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Gopuram at Chidambaram Temple

Chidambaram is in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India with a population of about 59,000. Of the numerous temples the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram is one of the most significant ones. In terms of its antiquity, richness in terms of worship & festival traditions, in architectural & sculptural splendour, in its association with music & dance, Chidambaram is a center second to none in representing the rich cultural heritage of India. Several rich legends are associated with Chidambaram. The best known, are those describing the Cosmic Dance of Shiva, the dance duel between Shiva and Kaali and the more recent one describing the re-discovery of the Tevaram hymns.

[edit] Get in

Chidambaram is located in Cuddalore district, 240 km south of Chennai, well connected by train and bus routes. Currently the train route is being converted from meter gauge to broad gauge, hence there is no train connectivity at present. You can also reach Chidambaram via Trichy(160km) or even Via Pondicherry(40km)Now the nearest railway station is Mayiladhuthurai.www.tillai.com

[edit][add listing] Do

The Natyanjali annual festival of classical Indian dance that takes place at the end of February is the biggest attraction that brings thousands of people from all over the world.

[edit] Get around

Bhirmapureeswarar Temple - Really a good temple located at sirkali 20 KM from chidambaram, a must-visit. Lot of good and big temples are there in old Tanjore district which starts from Sirkali.

Vaithesewaran koil, 6KM from Sirkali

Thirunallar

Navagraha temples

[edit] Navagraha Temple Tour Route Map

Here is the link to temple route map for the travellers visiting Navagraha temples in Tamilnadu. [1]

[edit][add listing] See

• Nataraja Temple.  edit
• Thillai Kaali Amman Temple, Goddes Kali who competed with lord Natarja in dance
• Pichavaram, (on the road from Chennai), [2]. State forest with unique mangrove lake. Boat tours of the lake take about 2 hours, with some impressive views of this ecological site. 15 Rs toll road.  edit
• Sattanathar Temple - Really a good temple a must-visit
• Bhuvanagiri , located 7 Km north from Chidambaram Town - Birth place Baghavan Sri Raghavendra Swamigal
• Annamalai Nagar (University) unique place not only for education but with old style buildings
• Maruthur, located 17Km North from Chidambaram Town, Birth Place of Vallalar Ramalinga Swamigal

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Akshya Restaurant, Ke-rzha-radha Koil Street. Good one for spicy NV between 11:30 to 15:00

• Kamala Vilas, a non vegetarian hotel, West car street (near kanchi thotti Bus stop)
• Udippi Krishna Vilas a vegetarian hotel, West Car street
• Shanmuga restaurant, a vegetarian restaurant, South Car Street
• Moorthy cafe located in North main road, Bole Narayana Pillai lane
• Anantheeswarar Temple, West side of the Chidambaram Town (nearly 0.5km west to Thillai Nateraja Temple). Very old temple and nice to see(near chinna kadai street)  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

• saradha ram (srg), sdfhgsgth (ghdfg), ☎ dhgdfhg, [3]. dhgdfgh. dfghdgh. (dfghdf,ghdghdfgh) edit
• Double 'A', kothangudi street, annamalainagar (chidambaram). 12. very tasty poratto and other food and super fresh juices. we are annamalai university students like hotel. low.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

HOTEL SARADHA RAM A THREE STAR STANDARD HOTEL IS LOCATED OPPOSITE BUSSTAND.Good food,nice A/C rooms,bar etc;are available there.contct phone:91-4144-221336(5 lines)fax:91-4144-222656.website-www.hotelsaradharam.co.in

Hotel Akshaya located in East Car Street

RK Residency located Narayana Pillai Street (Padi thurai Irakkam)

Hotel Kalyanam Boarding & Lodging No:10,Venugopal Pillai Street,Chidhambaram.(Walkable distance from Temple),here you will get single rooms for Rupees 150/-.For more enquries contact ph:04144-222707

[edit] BAR