Chidambaram

Chidambaram can be found in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This temple town is situated on the Vellar River. It is known for its ancient Dravidian architecture and majestic Gopurams. This town was ruled by a number of empires in the past including the Cholas, the Pandyas and later, the Britishers. The town's most notable landmark is the majestic Chidambaram Natarajar Temple. Lord Shiva is the main god worshipped at the temple, making the town a popular destination for Shaivites.

Chidambaram_landscape_2
Chidambaram_landscape_2
chidambaram_landscape_3
chidambaram_landscape_4
chidambaram_landscape_5
chidambaram_landscape_6
chidambaram_landscape_7

Things To See & Do

Thillai Nataraja Temple

Thillai Nataraja Temple

Sacred Shiva temple
Chidambaram's main attraction is the Thillai Nataraja Temple. It attracts tourists from all across the country since it is one of the most important places of devotion for Shaivites.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Thirunelvayil

Thirunelvayil

Sacred temple for Hindus
Thirunelvayil, widely known as Uchinathar Temple, is one of the numerous major "shivasthalams" scattered around Tamil Nadu. Inside the temple, there are two main shrines: one for Lord Uchinathar and one for Paalvannanathar.

2 to 3 hours

Suggested Time

Covelong

Covelong

A stunning fishing town
Covelong, a fishing town on the Tamil Nadu coast, is a beach lover's paradise. It is quite in close proximity to Chennai and is ideal for a weekend vacation in many respects. Covelong features temples dating from the fifth to the eighth centuries. Covelong also offers water activities and also offers a facility for windsurfing.

2 to 3 Days

Suggested Time

Achalpuram Temple

Achalpuram Temple

Revered spiritual shrine
Achalpuram Temple is located in the town of Achalapuram, approximately 25 kilometres from the temple city of Chidambaram. The major god worshipped in this temple is Lord Shiva, and the statue installed here is very noteworthy.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Annamalai University

Annamalai University

Popular educational spot
Annamalai University is well-known for its cutting-edge engineering, arts, and science curriculum. It is a popular choice for those who want to study with the greatest professors in the country.

3 to 4 hours

Suggested Time

Chathapurinathar Temple

Chathapurinathar Temple

Peaceful site of worship
Chathapurinathar Temple, located on the outskirts of the city, is dedicated to Lord Siva and Osai Kodutha Nayagi. Every year, a large throng gathers to offer their prayers and enjoy the temple's architecture, which has stayed faithful to the Dravidian style of the region.

2 to 3 hours

Suggested Time

Sivakamiamman Temple

Sivakamiamman Temple

Temple with agamic poojas
Sivakamiamman Temple is noted for its massive Sivaganga Tank and a thousand-pillar hall. It is a wonderful destination for prayer for devotees.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Thillai Kali Amman Temple

Thillai Kali Amman Temple

Sacred shrine for worship
Thillai Kali Amman Temple, a popular tourist attraction in Chidambaram, is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The deity's idol has four faces and is a lovely sight to see.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

The Nataraja Temple

The Nataraja Temple

Holy Hindu shrine
The Nataraja Temple, one of the five Panchbootha Sthala, is a significant religious site among Hindus. The Lord Nataraja Temple, located in the middle of the city and spread across a large 40-acre complex, is one of the most stunning specimens of Chola architecture.

2 to 3 hours

Suggested Time

Pichavaram

Pichavaram

World’s Second-Biggest Mangrove Forest
Pichavaram is the world's second-biggest mangrove forest and is worth exploring by nature lovers. The streams and canals running through the forest support the area's rich biodiversity.

