The mangroves of Pichavaram are considered the second largest mangrove forests in the world. Apparently, the forest has more than 50 islands of various sizes and 4,400 big and small canals. The trees grow in water that's 3 to 10 feet deep in different places. The conditions are quite hostile, as the sea's tides bring saltwater in and out twice a day, changing the salinity. Hence, the trees have unique root systems, with membranes that only allow fresh water to enter.

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#3 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

About Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple

At a distance of 42 km Chidambaram, 76 km from Thanjavur, and 110 km from Trichy, Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a historical town situated near Chidambaram in the Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu. It is home to the magnificent Brihadeeshwara Temple, one of the three living Chola Temples in Tamil Nadu that were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site, the other two being Brihadeeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, and Darasuram Temple. It is one of the popular heritage sites in Tamil Nadu. , and among the must visit places as part of Chidambaram tour packages.

History of Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple

Gangaikonda Cholapuram was established as the capital of the Chola dynasty during the rule of Rajendra Chola I in 1025 CE, remaining the Chola capital for approximately 250 years. This site, of significant historical importance, marked .....

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#4 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

About Thirukkadaiyur

At a distance of 23 Km from Karaikal, 23 Km from Mayiladuthurai, 44 Km from Chidambaram and 57 Km from Kumbakonam, Thirukkadaiyur is a popular temple town located on the east coast of Tamil Nadu in the Mayiladuthurai district. The town is primarily known for the Sri Amritaghateswarar - Abirami Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is recognized as one of the 276 Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and holds the distinction of being the 47th Shiva Sthalam on the southern bank of the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu. Within this temple, Lord Shiva is revered as Mrityunjaya, the Conqueror of Death. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu.

History of Thirukkadaiyur

Thirukkadaiyur Temple was established by the Chola dynasty in the 11th century CE. Inscriptions found at the site suggest that the main sanctum existed prior to the early 11th century but was subsequently .....

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#5 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

About Mayiladuthurai

At a distance of 37 Km from Kumbakonam, 37 Km from Karaikal and 42 Km from Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai, formerly known as Mayavaram or Mayuram, is a special grade municipality, and the district headquarters of Mayiladuthurai district in Tamil Nadu, India. Mayiladuthurai is known for the Mayuranatha Swamy Temple, among the must visit pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mayuranathar, a manifestation of Shiva, and has given its name to the town. This temple is one of six temples that are regarded as equivalent to the Kashi Vishwanatha Temple in Varanasi. The other five Shivasthalams include Tiruvenkaadu, Chaayaavanam, Tiruvaiyaru, Tiruvanchiam, and Tiruvidaimarudur.

History of Mayiladuthurai

Often recognized as the entry point to the Chola temples, Mayiladuthurai serves as a significant historical and spiritual center, drawing both devotees and travelers who are .....

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#6 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

About Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple

At a distance of 17 Km from Mayiladuthurai, 27 Km from Chidambaram, 54 Km from Kumbakonam and 94 Km from Thanjavur, Vaitheeswaran Koil is a temple town situated in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu. This town is renowned for the Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple, also referred to as Pullirukkuvelur. Among the must-include places in the Chidambaram pilgrimage packages, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Vaidyanathar or Vaitheeswaran, meaning 'God of healing', and it is believed that prayers to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases. It is one of the Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu associated with the planet Mars (Angaraka), and is the 16th temple of the 276 dedicated to Lord Shiva on the northern bank of River Cauvery called Paadal Petra Sthalams by the Tevaram hymns of 7th-century Saiva nayanars, the Tamil saint poets.

History of Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple

The .....

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#7 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

At a distance of 40 km from Chidambaram, 40 km from Karaikal, 90 km from Thanjavur & 257 km from Chennai, Poompugar is a coastal town in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the major places to visit as part of Chidambaram trip.

