Chidambaram Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Located in the Tamil Nadu region of India, Chidambaram is a vibrant town that is rich in cultural heritage and religious significance. With its ancient temples, bustling markets, and unique traditions, Chidambaram offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and spirituality of India.

One of the main attractions in Chidambaram is the renowned Thillai Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is not only architecturally stunning, with its intricate carvings and majestic gopurams (tower gateways), but it is also an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Visitors can witness the mesmerizing dance performances by the temple priests, who enact the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, known as the Nataraja dance.

Another must-visit site in Chidambaram is the Annamalai University, one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in India. The campus is spread across a vast area and boasts beautiful architecture, serene ponds, and lush greenery. It is a peaceful place to stroll around and soak in the intellectual atmosphere.

For those interested in traditional arts and crafts, a visit to the Chidambaram Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society is a must. Here, you can witness the intricate process of handloom weaving and purchase exquisite silk sarees and fabrics directly from the weavers themselves. It is a wonderful opportunity to support local artisans and take home a piece of Chidambaram's rich textile heritage.

No visit to Chidambaram is complete without experiencing its vibrant local markets. The bustling streets are filled with vendors selling a wide array of goods, including spices, fresh produce, textiles, and handicrafts. The sights, sounds, and aromas of the market create a sensory overload that is truly unique to India.

In addition to its cultural and religious attractions, Chidambaram is also a gateway to the nearby Pichavaram Mangrove Forest. This sprawling forest is home to the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in the world and offers breathtaking boat rides through its labyrinthine network of channels. It is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, with numerous species of birds, plants, and animals to discover.

Local name: चिदंबरम Population: 58.7 thous.Elevation: 39 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 11°23'52"N, 79°41'47"E

Location

Tamil NaduIndia

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Chidambaram Top Attractions

Chidambaram Attractions - What to See and Explore

Chidambaram offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Nataraja Temple, Annamalai University, Govindaraja Perumal Temple, Thillai Kali Temple. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Temple • Hindu temple
Nataraja Temple
The Nataraja Temple, a profound emblem of spirituality and architectural splendor, stands in the heart of Chidambaram, a town steeped in religious significance in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. This ancient Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is...
Universities and schools
Annamalai University
The Annamalai University is a public state university in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. The 950-acre campus offers courses of higher education in arts, science, engineering, medical, management, humanities, agriculture, and physical education.
Temple
Govindaraja Perumal Temple
Govindaraja Perumal Temple or Thiruchitrakoodam in Chidambaram in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple is inside the premises of Thillai Nataraja Temple, constructed in the Tamil architecture.

Temple
Thillai Kali Temple
Thillai Kali Temple is a Hindu Temple located on the outskirts of the town of Chidambaram, Cuddalore District Tamil Nadu in India. It was built by Chola King Kopperunjingan who ruled between 1229 and 1278.
Temple
Tiruvetkalam Pasupatheswarar Temple
Tiruvetkalam Pasupatheswarar temple is a Hindu temple. The original complex is believed to have been built by Kanadukathan Pethaperumal Chettiar. In 1914, this was renovated with stone by A.
11°23'58"N • 79°41'36"E
Thiruvasagam
Thiruvasagam is a volume of Tamil hymns composed by the ninth century Shaivite bhakti poet Manikkavasagar. It contains 51 compositions and constitutes the eighth volume of the Tirumurai, the sacred anthology of the Tamil Shaiva Siddhanta.
11°24'0"N • 79°41'60"E
Chidambaram taluk
Chidambaram taluk is a taluk of Cuddalore district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The headquarters of the taluk is the town of Chidambaram.Chidambaram is one of the many temple towns in the state which is named after the grooves, clusters or forests dominated by a particular...
11°24'0"N • 79°41'60"E
Chidambaram division
Chidambaram division is a revenue division in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India.
Universities and schools
Rajah Muthiah Medical College
Government Cuddalore Medical College Formerly is a government medical college and hospital located in Chidambaram, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, India.

Day trips

Chidambaram – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Chidambaram, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Brihadisvara Temple, Fort Dansborg (Tranquebar), French War Memorial (Pondicherry).

21 milesSW
Sacred and religious sites, Architecture, Temple
Brihadisvara Temple
The Brihadisvara Temple, located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, stands as a monumental testament to Chola architectural prowess and is one of the greatest glories of Indian temple architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil or...
28 milesSE
Museum
Fort Dansborg, Tranquebar
Fort Dansborg, locally called Danish Fort, is a Danish fort located in the shores of Bay of Bengal in Tranquebar in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
38 milesN
Memorial
French War Memorial, Pondicherry
The French War Memorial in Puducherry, India is a war memorial dedicated to residents of French India who died for the country during the First World War. It is on Goubert Avenue in Puducherry, located opposite to the Gandhi statue.
38 milesN
Sacred and religious sites, Temple
Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry
Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu temple in the Union Territory of Puducherry, India. Dedicated to the god Ganesa, it is a popular pilgrimage site and tourist destination in Puducherry.
38 milesN
Church, Historical place, Baroque architecture
Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry
Immaculate Conception Cathedral is the cathedral mother church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore. It is located in the Union territory of Puducherry. The church is also known as Samba Kovil, which is a phonetic corruption of "Saint Paul's Kovil" where "Kovil" means church.

Show all

Best Time To Visit Chidambaram

Learn when is the best time to travel to Chidambaram weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

May, June and July are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January and December.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in April, May, June and July. While the coldest is in January, February, March, November and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in February and March. Most of it rains in November.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

The length of the day varies only slightly throughout the year. The difference between the longest and the shortest day is 1 hr and 20 min.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Chidambaram?

The top attractions to visit in Chidambaram are:

What is the best time to visit Chidambaram?

May, June and July are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in January and December. The highest air temperature is in April, May, June and July. While the coldest is in January, February, March, November and December.