3 to 4 hours

Suggested Time

Best Time To Visit Chidambaram

Winter Destination

  • DEC-FEB

    Peak Season

  • JUL-SEP

    Moderate Season

  • MAR-JUN

    Off-season

  • What To Expect:A dip in temperature with pleasant mornings and evenings.
  • Things You'll Love:Temples and natural spots

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

1/3

Arudara DarshanFirst Week of January

Maha ShivratriThird Week of February

NatyanjaliFebruary to March

Book Your Trip to Chidambaram

From

Travel Options to reach Chidambaram

Our Recommendations

Flight to Chennai Airport, then Train to Chidambaram

Booking Options Starting From

₹5,620

BOOK NOW

Flight to Chennai Airport, then Bus to Chidambaram

Booking Options Starting From

₹5,895

BOOK NOW

Stay in Chidambaram

Recommended Options

VIEW ALL

3 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

Average Price

₹2,904

EXPLORE
Hotel Vandayar

Hotel Vandayar

VGP St

3.2/5

₹3,194

Onwards

Saradharam Heritage Hotel(Lakshmi Vilas)

Saradharam Heritage Hotel(Lakshmi Vilas)

Puthur

4/5

₹3,680

Onwards

RK Residency

RK Residency

VGP St

2.2/5

₹1,840

Onwards

Chidambaram – A Trip to The Town of Temples

Chidambaram Tamil Nadu is situated on the banks of the Vellar River which joins the Bay of Bengal. The gorgeous temple town is popular for housing the splendid Lord Nataraja Temple and the famous chariot festival. This city depicts architectural glory and religious significance since ancient times.


Best Time to Visit Chidambaram


This city experiences a moderate climate throughout the year, making it convenient to explore Chidambaram tourist places. But the winter season is the ideal time to visit this city, starting from the month of November and stretching till the month of March.


How to Reach Chidambaram


The nearest domestic airport is Puducherry Airport located around 65 km from this city. You can easily get a cab or bus from the airport. To reach Chidambaram famous places by train, The main railway station is located in the heart of the city and well connected to almost all Southern Indian cities. Tamil Nadu State Government’s buses and private buses are operating daily to nearby cities including Mysore, Bangalore, and Chennai.


What are the Things to See and Do in Chidambaram


This city has a blend of spirituality and nature for visitors. The city offers Mangrove forests, mesmerising waterways, exotic birds, a variety of seafood, and beautiful temples with a brilliant architecture. The stunning attractions and all the places to visit near Chidambaram grab travellers from all over India to visit the city.


Places to Visit in Chidambaram


Thillai Nataraja Temple

Nataraja Temple is among the ancient temples in South India, dedicated to Nataraja – Shiva as the lord of the dance. The temple is one of the five Panchbhootha Sthalas of Shiva and it symbolises the skies. The temple is considered among Chidambaram top places to visit.


Thillai Kali Amman Temple

This is a stunning temple nestled on the edge of the city and is dedicated to the revered Goddess Kali. This temple was built by Chola King, Kopperunjingan.


Pichavaram

Pichavaram is the most fascinating place in this city and the world’s second-largest mangrove forest. It makes clusters of around 40 small islands attractively crowded with lush mangrove forests and encircled by massive stretches of crystalline waters that meet the Bay of Bengal.


Restaurants in Chidambaram


Southern Spice Non-veg Restaurant

One of the best restaurants in Chidambaram is known for delivering excellent dining experiences. They serve Indian, tandoori, and Chinese delicacies. Some must-try items here are egg dosa, egg kothu parotta, tandoori paratha, mutton pepper, and mutton Chettinad masala.


Palagaram Dot Com

Palagaram Restaurant is popularly known for offering a varied selection of delicacies. This place features a nice setup and a hygienic and welcoming ambience. Corn soup, special dosas, paneer butter masala, idli, cheese dosa, carrot halwa, and gulab jamun are among the most famous delicacies here.


Udupi Sri Krishna Vilas

One of the top foodie places in Chidambaram boasts is Udupi Sri Krishna Vilas. They serve delicious meals on traditional plantain leaves. You should not miss the masala dosa, idli, vada, and poori-aloo of this amazing restaurant.