Poompuhar was once a flourishing ancient port city known as Kaveri Poompattinam and was at its peak of glory under the earlier Chola kings. The River Kaveri is merging with the sea here. It was known as Puhar due to the exquisite beauty of the port town, and it later came to be called Poompuhar. Silappathikaram and Manimekalai, the Tamil epics, bring out the greatness of the city in some of the poems in Sangam literature.

It has now been established by marine archaeological research (conducted by the National Institute of Marine Archaeology, Goa) that much of the town was washed away by progressive erosion and floods. As per archaeological evidence found during excavation, this .....

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#8 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

About Sirkazhi/Sirkali

At a distance of 20 Km from Chidambaram, 45 Km from Karaikal and 110 Km from Thanjavur, Sirkazhi, also spelled as Sirkali and Siyali is a municipal town in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, India. This quaint town is adorned with numerous historic structures that span from the medieval era to the British colonial period. Among these, the Brahmapureeshwarar Temple stands out as the most significant. Commonly known as Sattainathar Temple, Vaitheeswaran Temple, and Kazheesirama Vinnagaram Temple, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is one of the must-include places in Chidambaram tour. Additionally, Sirkazhi is notable as the birthplace of the Shaiva saint Thirugnanasambandhar, the internationally acclaimed actor Sivaji Ganesan, and Padma Shri Sirkazhi Govindarajan, a distinguished vocalist in Carnatic music and a celebrated playback singer in Tamil cinema.

History of Sirkazhi/Sirkali

The .....

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#9 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

At a distance of 2 Kms from Chidambaram Bus Station and 1.5 Kms from Chidambaram Railway Station, the Thillai Kaliamman temple is situated in northern end of the town. It was built by Chola King Kopperunjingan who ruled between 1229 AD and 1278 AD.

Once when Shiva and Shakti competed with each other in dancing, Shiva struck a fabulous pose, lifting his leg high. Shakti could not match that pose because of modesty, and so lost the contest. By the rules of the contest, the loser had to leave Thillai and reside outside. So Shakti moved to a location at the edge of the kshetra and a Kali Temple came up there. Thillai Kali is credited with curative powers and showers health and prosperity on those who worship her. The black Goddess Kali has a diamond on her forehead.

Annual Festivals are celebrated in the month of Vaigasi and Navarathiri festival is celebrated in the month of Purattasi.

Timings: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM.

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#10 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

At a distance of 40 Kms from Chidambaram, the Sillappathikara Art Gallery is situated in Poompuhar town.

The 'Magara Thoranavayil' at the entrance of the Art Gallery at a height of 22.5 feet imparts an imposing and beautiful look to the whole structure. It has been designed on the pattern of Magara Thorana Vayil, found in Suruli Malai Mangala Devi Koil. There is also an anklet shaped tank in the Art-Gallery. On this side of this tank are installed the statues of Kannagi and Madavi.

Scenes from Sillappathikaram, the Epic of the land have been given lively shapes in stones on the walls of the Gallery. These sculptures carved by the sculptors of Mamallapuram Art College remain the treasure house of Tamil Culture.

Timings: 8.30 AM to 8.30 PM. Entrance Fee - Adult: Rs 3 & Child: Rs 2.

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#11 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

At a distance of 150 kms from Chidambaram, Kalvarayan Hills are spread over an area of 600 Sq.kms. These hills offer a temperate climate and quiet solitude with an altitude ranging from 315 meters to 1190 meters.

Kallakurichi is the down hill ofKkalvarayan Hills. Vellimalai, which is top hill of the kalvarayan hill, enrooted to Gomugi Dam. There is a botanical garden on the hills. There are two waterfalls here. The Periyar Falls is just 16 kms from Gomugi Dam and 12 kms from Vellimalai and another falls is Megam Falls is 5 kms from Vellimalai. The area is ideal for those interested in trekking. Before going on a trek carry a sleeping bag, drinking water, warm clothes, medicines and any food supplies for an emergency.

A summer festival is also held in the month of May every year. Oct - Dec is the best time to visit this place.

