Chidambaram Tour Packages

If something occupies a predominant place in Indian life, it is a religion since many aspects of everyday life are guided by spirituality. This is evident, for example, in the holy cities and temples throughout the country. One of the most important temples dedicated to God Shiva is Chidambaram, in the Tamil Nadu area, located in the city of the same name and is considered one of the most important in India. Such is its importance that the whole place is called a sacred place. It belongs to the municipality. That is why, if you are planning to take a spiritually stimulating trip, then you must think once about Chidambaram Tourist Places because of the beauty of the temple, it’s a historical, religious, and cultural value, as well as everything it has to visit, are reasons to consider coming to this city. You will get information about many places here, which you might not have thought about. Here we are going to provide you with complete information about Chidambaram Tourism.

What to see in Chidambaram?

You will see beautiful specimens of pure Dravidian culture and magnificent architecture here. Chidambaram is one of India's most prominent pilgrimage sites, visited by many people every year. Most of the temples in Chidambaram city are dedicated to Lord Shiva, but devotees of all religions come in large numbers to seek blessings from Chidambaram. As we already mentioned, the city enjoys excellent relevance because it has one of India's most important temples. Here we will learn everything that you need to know about the Chidambaram.

Visit Chidambaram Temple

Known as the Nataraja temple, the Sabhanayaka Nataraja temple, or the Chidambaram temple, this is the most important tourist and sacred spot in the city because, according to legend, God Shiva decided to choose this place to do the cosmic dance, one of the most critical moments of the Indian worldview. This temple is considered one of the five most sacred, attracting many pilgrims yearly.
The level of spirituality that is breathed here is astounding because it is immense in its 16 hectares of extension. You will witness how the Indians venerate Shiva with great devotion.

Few must be the towns in Tamil Nadu that are not connected by train or bus. The prices are negligible, and the buses are usually complete with continuous stops along the way. It is one of the most spiritual places in this region. Moving from one place to another means a perfect claim for any self-respecting backpacker looking for the roots of this ancient culture.

The Chidambaram bus station is located just 500 meters from the temple, which gives its name to the place and means the area's main attraction. It is a pleasure to observe that the buses park in the center, in this way we can avoid rickshaws and taxis and dedicate ourselves to walking around the city in search of the temple and while you are there you take a look at the different options to sleep.

The Chidambaram temple is enormous. It is also known by the name of Nataraja -the modality of the Shiva deity in his form as a cosmic dancer- and I did not find any tourists there either. Some Hindus with cameras and jeans were probably visiting from Chennai or Bangalore, but no trace of Western life.

The temple is one of the most important dedicated to Shiva, one of the oldest in India, and is listed as one of the five great temples in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The complex consists of 16 hectares and nine gates and is located in the heart of Chidambaram. The most impressive of the temple is probably the four towers that point to the different cardinal points and rise to the sky with the 80 meters high. The towers are decorated with images from Hindu mythology, especially with manifestations of Shiva.

Despite not finding any other foreigners in the temple compound, they seem to be more alive in Chidambaram than in the other villages I visited in Tamil Nadu. With some speed, you notice that some locals look for the tourist to offer their guide services or sell something.

You can enter the sanctuary with a previous donation and remove your shirt. I first offered 10 rupees, and they looked at me badly, so I took out a 50 bill from my wallet and, based on their faces, they thought it was a much better decision.

The Chidambaram temple has no more charm than those of Kumbakonam or Thanjavur, but the spirit breathed in it is incredible. There are a lot of monks, children, and adults, with curious hairstyles and shirtless. They wear a kind of bow in the front part of the head with an outline in the shape of an ensaimada in their hairstyle. Something that, with the color of the temple towers, anyone would say is in the middle of India or the same neighborhood of Chueca.

Importance of the Pichavaram mangrove forest

This option is one of the best for those who still have time in Chidambaram for those who enjoy ecotourism. And it is that Pichavaram is a park formed in the Vellar-Coleroon estuarine complex, which stands out for having a large number of intertwined mangroves a few steps from the water. The mangrove forest is the most beautiful in the area as it offers incredible views full of life both in the form of flora and fauna.

