Short Trip to Chidambaram From Bangalore

Finding its mention in Puranas and other mythological tales, Chidambaram is popular as the place that is home to one of the most ancient temples, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also known as Thillai, this town was formerly a part of the forest area of the region. A visit to this town is a cultural as well as architectural delight. This town, every year, attracts a decent number of tourists from Bangalore during the weekends. Chidambaram is a well-known religious site. You can visit this beautiful town along with your loved ones and treat your eyes to the architectural beauties, sprinkled all around the landscape of the town.

How to Reach Chidambaram from Bangalore

By Train

The nearest airport to Chidambaram that have trains connected to Bangalore are Vridhachalam Junction (VRI) – 54 km away, Mayiladuturai Junction (MV) -41 km away and the Pondicherry railway station. You can board a train from Bangalore to any of these railway stations.

By Air

The nearest airport to Chidambaram is in Tiruchirappali, which is located at a distance of around 195 kms. The airports in Tiruchirappali and Bangalore are connected to each other through regular flights. From Tiruchirappali airport, taxi services are available to go to Chidambaram. The second nearest airport is the Chennai international airport, 211 km away.

By Road

Bangalore and Chidambaram are well-connected to each other by a good network of roads. You can rent a taxi or a car for a comfortable ride to Chidambaram from Bangalore. The other option is to ride a state-run or a private bus.

Attractions in Chidambaram

Pitchavaram Backwaters

With 3000 acres of mangrove forests forming the background of 11000 hectares Pitchavaram backwaters is a beautiful picnic spot, boasting of creeks and innumerable channels, offering opportunities of water sports activities including boating. Get aboard a luxury houseboat and cruise on the backwaters to explore the beautiful scenery and flocks, spread all around. You can also visit Pitchavaram Mangrove forest is home to rare flora and fauna species.

Nataraja Temple

The most popular temple of Chidambaram, the Nataraja Temple is dedicated to Lord Natraj, the dancing form of Lord Shiva. This temple was renovated by the Pallava and the Chola rulers. It is believed that Aragalur Udaya Iraratevan Ponparappinan was the one who had brought major modifications in the temple in 1213 AD. The idol of the Lord placed in the temple is an extremely beautiful one.

Thillai Kali Amman Temple

Placed northwards of the world-popular Nataraja Temple, Thillai Kali Amman Temple is another respected temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Kali Amman. One of the popular Shakti temples, it has an idol of Goddess Kali that has 4 faces. Pooja in this temple is organized 4 times in a day. The temple also has stone inscriptions of the Hindu Shoza period.

Tarangambadi

The erstwhile Danish settlement of, Tarangamadi is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the region, but is in a dilapidated state now. Constructed way back during the 17^th century, probably in 1620 AD, this fort has been home to some of Dutch officials of the top rank.

Neyveli

Placed just 30 km from Chidambaram, the lignite mines in Neyveli are a major tourist attraction. These mines are covered verdant green thick vegetation. Lignite is a substance, which used in the generation of thermal power and its by -products are cooking coal, fertilizers and ceramic ware.

Tourist Places Near Bangalore