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#12 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

At a distance of 4 km from Chidambaram Bus Stand, Sivapuri Uchinathar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Sivapuri in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the must-include places in Chidambaram pilgrimage tour.

Popularly called Thirunelvayil, Sivapuri Uchinathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Uchinathar. This temple is recognized as one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and ranks as the third Shiva Sthalam situated on the northern bank of the Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai). The presiding deity is honored in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical text, the Tevaram, composed by the revered Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars.

According to legend, saint Thirugnanasambanthar resided in Thiruvetkalam, a nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam, from which he visited various temples. During one such visit to this temple, he was graciously offered food .....

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#13 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

At a distance of 3 km from Chidambaram Bus Stand, Tiruvetkalam Pasupatheswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located inside the Annamalai University complex in Chidambaram. It is one of the prominent religious places to visit as part of Chidambaram Tour Packages.

Tiruvetkalam Pasupatheswarar Temple is a revered site dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, worshipped here as Pasupatheswarar, alongside His consort, Nalla Nayaki. This temple is recognized as one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and is the second Shiva Sthalam located on the northern bank of the Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai) after Thillai Nataraja Temple. It is believed to be over 2000 years old, originally constructed by the Pallava kings and later renovated in 1914 by Peddha Perumal Chettiar of Kanadukathan. Historically, this location is known as Moonkilvanam.

According to Hindu mythology, Arjuna, the Pandava prince from the Mahabharata, .....

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#14 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

At a distance of 15 km from Chidambaram, Achalpuram Shivaloka Thyagarajar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Achalpuram in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the prominent places to visit in Chidambaram.

Achalpuram Shivaloka Thyagarajar Temple is a revered site dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is venerated here as Shivaloka Thyagarajar. Renowned sages such as Vashishta, Kakabujandar, Viswamithra, Jamadagni, Dhurvasa, Brigu, and Manthatha are said to have been granted a vision of Shivalokam (Kailash darshan) following their intense penance at this location hence the deity of this temple is honored as 'Sri Shivalokathyakar.' This temple is recognized as one of the 276 Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams, glorified in the early medieval Tevaram hymns composed by the Tamil Saivite Nayanar Tirugnanasambandar, and it is the 5th Shiva Sthalam situated on the northern bank of the Cauvery River .....

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#15 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

At a distance of 10 km from Chidambaram, Bhuvanagiri Raghavendra Swami Temple is a sacred shrine located in the small town of Bhuvanagiri near Chidambaram. It is one of the many temple situated in and around Chidambaram as part of Tamil Nadu pilgrimage tour.

Bhuvanagiri is recognized as the birthplace of the esteemed Saint Sri Raghavendra Swami, attracting numerous devoted followers who come to receive the blessings of their revered Guru. He is also regarded as the incarnation of Prahlada, a renowned devotee of Lord Vishnu. Born in Bhuvanagiri in the year 1595, Sri Raghavendra Swami was celebrated as a distinguished scholar and a talented musician during his lifetime, later becoming a prominent philosopher of the Dvaita Philosophy established by Sri Madhavacharya. The residence where he was born and raised has since been transformed into a temple in his honor.

Initially known as Venkanna, Raghavendra spent .....

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#16 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

At a distance of 47 km from Chidambaram, Silver Beach is a serene beach situated in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. Situated on the southeast coast of India, it is one of the famous tourist places in Chidambaram.

Silver Beach ranks among the longest beaches in Asia and is the second longest along the Coromandel Coast, following Marina Beach in Chennai. The beach derives its name from the shimmering waves that gently lap at the shore. It remains largely unspoiled by urban hustle, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and serenity.

The beach is flanked by coastal erosion formations and picturesque palm trees. To the south lies the South Cuddalore Bay area, which resembles a distinct island. The backwaters that separate the main beach from this island-like feature provide a secure environment for various water sports. Additionally, a mangrove forest can be found on the western side .....