The Pichavarm Mangrove was initially known as Thillai Vana and played an essential role in the area's heritage. Lord Shiva is said to have entered the forest, where a group of rishis lived and practiced magic, in the form of a handsome but unassuming merchant. Lord Vishnu accompanied him in his fascinating female avatar, Mohini. The rishis were furious when their women became enchanted with Lord Shiva. They summoned snakes, tigers, and demons to destroy it. Of course, it didn't work. In the end, Lord Shiva revealed who he was and performed the Ananda Tandava in his form as Nataraja. This made the rishis realize that magical rituals could not control God as they had believed.

The mangrove forest at Pichavaram stretches over 1,100 hectares and joins the Bay of Bengal, where an extensive sandbar separates it. The small canals are sun-dappled tunnels of roots and branches, some hanging so low there's barely room to pass. Except for the murmur of oars, the sound of birds, and the sea's roar in the distance, everything is quiet and silent.

Students and scientists from all over India come to study the mangrove forest and its incredible biodiversity. Approximately 200 species of birds have been recorded, along with many varieties of algae, fish, prawns, crabs, oysters, turtles, and otters. There are also about 20 different varieties of trees in the mangrove forest.

The trees grow in water three to ten feet deep in different places. Conditions are pretty hostile, as the sea's tides bring salt water in and out twice a day, changing the salinity. Therefore, trees have unique root systems, with membranes that only allow fresh water to enter. They also have respiratory roots that grow in the water, with pores that can absorb oxygen.

However, were it not for the forest acting as a buffer against the water, the inland destruction would have been severe. The tsunami water has affected its growth, requiring the implementation of protection measures. Previously, the villagers cut the roots of the trees to use as firewood. This has now been banned.

Likewise, those who enjoy hiking can tour the Pichavaram mangrove forests. The coast that we can find here is another excellent attraction since boat rides are offered through the estuary. In addition, this area is known for producing high-value exotic shells.

How to watch Pichavaram mangrove forest

By motorboat the mangrove forest can be explored. Motorboats are ideal for large groups, and you can reach the beach through the mangroves in a couple of hours. However, these ships are too large to fit inside the narrow canals. If you are interested in venturing deep into the jungle, you need to take a rowboat. It's worth it.

The boats operate from 8 am to 5 pm daily. However, it is scorching in the middle of the day, so it is recommended to go early in the morning or late afternoon. Navigation is not strictly regulated. Official boating activities are conducted by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, but local non-government boatmen are also available. Various packages are offered with costs based on the type of ship, the number of people, distance, and attractions covered.

It's a good idea to bring food, as there aren't many places to eat in the area. Bring a hat and sunscreen, too, if you're going out during the day.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Gangaikonda Cholapuram is at a distance of 42 km from the central city, Chidambaram. If you are planning for Chidambaram Tourist, you can definitely like this. Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Chidambaram Tourist is considered one of the popular heritage places in Tamil Nadu. Gangaikonda Cholapuram Gangaikonda Cholapuram became the capital of Chola during the reign of Rajendra Chola I, which is visited by people from far and wide today.

Srimushnam

Srimushnam is known for its Visnuite temple dedicated to Bhuvaraha. This temple is among the most famous Visnuite temples in the state. It is believed that the temple's idol is swayam vyakta, i.e., the self-created representing avatar Varaha.

It is said that the original marble idol was taken by Krishnadeva Wodeyar from Mysore and installed in Srirengapattinam. The mandapam at the entrance, called the purushasukra mandapam, was built in the 17th century. It resembles a chariot with elegant carvings of warriors on horseback and elephants. We see the sculptures of the Nayak kings who built the temple on the pillars in the center of the room.

Mayiladuthurai

There is a famous temple here. Mayiladuthurai is known for the Mayurnath Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In which the Lord is compared to the temple counterpart of Varanasi. It has a lot of importance, and people will like it a lot.

