Cuddalore Districts

About:

Cuddalore is a fast growing industrial city located south of Pondicherry on the banks of the Bay of Bengal. The word Cuddalore literally means “Sea Town” in Tamil. Cuddalore is known for its picturesque beaches and its ancient Saiva and Vaishnava temples.Cuddalore is very famous for some of its specialty that makes the district unique from others. This is well known for the residence of world famous Lord Natarajan Temple. This is the original place of the sculpture of Nataraj. This is also the cosmic dancer`s place. Chidambaram is present in Cuddalore district.The recharging of water level is hence essential and therefore the Hon’ble Chief Minister have given top priority for the implementation of the Rain Water Harvesting Scheme. The main object of the Rain Water Harvesting is to allow the rain water to percolate into soil and to the under ground water bearing formations and these formations will help to improve water sources with sustainability. By creation of soil and water conservation structures like percolation ponds, check dams, deepening of village tanks, Ooranies, Supply channels rain water is harvested and this enables to increase the water level.The Historic importance of this District can be mentioned properly as it has played role since the time of `Idicasam`. Mr. Robert Clive started his administration from this district. The building that he constructed as the residence and administrative are still stand as the administrative residence of district administration.This place is also famous for Lignite and Coal Mine. Lignite that is found in abundance is actually a treasure for the community. Like this out of Coal Mine heavy power and electricity is produced and distributed throughout the country.

The Gedilam River flows through the town and separates the Old Town from Thirupadiripuliyur. Old Town was an ancient seaport and traded with the Roman Empire approximately 2000 years ago. Cuddalore was first conquered by the Dutch, followed by Portugal, France and later Britain. The British built Fort St David in Cuddalore near Devanampattinam. The city has some highly respected schools, founded by Europeans in the 17th century, which are perhaps the oldest surviving schools in India.

Location info:

Cuddalore District,Tamil Nadu,India

Climate/Weather of Cuddalore Districts :

Max 37.7°C Min 20.2°C

History of Cuddalore Districts :

In the neighborhood are the ruins of Fort St David situated on the river Gadilam, which has a stirring history. As a small fort built by a Hindu merchant, it fell into the hands of the Marathas after the capture of Gingee by Sivaji in 1677. From them it was purchased by the English in 1690, the purchase including not only the fort but the adjacent towns and villages within “ye randome shott of a piece of ordnance.” A great gun was fired to different points of the compass and all the country within its range, including the town of Cuddalore, passed into the possession of the English. The villages thus obtained are still spoken of as cannon ball villages.From 1725 onwards the fortifications were greatly strengthened. In 1746 Fort St. David became the British headquarters for the south of India, and Dupleix’ attack was successfully repulsed. Clive was appointed its governor in 1756; in 1758 the French captured it, but abandoned it two years later to Sir Eyre Coote. In 1782 the French captured it again, and restored it sufficiently to withstand a British attack in 1783 — see Battle of Cuddalore (1783). In 1785 it finally passed into British possession.

Educational Institutions of Cuddalore Districts :

