Chidambaram town is believed to be very old and has been ruled by various dynasties over time, including the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, the Vijayanagar Empire, Marathas, and the British. The town is famous for the Thillai Nataraja Temple and is well-known for its annual chariot festival, which takes place twice a year, in December to January and June to July.
places to visit in Chidambaram
Nataraja Temple
The Nataraja Temple, also known as the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple or Thillai Nataraja Temple, is a Hindu temple in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to the deity Nataraja, a form of Lord Shiva.
Pichavaram
Pichavaram is a village near Chidambaram, located in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its large mangrove forests, which are the second-largest in the world by area.
Gangai Konda Cholapuram
Gangai Konda Cholapuram is a town in Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu. It became the capital of the Chola dynasty in 1025 under the reign of Rajendra Chola I and served as the Chola capital for around 250 years.
Thirukadaiyur
Thirukkadaiyur is a temple town located on the east coast of Tamil Nadu, about 300 km south of Chennai. The famous Amritaghateswarar-Abirami Temple here is linked to legends of Markandeya and Abirami Pattar.
Mayuranathar Temple
The Mayuranathaswamy Temple, located in Mayiladuthurai (formerly Mayavaram) in Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Mayuranathaswamy, a form of Shiva, and has given the town its name.
Vaitheeswaran Koil
Vaitheeswaran Koil, also known as Pullirukkuvelur, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Tamil Nadu.
Poompuhar Beach
Poompuhar Beach is a natural and ancient beach in Poompuhar, Tamil Nadu, stretching around 3 km along the Bay of Bengal, starting from the Kaveri River.
Brahmapureeswarar Temple
The Brahmapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple in Thirupattur, near Trichy, India. Devotees believe that worshiping Lord Brahma here can change their fate.
Thillai Kali Amman Temple
Thillai Kali Temple, located on the outskirts of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, was built by Chola King Kopperunjingan. According to legend, Goddess Kali Devi moved here after losing to Lord Shiva in a celestial dance contest.
Silapathikaram Art Gallery
The Silappathikara Art Gallery is an artistic building that displays sculptures from the Tamil epic Silappathikaram. These sculptures, created by sculptors from Mamallapuram Art College, showcase the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
Best time to visit Chidambaram
The best time to visit Chidambaram is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The summer months, from March to May, are very hot with temperatures reaching up to 41°C. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall, making the town lush and beautiful, while also marking the start of the second Bhrammotsavams festival. Winter, from December to February, offers mild temperatures, making it the most comfortable time to visit, along with major festivals like the first Bhrammotsavams and Aardhraa Dharsana.