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#17 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

At a distance of 23 km from Chidambaram, Samiyar Pettai Beach is a serene beach situated at Samiyar Pettai village in Tamil Nadu. Situated near Parangipettai, it is one of the famous popular beaches to visit near Chidambaram.

Samiyarpettai Beach is drawing a significant number of tourists due to its tranquil environment. The beach is adorned with golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and verdant surroundings. Spanning approximately 2 kilometers, it offers ample space for visitors to unwind, stroll, or partake in various leisure activities such as swimming and sunbathing.

Samiyarpettai Beach serves as an ideal destination for individuals seeking peace and relaxation. Guests can bask in the warm sunlight while enjoying the calming sounds of the waves lapping against the shore. The beach also provides stunning vistas of the Bay of Bengal, with its vast waters extending to the horizon. It is an exceptional location for witnessing sunrises, as the horizon presents a breathtaking view .....

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#18 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

At a distance of 20 km from Chidambaram, Parangipettai Beach is a stunning beach situated near Parangipettai in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the famous popular beaches to visit as part of Chidambaram Leisure Tour.

Parangipettai Beach also referred to as Porto Novo Beach or Puthupettai Beach, is a tranquil and pristine place that provides visitors with a distinctive and rejuvenating experience. This beach is distinguished by its extensive expanse of golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and gently swaying palm trees. It serves as an excellent retreat for individuals seeking to escape the frenetic pace of urban life and enjoy moments of solitude.

The beach boasts a rich historical background that traces back to the colonial era. Notably, the Battle of Porto Novo occurred in 1781, involving the forces of the Kingdom of Mysore and the British East India Company, during the Second Anglo-Mysore .....

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#19 of 19 Places to Visit in Chidambaram

At a distance of 35 km from Mayiladuthurai, 43 km from Thanjavur, 54 km from Karaikal, 65 km from Nagapattinam, 72 km from Chidambaram, 105 km from Trichy, 129 km from Pondicherry, 235 km from Madurai, and 282 km from Chennai, Kumbakonam is one of the ancient temple town located amidst the two rivers Cauvery and Arasalar in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. Kumbakonam is one of the top places to visit in Tamilnadu, and among the popular places to visit near Chennai.

Kumbakonam is known for its temples and mutts (monasteries) which are the main highlights of Kumbakonam tour packages. The name Kumbakonam in English means the Pot's Corner. In the olden days, it was called Thirukudamookku and it is also popularly called Kudanthai now. According to history, Kumbakonam dates back to the Sangam period and was .....

Distance (From Chidambaram): 72 Kms
Trip Duration (From Chidambaram - Including Travel): Full Day
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Most Asked Questions on Chidambaram


  • What is the best time to visit Chidambaram?

    The best time to visit Chidambaram is in the month of July and October to March. This is also the time for exploring some of the beautiful beaches around Chidambaram. Winter is the busiest season in Chidambaram and often hotels run full and tourist places are crowded.

  • How many days are required to visit Chidambaram?

    Chidambaram usually requires Complete 2 full days to visit the most important attractions. However, there are several wonderful places to visit around Chidambaram like Mayiladuthurai, Karaikal which usually take additional one day. Chidambaram can be mixed with near by wonderful destination like Thanjavur, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Trichy by adding few additional days to your trip.

  • What is the budget required to visit Chidambaram?

    Budget of Chidambaram trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Chidambaram tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 5800 per person for a 2D/1N trip and from INR 7700 per person for 3D/2N vacation.

  • What are some must visit places & things to do while visiting Chidambaram?

    Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Chidambaram like Nataraja Temple, Pichavaram, Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Thirukkadaiyur, Mayiladuthurai and Vaitheeswaran Koil. Karaikal which is around 68 km from Chidambaram and can be visited along with Chidambaram.

  • What are the things to buy in Chidambaram?

    Chidambaram offers very limited shopping options, you can buy some souvenirs, local made Khadi handicrafts, the replicas of the temple and the Nataraja.