Annamalai University

This residential university is located in the suburb of Chidambaram. Established by Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar, it has been an important center for learning Tamil and Carnatic music for a long time. This university currently offers courses in several subjects, including medicine, technology, etc.

Vadalur

It is about 37 km from Chidambaram. Ramalingaswamigal, known as Vallalar Adigalar, established the Sathyagnana Sabai there. The sanctum of this sabha or temple is separated from the main hall by seven curtains, of which only three are usually parted. It is the day of 'Thai Poosam' in December-January when all the curtains are pulled back, and devotees can gaze at the Jyothi or eternal flame. Sri Ramalingaswamigal has sung thousands of songs in honor of Saiva Siddhantha's philosophy. The collection of these songs in several volumes is called the Thiru Arutpa.

Tiruvakkarai

Large areas containing fossils are fenced here, thus creating the first national park with fossil woods. The petrified trees scattered on small mounds date back 100 million years. The temple dedicated to Chandramouliswara is a splendid architectural monument that dates back to the Chola period and is another exciting place to visit. Every full moon day, Pournami, people flock there to worship Goddess Vakkarakali.

Poompugar

Poompugar is one of the best tourist places. Chidambaram is one of the prime places to visit as part of a trip. It would be best if you went here once. Poompugar was once a prosperous ancient port city known as Kaveri Poompattinam. It was under the Chola kings who were considered its pride.

Excursions around Chidambaram

If after visiting the temple you havunsureting to see more and you still have free time, here it is better that you know about this excursion that we have found for you.

A big temple festival takes place twice a year in Chidambaram - while the date in December/January falls in the ideal travel time, it can be uncomfortably hot for the festival in May/June.

Shopping and stay

If you are visiting Tamil Nadu for the first time and want to buy something that consists of the local brands, the best shopping option will be silk sarees and silk dhoti from local stores. With these, enjoy a delicious South Indian Thali.
Renting rooms won't be a problem, but you need to ensure it's not the temple festival season. You will find many hotels and lodges for different price ranges near the temple during the regular season.
Choosing accommodation in Chidambaram can be difficult when you don't know anything in the city because between hostels, B&B accommodations, and different hotels, staying with one could be difficult. Visit the powerful and divine temple and find out what the other "Chidambara Rahasym" is hidden in the temple.

Best time to visit Chidambaram

The weather throughout India is usually scorching, so Chidambaram is no exception, as the heat here is quite intense, although the rain does not turn out to be as abundant.

That is why we can say that the best season to visit the temple of this city is the final period of the year, from October to January, where the heat usually gives a certain respite with temperatures of 30 degrees. Of course, the rain is usually an act of presence some days of these months.

How to get there and move around in Chidambaram?

The best way to get to Chidambaram is through the city of Chennai. For this, there are several options. The first is to arrive by plane in Chennai and take a train to Chidambaram. In the same way, we can arrive by train to connect to our final destination.

• In addition to the train, which is one of India's most popular and efficient options, we have the bus which can take us, although in more time, to the city.
• In the same way, we have a taxi or rent a car which is usually more comfortable, although more expensive.
• To get around the city, the Rickshaw, the famous motorcycle taxis, are the best way to get around due to their low cost and fast mobility.
• In the same way, we can walk, although the temple is usually too big to walk on foot, or we can order a taxi.

Conclusion

Chidambaram is a city of the "cosmic dancer" that gained national importance through the Nataraja Temple, as the temple is one of the essential sanctuaries in Hinduism. Under the Chola dynasty, temple construction began in the 11th century, and numerous expansions and renovations were made over the centuries.

Located in the center, the temple covers a large area. It is lined with four wide temple-chariot roads, and the four gopurams lead to the complex's interior. The interior is divided into five temple courtyards and several side shrines. In addition to the 1000-column hall and the Sivaganga water basin, the central sanctuary – the "Golden Hall," also known as Chit Sabha – is particularly worth seeing in Chidambaram Tourism.