Places
to See
The Nataraja Temple
The temple located in the centre of the town covers an area of 40 acres. It
is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple
is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known
as Akasa Lingam.
The eastern tower rises to a height of 40.8 metres. 108 Bharatha Natyam Dance
poses can be seen on the Eastern tower as well as on Western tower. The Northern
tower rises to a height of 42.4 metres.
The Sivakamiamman temple, the Sivaganga tank, the thousand pillar hall are
other important features of the temple.
Annamalai University
It is a residential University founded by the Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar. It
is a great centre of Tamil learning and carnatic music; now offers educational
facilities in various disciplines including Medicine,Agriculture, Engineering,
etc.
Genji (Gingee)
It is located on the Tindivanam - Thiruvannamalai road about 25 kms. from Tindivanam
and is about 132 kms. from Chidambaram. This place is associated with Raja Desingh.
There is a 700 year old fort running over three hills of huge and steep boulders.
According to tradition the original fort was laid by Kone Chiefs. The fort was
ruled by Vijayanagar Nayaks, Marathas, Moghuls, Carnatic Nawabs, the French
and the British Rajagiri and Krishnagiri are two important fortifications here
and it is a popular picnic spot.
Neyveli
It is about 30 kms. from Chidambaram via Vadalur. It is one of the biggest industrial
complexes in the country. The lignite mined here is used for thermal power generation.
Apart from fertilisers ceramic wares and Leco (cooking coal), a number of by-products
are also produced from lignite.
Natyanjali Festival
The Natyanjali dance festival at Chidambaram brings together all the prominent
dancers of India present there with an enchantment and elation, which shone
in their eyes and evocative abhinaya as they offered their dance to the great
divinity, Lord Nataraja. To many of them it is like a dream come true, to be
able to perform in the vicinity of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Nataraja himself,
whose padams and varnams they often dance upon creating an imaginary figure
of the Lord.
Natyanjali opens on the auspicious occasion of the Maha Shivaratri day and
of course in the right kind of venue - the 'Prakara' of the Chidambaram temple.
Pichavaram
Pichavaram, 16 kms. east of Chidambaram, ranks among the most exquisite scenic
spot with abundant and varied tourism resources. The backwaters which are interconnected
by the Vellar and Kollidam system offer abundant scope for water sports - parasailing,
rowing and canoeing.
The Pichavaram forest not only offers 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. Pichavaram consists of a number of islands
interspersing a vast expanse of water and covered with green trees. The area
is about 2800 acres and is separated from the sea by a sand bar which is a patch
of extraordinary loveliness. TTDC offers boating facilities, accommodation and
restaurant facilities . Tel : 89232.
Gangaikondas Cholapuram
It is 50 kms. from Chidambaram. Rajendra -1, a mighty Chola King, established
his new capital here with this magnificent city and temple to Lord Siva. The
temple is noted for its massiveness and richly carved sculptures. A big Nandi
in front of the temple made of brick and mortar, a lion head well with a flight
of steps leading to the water level and gigantic Dwarapalakas are the other
thrilling features of this temple.
Kalvarayan Hills
The Kalvarayan hills are situated 150 kms. north west of Chidambaram on the
western side of Kallakurichi Taluk. Spread over an area of 600 sq. kms. approximately
with the height ranging from 315 mts. to 1190 mts. these hills offer a temperate
climate and quiet solititude. There is a botanical garden on the hills. There
are two waterfalls here. The area is ideal for trekking. A summer Festival is
also held every year in May.
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