Chidambaram City

About Chidambaram City

Chidambaram is 250 Kms south of Chennai. This is a medium sized town with all facilities. The value of the town is enhanced not only by the temple but also by the (Annamalai) University. The people in the town (and near abouts) are lucky in the sense that it is rather unique to have all the departments of stuty upto doctorate level in the Annamalai University, nearby Chidambaram. In Tamil, the word “Temple” refers only to Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. Others are temples too, but this “the” Temple.

Renowned for its Nataraja Temple, the municipal town of Chidambaram is located 235 kms off Chennai on the National highway connect Chennai and Thanjavur.. Chidambaram attracts thousands of Shaivite and Vaishnavite pilgrims to sacred Nataraja temple every year. As per legends, two famous saints of South India, Patanjali and Vyagrapada worshipped Lord Shiva here. Their collective reparation was rewarded by Shiva’s cosmic dance, which was exposed to them on the auspicious Thai Poosam day. Lord Shiva descended as Nataraja—the King of Dancer—to perform the ananda tandavam (cosmic dance). The place became a sacred ground. Around this hallowed site a city called Chit Ambaram (wisdom-suffused sky) developed over time. In AD 907, Chidambaram became the capital of the Chola Empire. They commissioned the construction

Chidambaram is one of the most ancient and most celebrated shrines in India located in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. 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’).

Chidambaram was once a tillai (Excoecaria agallocha) forest. Legend has it that the two famous saints of South India, Vyagrapada and Patanjali worshipped Lord Shiva here. Their collective penance bore fruit in the form of Shiva’s cosmic dance, which was revealed to them on the propitious Thai Poosam day. Lord Shiva descended from the divine firmament as Nataraja-the King of Dance-and performed the ananda tandavam (cosmic dance). The place where Nataraja danced became a sacred ground. In course of time, a town took shape on this hallowed site and was called Chit Ambaram (wisdom-suffused sky). In AD 907, the Cholas made Chidambaram their capital. They built the grand Nataraja temple, which was later enlarged and embellished by them.

Educational Institutions Chidambaram City

Collage:

• Loyola College

• Maharani Arts and Science Women’s College

• Christu Raj Arts and Science College

• S.N.S. College of Technology

• MARUTHI INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

• Sapthagiri College of Engineering

• V.O.C. College of Education

• C.S.I. Jayaraj Annapackiam College of Nursing

• Stanley Medical College

• Magna College of Engineering

• Annai College of Arts and Science

• IIKM

• Sankara College of Science and Commerce

• INSTITUTE OF TOOL ENGINEERING

• Semgamala Thaayar Educational Trust Women’s College

• Sri Arumugam Arts and Science College

• Paventhar Bharathidasan College of Engineering and Technology

• S.R.M. Institute of Hotel Management, Chennai

• Sri Muthukumaran Institute Of Technology

• Abdul Hakeem College

School:

• St Joseph Girls Middle School

• Sri Sankara Vidyalaya Matric HR Secondary School

• Achariya Siksha Mandir Villianur

• JAWAHAR NAVODAYA VIDYALAYA

• Sri Aurobindo Nursery School

• Thiruvalluvar Govt Girls Higher Sec School

• Seventh Day Adventist School Neyveli

• ONGC PUBIC SCHOOL

• Svs Academy Matric School

• Seventh Day Adventist School

• Eurokids G R M

• St Louise De Gonzague High School

• Tagore Matriculation Higher Secondary School

• School For Perfect Eyesight

• Amalopavam Higher Secondary School

• St Patrick Matric Higher Secondary School

• Subramania Bharathi English High School

• St Johns Matriculation School

• Savior Jesus Matriculation Higher Secondary School

• Vivekanandha Matriculation School

Tourist Attraction of Chidambaram City

Nataraja Temple:
The Nataraja temple is unique in itself as it is dedicated solely to the art of Bharatanatyam. It is also one of the rare temples, where Shiva is represented in the idol form rather than the usual lingam (phallus) form. Built during the later part of the Chola reign, the temple is spread over 40 acres. It has a large outer enclosure or Prakara adorned with four magnificent seven-tiered gopurams (towers surmounting the entrance gates), with finely sculptured icons depicting Hindu myths. The shrine of Nataraja is situated at the Chit Sabha. A black curtain hiding the statue of the lord is lifted thrice a day for worshipping. Adjacent to the main shrine is the shrine of Govindaraja or Lord Vishnu. Two other shrines devoted to Subramanya and Ganesha are also there.

