Most travellers race through Cuddalore district on the way to somewhere else. That is a shame: it holds Chidambaram, the Pichavaram mangroves and some of the oldest temples in Tamil Nadu, and it is where our own team lives and works.
Chidambaram
The Thillai Nataraja Temple, with its golden roof, is one of the most important Shiva temples in India and the place where the Natyanjali dance festival is held around Maha Shivaratri. Plan a morning or evening visit around the puja times.
Pichavaram mangroves
Between the Vellar and Coleroon (Kollidam) estuaries, Pichavaram is one of the largest mangrove forests in the world. Rowing and motor boats wind through narrow green channels — go early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and birdlife.
Cuddalore town and the coast
- Silver Beach — a long, open beach close to the town, often called one of the longest on the Coromandel coast.
- Fort St David — the remains of the old East India Company fort near the beach.
- Thiruvahindrapuram — the Devanathaswamy temple on the river.
- Thirupadiripuliyur — the Padaleeswarar temple in town.
Inland
- Virudhachalam — the Virudhagiriswarar Temple and the ceramic town; see travels in Virudhachalam.
- Panruti — the Veeratteswarar temple at Thiruvathigai, and the famous jackfruit and cashew country around it.
- Srimushnam — the Bhuvaraha Swamy temple.
- Vadalur — Vallalar’s Sathya Gnana Sabha.
- Veeranam Lake — a vast Chola-era reservoir, lovely at sunset.
A two-day plan
Day 1: Chidambaram temple in the morning, Pichavaram by boat in the afternoon, sunset at Veeranam. Day 2: Cuddalore’s temples, Fort St David and Silver Beach, returning via Panruti or Vadalur. Puducherry is close enough to add a third day.
When to go
November to February is the most comfortable. The north-east monsoon (October–December) can bring heavy rain to the coast; summer (April–June) is hot, so plan outdoor visits early and late.
Getting around
A car with a driver is the easiest way to link the sights. See our guide to car rental with driver in Cuddalore, or ask us to plan a day trip from your hotel in Puducherry or Chidambaram.