Places to Stay in Chidambaram


Hotel Saradha Ram

Enjoy the perfect accommodations at this property while discovering the spellbinding beauty of this city. The hotel offers various conveniences such as paid transfers, free parking, ATM and currency exchange, etc.


Krish Garden

After exploring all the tourist places, relax at Krish Garden. The property offers well-maintained, clean, and cosy rooms with stunning pool views. They also provide the finest hospitality and automobile rental services to visitors.


Saradharams Lakshmi Vilas

The property offers a spacious and well-lit room with nice furniture and decor. It provides all necessary amenities such as air conditioning, laundry service, safety lockers, and credit card acceptance.


Food to Try in Chidambaram


This city is a great place for indulging in delightful Tamil gastronomies such as dosa, idli, vada, and much more. You can effortlessly get both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options, however, most restaurants offer vegetarian food items here.


Things to Buy in Chidambaram


This city is a great destination for purchasing brass and bronze-made bells, lamps, and idols. You can find a variety of gold-coated ornaments and artificial dance jewellery sets here in most markets. The Nataraja idol is a must-buy keepsake from this lovely temple town.


Khadi Handicraft Shop

The shop is located in the market near Shiva temple. You can shop for handicrafts, handmade incense sticks, handlooms, and textiles here.


Chinna Kadai Market

Take a walk through Chinna Kadai street and you will find various keepsakes here including handcrafted idols to take back home.


Bhuvanagiri Market

Bhuvanagiri market is located just 7 km from this city. This market is popular for special Pattu silk saris, handloom lungies, dhotis and handkerchiefs.


Chidambaram Overview


State

Tamil Nadu

Tourist Places in Chidambaram

Pichavaram, Chathapurinathar Temple, Thillai Nataraja Temple, The Nataraja Temple, Thillai Kali Amman Temple

Best Time to Visit in Chidambaram

December to February

Chidambaram is famous for

Shopping ,Foodie Hotspots


Conclusion


This town of temples is a serene retreat from your day-to-day hectic life. As you travel to the lovely town, the ancient temples and natural beauty of this place are going to soothe your soul. The town’s proximity to the backwaters and sea makes it more appealing.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Chidambaram

What are the things that you should not miss out on when you are in Chidambaram?

If you are a true traveller, you should definitely not miss out on Sacred Shiva temple, Sacred temple for Hindus, and A stunning fishing town when you are in Chidambaram to make a funfilled vacay.

How is the weather of Chidambaram in peak season?

The weather of Chidambaram in peak season is a dip in temperature with pleasant mornings and evenings. It means you can easily plan a trip in this season for maximum fun during this season.

What are the popular things to explore in Chidambaram?

The most loved tourist places to explore in Chidambaram are Thillai Nataraja Temple, Thirunelvayil and Covelong. You will have an amazing time exploring these places and come back home with a bag full of memories.

Is Chidambaram a family holiday destination?

Chidambaram, in the eastern region of Tamil Nadu, is a popular family tourist destination noted for its holy spots and vast architectural legacy. Chidambaram is considered one of the virtuous cities of Tamil Nadu because of its massive and high shrines. Chidambaram Tourism is home to several sculptures and bronze depictions of Lord Shiva as the heavenly dancer. In addition, there are several scenic tourist sites that captivate both local and foreign visitors.

What is the best time to visit Chidambaram?

The best time to visit Chidambaram is between December and February, when it is suitable for religious visits and tours. During this period, the Chidambaram temperature dips down, allowing you to fully explore all the popular tourist sites. The summer season begins in March and lasts through June. Chidambaram weather in summer can be rather hot, with temperatures ranging from 41�C to 30�C at their hottest. Another popular time to explore Chidambaram is the monsoon season.

What are some exotic stays in Chidambaram?

Some of the most exotic stays in Chidambaram are Saradharams Lakshmi Vilas, Krish Garden, Arudhra Residency, Hotel Saradha Ram and Hotel Vandayar.

;