A remarkable structure in the temple complex is the Nritta Sabha, constructed in the form of a chariot. The sabha has fifty-six pillars portraying dancing poses. The largest structure within the temple, the Raja Sabha is another attraction here. This thousand-pillared hall measures 103 metres in length and 58 metres in breadth.The structural pattern of the Nataraja temple has dance as its recurrent theme. The east and the west gopurams house fine examples of 108 karnas (ordered movements of dance) listed in the Natya Shastra. On the ceiling, one finds the Nayak paintings of the 16th century in four massive panels, each 26 metres long. These paintings illustrate the origin of the temple and the exemplary lives of great saints.

Annamalai University:
Set over an area of three hundred acres, the Annamalai University is an important landmark in Chidambaram. The university was founded in 1929 by Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar. This residential university offers educational facilities in various disciplines like humanities, medicine, agriculture, and engineering besides having a center for adult education, mass literary programs and vocational training.

Neyveli:
About 30 km from Chidambaram lies Neyveli, one of the largest industrial complexes in India. The place is noted for the mining of lignite, which is used for thermal power generation and developing fertilizers and ceramic wares.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram:
The historic city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram is situated at a distance of some 50 km from Chidambaram. The city has been associated with the Chola king, Rajendra I, who had established it as his new capital. A marvellous Shiva temple made by the Chola king is a major attraction here. The huge temple is lavishly sculptured and a big Nandi made of brick and mortar stands in front of it.

Kalvarayam Hills:
The beautiful Kalvarayam Hills are located 150 km north west of Chidambaram on the western side of Kallakuruchi taluk. Endowed with two waterfalls the hills are spread over an area of 600 sq. km. It is an ideal destination for those who come to seek solitude.

Pichavaram:
Famous for its varied tourist resources, the picturesque locale of Pichavaram is situated 16 km east of Chidambaram. The place has one of the most well developed mangrove forests in India and its backwaters provide ample scope for parasailing, rowing and canoeing. Separated from the sea by a fascinating sand bar, Pichavaram covers an area of about 2,800 acres.

Tarangambadi:
Forty kilometres from Chidambaram lies Tarangambadi or Tranquebar, an old site of a Danish settlement. The attraction in the town is the old Dansborg fort. The fort was built by Ore Gedde, a commander of the Royal Dutch Navy in the 17th century. Except for the deteriorating ramparts, the building is almost in good condition.

The Church of Zion:
The enchanting Church of Zion is situated at about 40 km from Chidambaram at the corner adjoining the King Street and the Queen Street of Tranquebar. The church was built in 1701 and went through a series of modifications between 1782 to 1784 and 1800 to 1839. Today it has a vaulted roof as a part of its structure.

The Gate:
About 40 km from Chidambaram at Tarangambadi lies the 200-year-old Gate, a monument of historical and architectural interest. The Gate is located in such a way that the people living here have to pass through it on their way in and out of town.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Chidambaram City

**Ginger Hotel, Pondicherry:**Saram, Pondicherry, Pondicherry, amil Nadu,Ph: 0413 6663333

**Hotel Annamalai International:**479, Kamaraj Salai, Saram, Puducherry,Tamil Nadu,Ph: 0413 2247001

**Calve welcomheritage hotel:**36, vysial street, Pondicherry,Tamil Nadu,Ph: 0413 2222613

**Villa Bayoud:**St Martin St, Pondicherry,Tamil Nadu,Ph:041 3222 7426

Useful Links

http://www.myincredibleindia.org/chidambram-city-tour-guide.html

http://www.tcindia.com/cityfacts/chidambaram\_city.html

http://www.travelplanetindia.com/chidambaram.html

Climate & weather

The climate of Chidambaram is tropical with mercury touching up to 37°C in the summers and around 20°C in the winters.