Arts & Science:C. Kandasamy Naidu College for Women, Cuddalore
Govt. Arts College, Chidambaram Dt
Periyar Arts College, Cuddalore
Thiru Kolanjiappar Government Arts College, Virudhachalam
Aries Arts and Science College for Women, Vadalur Taluk
B. Padmanabhan Jayanthimala Arts and Science College, Cuddalore
Jawahar Science College, Neyveli
Krishnasamy College of Science, Arts and Management for Women, Cuddalore Taluk
Shri Raghavendra Arts and Science College, Cuddalore
Sri Arumugam Arts and Science College, Cuddalore
Sri Thangam Periyasamy Arts and Science College, Cuddalore
St. Joseph College of Arts and Science, Cuddalore
Thiruvalluvar Arts and Science College, Cuddalore
Hotel Management:Mahalakshmi College of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, CuddaloreDental:
Rajah Muthiah Dental College and Hospital, ChidambaramEngineering:Anna University Tiruchirappali, Panruti Campus, Panruti
Annamalai University, Chidambaram
Dr. Navalar Nedunchezhiyan College of Engineering, Cuddalore
Krishnasamy College of Engineering and Technology, Cuddalore Taluk
M.R.K. Institute of Technology, Cuddalore
Sri Jayaram Engineering College, Cuddalore
Medical:Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Chidambaram
Management:Annamalai University, Chidambaram
Dr. Navalar Nedunchezhiyan College of Engineering, Tholudur
Krishnasamy College of Engineering and Technology, Cuddalore TalukPharmacy:C.S. Jain College of Pharmacy, Shrimushnam
Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University, Cuddalore
Mayor Radhakrishnan College of Pharmacy, Cuddalore
Sree Krishna College of Pharmacy, CuddalorePolytechnic:Annamalai Polytechnic College, Chettinad
Institute of Ceramic Technology, Virudhachalam
Muthiah Polytechnic College, Annamalai Nagar
Annai Velankkani Polytechnic College, Anguchettipalayam
Aries Polytechnic College, Vadalur
Krishnasamy Memorial Polytechnic College, Cuddalore
Padalesuwarar Polytechnic College, Vannarapalayam
Sri Ayyappa Polytechnic College, Vridhachalam
Vivekananda Polytechnic College, Neyveli

Langauge

Tamil Langauge

Culture:

Fairs and Festival:
The major festivals celebrated at the temple in Thiruvahindrapuram are the Brahmotsavam in Tamil month Chitrai, Desikar festival in Puratasi and Masi Makam (sea bath) at Devanampattinam, and Vaikunta Ekadasi festival in Markazhi / Thai monthsMasi Magam:
Masi Magam is an annual festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Masi (February-March). Deities from in and around Cuddalore district are brought in ceremonial processions to the Ponnaiyar River for a symbolic immersion ceremony. Thousands of people go to the seashore to have a dip in the sea, which is said to wash away one’s sins.Fire Walking Festival:
Local temples conclude their annual festivals with hundreds of men, women and children walking on fire for fulfillment of their vows.

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Cuddalore has two railway stations, Thirupadirippuliyur and Cuddalore Port Junction, with station codes TDPR and CUPJ respectively. The station code for Cuddalore Port Junction was previously COT, as the station is located in Cuddalore OT. Thirupadirippuliyur railway station is located in the Cuddalore new town and is at a walkable distance to Cuddalore bus stand.

Nearest Airport:Chennai, located at a distance of 192-km. The travel time by road takes about 4 to 5 hours.

Road Transport:National Highway NH-45A (the Villupuram-Pondicherry-Cuddalore-Chidambaram-Nagapattinam Highway) passes through Cuddalore.Three state highways connect Cuddalore with other parts of Tamil Nadu. The state highways originating from Cuddalore are

Tourist Attraction of Cuddalore Districts:

Tiruppapuliyur:
Tiruppatiripuliyur also known, as Tiruppapuliyur is located in Cuddalore New Town. The sacredness of the place is due to the divine effulgence by which spiritual attainment becomes easier. In Tiruppapuliyur, there is an old Shiva temple dedicated to Lord Pataleswarar.Kattu Mannargudi:
Mannargudi is a place of religious antiquity and legendary importance. The famous Vishnu temple at Mannargudi dedicated to Sri Rajagopalaswami was built by the Chola King Kulottunga I (1070-1120 AD). The temple is situated over an area of 6 acres of land that commands an imposing view and provides accommodation for thousands of devotees.Thiruvahindrapuram:
Thiruvahindrapuram, a calm village of the historical coastal town of Cuddalore, falls in the group of Nadu Nattu Tirupati among 108 Divya Desams. The temple of Lord Devanatha is flanked by the inspiring “Oushadagiri” an herbal drop from the hands of speeding Anjaneya to the battlefield of Lanka and the serpentine holy river Garuda Nadhi. Its importance has found place in three puranas, viz. Brahmandam, Brahannardiyam and Skandam. The major festivals celebrated in this temple are Brahmotsavam in Tamil month Chitrai, Desikar festival in Puratasi and Masi makam (sea bath) at Devanampattinam, Vaikunta Ekadasi festival in Markazhi / Thai monthsPataleeswarar Temple:
This temple dedicated to Pataleeswarar (Lord Shiva), has been in existence since the 7th century AD. The existing structure is largely a result of renovations from the 19th century. It has artistically carved pillars, which has been glorified by the poems of the Saivite Saints.Chidambaram:
Chidambaram is one of the most ancient and celebrated shrines in India located at a distance of 44-km from the Cuddalore city. It is of great religious as well as historic and cultural significance. Chidambaram is associated with Lord Nataraja or Shiva in his Ananda Tandava pose (the Cosmic Dance of bliss) in the cosmic golden hall and the hall of consciousness (Chit Sabha).Annamalai University:
Annamalai University is situated in Annamalai Nagar, which is at a distance of 47-km from Cuddalore. It is one of the greatest centers of Tamil learning and Carnatic music. The late Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar founded it.Pichavaram:
Pichavaram is located at a distance of 56-km from Cuddalore. It ranks among the most exquisite scenic spot with abundant and varied tourism resources. The backwaters, which are interconnected by the Vallar and Coleroon system, offer abundant scope for water sports -rowing, kayak and canoeing. The Pichavaram forest not only offer 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 occurrence in the world.Porto-Novo (Parangipettai):
Porto-Novo, also called “Parangipettai”, in Chidambaram Taluk (also spelt as Taluka), is situated on the north bank of the mouth of Vellar at a distance of 30-km from Cuddalore. Portuguese were the first European settlers of this place from whom it passed into the possession of the Dutch and finally handed it over to the English in 1824. This town has a large Muslim population engaged mostly in sea-trade. Tombs of several Muslim saints are situated in this place, most important among them being the dargah to Saint Malumiyar, Araikasu Nachiyar, Hafiz Mir Sahib and Sayed Saheb.Tiruvakarai:
Tiruvakarai village is situated at a distance of 50-km from Cuddalore. There are a number of petrified tree trunks, also called “fossil wood” in and around this village. There is also an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, dating back to the Chola period.Vridhachalam:
Vridhachalam is situated on the banks of the river Manimukthar at a distance of 60-km from Cuddalore. It has an ancient Shiva temple dedicated to “Lord Vridhagirishwarar” and his consort “Vridhambigai”. Masi Magam is the important festival in this place when a large number of pilgrims flock to this place to have bath in the scared Manimukthar River.Vadalur:
Vadalur a major tourist attraction is situated at a distance of 34-km from Cuddalore. There is a Satayagnana Sabha popularly called as “Adigalar”, an octagon shaped building, which was constructed by Ramalingaswamigal. The four great towers of Chidambaram temple are visible from this building. The sanctum of this temple is separated from the main hall by seven screens.Srimushnam:
Srimushnam situated at a distance of 60-km from Cuddalore, has a temple that is one of the eight self-created “swayamvyaktamkshetras” in the South. The presiding deity is Sri Bhuvarahaswami. The Purushaskuta Mandapam here is shaped like a ratham (car) on which there are carvings of warriors mounted on horses and elephants.Pichavaram:
The Mangrove Forest. This forest considered among the healthiest mangrove occurence in the world. Number of islands interpersing a vast expanse of water and covered with green trees. Boating facilities gives special attraction to this spot.Vadalur:
Ramalinga Swamigal popularly called as Vallalar had established Sathyagnana Sabai. The “Thai Poosam” function in December-January is an festival of this place. He sung thousands of songs called “Thiru Arutppa”. This district named after his for sometime.Srimushnam:
Famous Vishnu Sthalam, Holy pilgrimage place.NeyVeli:
The lignite mines produces power productive units.Other Places:
Pichavaram.
Vadalur.
Srimushnam.
Mangrove Forest at Pichavaram.
Lignite Mines at Neyveli.
Natrajar Temple at Chidambaram.
Padaleeswarar Temple at Cuddalore.
Devanatha Swami Temple at Cuddalore.
Bhuvaraha Swami Temple at Srimushnam.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Cuddalore Districts :

Hotel Suryapriya:NH 45A, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu,India

Links:

http://www.indianetzone.com/13/cuddalore_district.htmhttp://travel.sulekha.com