Fact File Area - 4.80 sq. km  Population - 58,740  Altitude - 5.97 metres above sea level  Languages - Tamil, English  Best time to visit - October to March STD Code - 04144

Introduction Renowned for its Nataraja Temple, the small municipal town of Chidambaram is situated at a distance of two hundred and thirty-five kilometres south of Chennai on the Chennai-Thanjavur National highway. One of the holiest cities in India Chidambaram is visited by thousands of Shaivite and Vaishnavite pilgrims who flock to the sacred Nataraja temple every year 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. Chidambaram has a tropical climate. Temperatures in the summers can rise up to 37°C. The best time to visit Chidambaram is during winter when it’s neither too hot nor cold.  Sightseeing A visitor’s paradise, Chidambaram has something for everyone. The major attraction out here is the Nataraja Temple. For those interested in academics, a trip to renowned Annamalai University is a must. One can also visit Neyveli, one of the largest industrial complexes in the country. For the history buffs, there is an ancient fort at Gengi, which is a major attraction. The famous Car Street offers a good shopping experience.  Excursions Moving out of Chidambaram, one comes across some of the exquisite locales in this region. The hills, islands and the forests in the vicinity of Chidambaram offer interesting spots for exploration. You can also go for water sports like parasailing, rowing and canoeing. Some of the interesting spots to visit are Pichavaram, Kalvarayam hills, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tarangambadi, the Church of Zion and the Gate.