History of Chidambaram City

In AD 907, Chidambaram became the capital of the Chola Empire. They commissioned the construction of the grand Nataraja temple, later enlarged and embellished by them.

How to reach Chidambaram City

**Nearest Railway Station:**Chidambaram is on the Chennai Tiruchirappalli main line, between Villuppuram and Thanjavur and is well connected by rail with Trichy, Madurai, Chennai, etc

• **Nearest Airport:**Trichy (168-km).

**Road Transport:**Bus routes connect Chidambaram to various places in Tamil Nadu like Trichy, Madurai, Chennai, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Nagappattinam etc. Taxis, auto-rickshaws and city bus service are available for local transportation.

Best time to visit Chidambaram City

November to February when the weather is pleasant with lower humidity. Evenings are ideal for exploring markets and food streets. Mornings are best for temple visits and sightseeing.

Timings & opening hours

The city is accessible 24/7. Major attractions within the city have their own visiting hours. Markets are typically open 10:00 AM–9:00 PM. Temples and religious sites open early morning to late evening.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to the city is free. Specific attractions (temples, museums, parks) have separate entry fees ranging from INR 10–100 depending on the site.

Duration needed

1–2 days to explore the main attractions. A longer stay allows for deeper exploration of the city’s culture, cuisine, and nearby areas.

Location info

Chidambaram City is a city in Tamil Nadu, South India. It is well-connected by road, rail, and air to major Indian cities. The city serves as an important commercial, cultural, or administrative centre in the region..

Safety tips

Standard city safety precautions apply. Keep valuables secure in crowded markets and public transport. Use registered taxis or app-based cab services. Avoid isolated areas after dark. Follow local customs and dress codes at religious sites.

Things to carry

1. Comfortable Walking Shoes: City sightseeing involves significant walking.
2. Water Bottle: Stay hydrated.
3. Sunscreen and Hat: Protect against the sun.
4. Camera: Document your tour.
5. Power Bank: Keep devices charged.
6. ID Proof: For hotel check-in.

Nearby visiting places

Other towns and cities in Tamil Nadu, historical sites, temples, and natural attractions within a 50–100 km radius.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: the city’s own airport or the nearest regional airport. The city has a railway station with express train connectivity. Well-connected by state and private bus services to all major cities.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Chidambaram City offers traditional Tamil Nadu restaurants and multi-cuisine eateries.

Things to do at Chidambaram City

Explore the city’s historic temples and heritage buildings that showcase Tamil architecture. Visit local markets for traditional crafts, textiles, and local produce. Sample the diverse Tamil cuisine at local restaurants and street food stalls.

Things to visit & highlights

The city’s main temple or historic landmark, its bustling market areas, local parks, and cultural institutions. The surrounding residential and commercial areas reflect the city’s character and daily life.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364. Police: 112. Ambulance: 108. City has government hospitals, private clinics, and 24-hour pharmacy services.

Nearest petrol pump

Multiple petrol pumps are available throughout the city. Major fuel stations (Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, HPCL, Reliance) operate in all parts of the city.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Chidambaram City? November to February offers the most pleasant weather. Evenings are ideal for exploring the city’s markets and food scene.

How can I get around Chidambaram City? Local buses, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cab services are widely available. Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient for short distances.

What are the must-try local foods in Chidambaram City? Traditional Tamil dishes like idli, dosa, vada, sambar, and filter coffee are must-tries. Local specialities vary by city — ask for regional specialities.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Tamilnadu
• Category: City

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.