Chidambaram is a town in the Cuddalore District. It is the Taluk Headquarters of the Chidambaram taluk and 235 Km from Chennai and 78 km South of Pondicherry. Pitchavaram wetlands, the second largest mangrove forests in the world has a large presence of the ancient Tillai Trees, surrounding the temple town. Tillai ambalam literally meaning the open stage of Tillai.It is the location of the popular CHIDAMBARAM NATARAJAR temple also called as Thillai Natarajar Temple.The Chidambaram Taluk has a Population of 4,69,416 and the Municipal Town’s population is 62,153.

Kali Temple : It is just a walking distance from Natarajar Temple. Popularly called as the Thillai Kali Amman temple demonstrates the importance of Siva-Sakti concept. Lord Shiva performed the special cosmic dance the "OORTHAVA THANDAVA" here. The Chola period’s inscriptions are found in this temple. 

Sirkazhi [20 kms] : Popular Siva Temple located here finds reference in the Sangam Literature too. This is also the birth place of Saivaite Saint Thirugnana Sambanthar. It is believed that Goddess Parvathi fed Thirugnana Sambanthar with milk here. To mark this event, annual Tirumulaippal Festival is observed in the month of April. The temple town is well connected by frequent Public Transport system. 

Annamalai University : The Residential Annamalai University was founded by Dr. Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar of Chettinad, in the year 1929. It is about 3 kms from the town. Apart from Medicine and Engineering Courses the university has special attention to Tamil Literature and Traditional Carnatic music courses. The University is under the administration of Tamil Nadu Government at present.

Ayyappan Temple : Temple for Ayyappan was built by the Annamalai University, nearer to the Raja Muthaiah Medical College. It is the replica of the Avyappan temple at Sabarimala.

Vaitheeswaran Koil (24 kms) : It is 24 kms from Chidambaram and 6 kms from Sirkazhi. This town is famous for the massive Sri Vaithyanatheeswarar Temple complex and also one of the few popular centers for Naadi Jyothisham [ a form of Astrology-Palm leaf]. The legend says that the presiding deity treated and cured the soldiers of Lord Subramnya in the battle against a demon. The people believe that they are relieved of evil effects by worshipping the lord here. A dip in the temple tank called Siddhamritham and worshipping the God is believed to cure all diseases too. 

Visit Pichavaram Mangrove Forest , Thillai Nataraja Temple