Famous for ancient Temples and marvelous architecture, Chidambaram is a small temple town in central part of Tamil Nadu. This small religious town has its ancient traditions, rituals and aesthetic values still preserved. Chidambaram is another name of Lord Shiva and this place is one of the most important religious places for Lord Shiva deities. “Natarjar Temple” devoted to Lord Shiva is situated in this holy town and is the most popular place in Chidambaram. According to Hindu rituals, they say world is made up of 5 natural elements and there are 5 temples representing these 5 natural elements. Chidambaram Temple is one such temple which represents air (space). Other temples representing the natural elements are Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth), Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (water), Kalahasti Nathar (wind) and Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire). People mostly visit this temple during the festival season. Natyanjali festival in the month of February, car Festivals in the season of April-May and December-January attracts a lot of tourists here. As the town has rich ancient culture, for jewelery lovers Chidambaram offers vest gold and silver ornaments traditionally hand crafted by the locals. Visit Chidambaram to mesmerize yourself in the beauty of these ancient temples with architectural splendors.
Route:
• By Air: Nearest airport to Chidambaram is Tiruchirappali which is about 195 kms away. There are regular flight services from Chennai airport to Tiruchirappali. Taxis, bus are available at the Tiruchirappali airport for Chidambaram.
• By Train: Chidambaram Railway Station which is 1 km from the heart of the city is well connected with Chennai and Tiruchirapalli. Mayiladuthurai junction is nearest railway junction to Chidambaram, located 34 km away from Chidambaram and has regular rail connectivity with Chennai and other major cities.
• By Road: Chidambaram is well connected by roadways with rest of the Tamilnadu cities and neighboring cities in Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. There are direct bus services to Chidambaram from Madurai, Kanyakumari, Chennai, Trichy, Pondicherry, Trivandrum and other cities.
Nearest Railway Station – Chidambaram Railway Station
Nearest Bus Station – Chidambaram Bus stand is located opposite of Annamalai University
Nearest Airport – Nearest airport to Chidambaram is at Tiruchirappali
ATM locations: You will get all kind of ATMs in Chidambaram especially in South Car Street and West Car Street. SBI ATM at 3 South Car Street, ICICI bank ATM at Annamalai Nagar Admin Building, Indian Bank ATM at Sastri Hall at Annamalai Nagar, and Central Bank of India ATM at RMMC Building in Annamalai Nagar are some of the example.
Famous Places around the area: There are many famous places in and around Chidambaram. Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most sought after temple in Chidambaram. Thillai Kali Amman temple near Natarj Temple, Vaitheeswaran Koils temple, Chathapurinathar Temple, Sirkazhi temple, Thiruvenkadu temple, Melakadambur temple and Gangai Konda Cholapuram which is built by Chola king Rajendra I and has legendary gopuram, are some of the main temples in Chidambaram which attracts devotees and tourists all over the world. The compelling South Indian architecture can be seen through buildings of Annamalai University. Dansborg Fort in Tarangambadi and the lignite mines at Neyveli are must-visit spot in Chidambaram. Your visit will be incomplete if you do not take boating ride in Pichavaram mangrove forest. Sri Mushnam, Perambur Subramania temple, Kollidam river, Parangipettai sea shore and of course famous art gallery in Poompuhar are some of the attraction here in Chidambaram.
Best time to visit: You can come to this holy town all around the year, but best time would be September to March.
Climate: Summer – 33°C to 37°C, Winter – 21°C to 26°C
Population: 82,458 (2011 census)
Local Famous Foods: Chidambaram offers delicious South Indian cuisine for the tourists. Most of the restaurants serve traditional vegetarian dishes. Try variety of Rava Dosa, Masala Dosa, Idly, Uthappam and mouth watering Dahi vada here. Don’t forget to eat yummy fruit salads.
Local restaurants: Most of the restaurants around Chidambaram offer authentic South Indian cuisine along with delicious vegetarian dishes. Do visit Udippi Krishna Vilas at West Car street, Shanmuga restaurant at South Car Street, Akshya Restaurant at Ke-rzha-radha Koil Street, City Park Restaurant at Annamalainagar, and Raj Bhavan at Railway Feeder Road. TTDC Hotel Tamilnadu serves quality Indian foods at very reasonable price. If you are staying in West car street, then definitely visit restaurant at Hotel Raja Rajan.
Emergency numbers: Chidambaram Town Police Station: 04144-222377/201
All Women Police Station, Chidambaram: 04144-222770
Nearest Hospitals/Nursing homes:
1. Chidambaram Government Hospital
412,Chinnakkajar Street, Near Vinayaka Temple
Phone: (04144) 223099
3. Dhanvantri Medical Centre
165/78, East Car Street, Above Axis Bank, Chidambaram
Phone: (04144) 223284, (04144) 221254
3. Arul Nursing Home
9, South Car Street,Near State Bank Of India, Chidambaram
Phone: (04144) 226454
- RK Nursing Home
7, Mariyamman Koil Street, Chidambaram GPO
Phone: (04144) 222162, (04144) 222805
Budget and safe hotels for middle class:
1. Hotel Saradharam
19,V.G.P.Street, Chidambaram
04144-221336
Tariff: Rs. 900 onwards
- Appollo lodge
51, Sabanayagar street
Ph : +91 4144-222907/ 91 8903236195
Tariff: 500 onwards
3. Akshaya Hotel
17 East Car Street, Chidambaram
(04144)220191/220192
Tariff: 1100 onwards
4. Ramya lodge
South street, Chidambaram
04144-223011
Tariff: 600 onwards
Tags: Chidambaram Religious places in India
