Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is a beautiful and peaceful place, perfect for nature and bird lovers. It is one of the largest and oldest mangrove forests in India, spread over 1,100 hectares between the Vellar and Coleroon rivers. The forest is home to many birds, fishes, and small wildlife. The boat ride through narrow water channels surrounded by thick mangrove trees is a calm and amazing experience. The long ride, especially during the evening, gives stunning sunset views. But the prices are high. You have to pay for entry, camera, and boat ride. Even a short ride from the ticket counter to the boat point costs extra. Some boatmen ask for more money for longer rides, even though 1-hour rides are part of the rules. It feels like they are more focused on money than good service. No proper checking by staff. 🚌 Travel: Frequent Govt. & Private buses run from Chidambaram to Pichavaram every 30 mins (8 AM–8 PM). 🚖 Uber taxis are also available. ⛵ Boating: Open from 9 AM–5 PM. Motorboats and paddle boats let you explore the quiet waters. Evening sunset rides are highly recommended. 🚻 Facilities: Toilets and parking are available. 🌤️ Best Time: Visit during cool weather; avoid peak noon heat.

Nice experience. One should explore this forest atleast once in lifetime. Better take a Motor boat to cover large area(2000₹). We gave the boat person extra 500 to see more tunnels and canals. If you don't pay extra they won't take you to the adventural spots simply they waste your time

Mangrove Forest ​Pichavaram is an experience that transcends a simple boat ride—it is a journey into one of nature's most intricate and serene masterpieces. I had a truly wonderful experience exploring the labyrinthine waterways of the world's second-largest mangrove forest. ​The feeling of paddling through the narrow mangrove tunnels, where the roots of the trees form a dense, green canopy overhead, is both exhilarating and deeply calming. It offers a peaceful solitude rarely found in nature. We were captivated by the quiet beauty of the ecosystem and the unique sight of the trees growing right out of the brackish water. ​Highly Recommended Travel Timing: ​Based on my visit, I would strongly recommend planning your trip during November and December. The weather during these months is cool, clear, and perfectly pleasant, making the boating experience comfortable and allowing for fantastic bird-watching and photography. Avoiding the summer heat makes all the difference! ​Pichavaram is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a break from the ordinary and a peaceful encounter with unspoiled nature.

Escape into the enchanting labyrinth of Pichavaram, the world's second-largest mangrove forest. Located near Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, this stunning ecological wonder offers a serene getaway from the hustle of city life. As you step into a boat, you're immediately transported into a world of breathtaking beauty. Glide through a maze of narrow canals, with the dense mangrove roots creating a mesmerizing, cathedral-like canopy above you. The calm, emerald-green backwaters reflect the lush greenery, creating a picture-perfect scene at every turn. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife; Pichavaram is a paradise for birdwatchers, with dozens of species of migratory and local birds calling this forest home. The boat ride, which can last from one to two hours, allows you to explore the forest's core and witness the unique ecosystem where the freshwater of the rivers meets the saltwater of the Bay of Bengal. For a truly immersive experience, ask your boatman to navigate the narrower, less-traveled channels. There are two options for boating , motor or the rowed . Motor ones will cover more distance so I recommend that..

Entry: frequent buses from chidambaram bus stand for every 30 mins, lot of parking area inside. Place is under state forest range. Place: Pichavaram mangrove forest is about 3000 acres, with more than 4000 tunnel passage. Boating allowed for only 2 km, about 60 mins travel. Forest and aquatic wonder makes a great experience. Many of the life jacket's clips are broken, be caution in choosing them. Must visit place. Food: Limited snacks only available, better to carry from home. Sea foods are available at outside of the compound. Prices are fair. Safety: Security and forest guards are there. Restrooms are average. Safe for families.

Visited recently. Very beautiful place and mesmerizing. Looks like an island. Weekends we can expect more crowd. We chose row boat so that we can spend more time and distance. Motor boat not able to go through narrow area . So row boat gave lovely experience. Row boat 700 which means amount for that boat and 6 member's allowed for the same cost. I got tickets from the counter. We can do the same via online also. I paid extra to boat person he took us inside deep place wow it's very very beautiful. Rest room facilities available. Food stall also there.

We visited during November, weather was pleasant and the nature was kind too !! We had a wonderful experience, the staff was polite and he took us to interior regions for extra cost , it's worth paying! A must visit place for all nature lovers. Facilities can be improved a lot considering the amount of people visiting per day.

The Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram is significant as a holy site for Saivites, representing the element of space in the Pancha Bootha Sthalams, and a cultural center for its architectural marvels and connection to the Bharatanatyam dance form. Its importance also stems from its deep historical roots and the profound spiritual and cosmic symbolism it embodies through its unique representations of Lord Shiva and its architectural features, such as the roof made of 21,600 gold sheets symbolizing human breath. Spiritual and religious importance Pancha Bootha Sthalam: It is considered one of the five great Shiva temples representing the five cosmic elements, with Chidambaram specifically representing "space" or "ether" (Akasha). Representation of the cosmic dance: The idol of Nataraja depicts Shiva's "Ananda Tandava" (dance of bliss), which symbolizes the eternal cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the balance between chaos and order in the universe. Trifecta of forms: Within the sanctum, Shiva is represented in three ways: as a form (Nataraja), a semi-form (the Crystal Linga), and a formless entity (the Chidambara Rahasyam, an empty space). Worship and liberation: Devotees believe worshipping at the temple can lead to spiritual liberation (Moksha) and stability in life. Architectural and cultural importance Architectural and scientific marvel: The temple is an architectural masterpiece with an astronomical and mathematical design. Its roof is said to be made of 21,600 gold plates, representing the 21,600 breaths a person takes in a day. Link to Bharatanatyam: The temple walls feature carvings of the 108 karanas (dance postures) described in the Natya Shastra, which form the foundation of the classical Indian dance form, Bharatanatyam. Historical significance: The temple has ancient origins and has been a site of worship and royal patronage for centuries, with significant contributions from the Chola dynasty and others. Cultural significance: The temple complex includes significant structures like the Kanaka Sabha (Golden Hall) and the Nritta Sabha (Hall of Dance), reflecting the deep connection between spirituality and the arts.

Chidambaram Thillai Natarajar Temple – A Timeless Centre of Spiritual Power Visiting this temple is an experience that goes far beyond a simple pilgrimage. The moment you enter the sanctum, there is an intensity and stillness that draws you inward. The presence of Lord Nataraja feels almost palpable, as if the cosmic dance itself is unfolding around you. The temple’s architecture stands as a magnificent reminder of ancient craftsmanship—every corridor, pillar, and carving speaks of devotion and centuries of tradition. The atmosphere is filled with a quiet strength, and the vibrations inside the Chitsabha leave a lasting impression on anyone who steps in. For those seeking serenity, the early hours of the morning or the calm of the evening offer the most peaceful environment. The surroundings are well maintained, and the entire complex exudes a sense of order, heritage, and spiritual depth. This is a destination that every devotee and lover of history should visit at least once. Chidambaram does not just showcase a deity or a structure; it reveals an entirely different dimension of faith, philosophy, and cosmic understanding.

🛕 Chidambaram Thillai Natarajar Temple – The Cosmic Stage Of Divinity! 🔱 An Absolutely Divine Experience Beyond Words! 🙏✨ The Energy Inside The Sanctum Is Something Every Soul Must Feel Once In A Lifetime 🌟. You Don’t Just Visit This Temple — You Feel The Rhythm Of Lord Nataraja’s Cosmic Dance 💃🕉️ Echoing Within Your Heart. The Architecture Is Breathtaking 🏛️, The Vibrations Are Pure 🔔, And The Spiritual Aura Here Connects You Deeply To The Universe 🌌. Every Stone Here Tells A Story Of Devotion, Art, And Ancient Wisdom 📜. ✨ Don’t Miss The Chitsabha, Where Lord Nataraja Performs The Eternal Dance Of Bliss 💫. 🌿 Early Mornings And Evenings Are The Best Times To Experience Peace And Divinity. 💐 The Temple Surroundings Are Clean, Vibrant, And Full Of Positive Energy. A Must-Visit For Every Devotee, Traveler, And Seeker Of Truth 🧘‍♂️❤️. Once You Step Here, You’ll Feel — “This Is Not Just A Temple, It’s The Heartbeat Of The Cosmos!” 🌍🔥

The Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is far more than a place of worship; it is a living museum of history and artistry. As one of the oldest and most architecturally profound temples in India, it offers a deeply spiritual and educational experience. ​The sheer scale, the intricate carvings, and the unique depiction of Lord Nataraja performing the cosmic dance, all testify to centuries of rich cultural and architectural heritage. Visiting this site is an awe-inspiring journey back in time, allowing you to connect with the deep roots of Indian tradition. ​However, the immense age of the structure makes its preservation crucial. It is imperative that the government and relevant heritage bodies step in to provide robust, continuous maintenance and restoration efforts. These ancient temples are irreplaceable treasures, and dedicated financial and logistical support is required to safeguard them from the inevitable toll of time and environment. ​A visit is a must for anyone interested in history, architecture, or spirituality. I strongly urge the authorities to prioritize the conservation of this magnificent temple to ensure future generations can continue to witness this ancient grandeur.

Divine atmosphere inside. Very big area posing difficulties for seniors & disabled to visit all shrines inside. There has to be some queue system for visiting Govindaraja swamy sannidhi as people having darshan of Natarajar & Govindaraja swamy make big crowd during festival season. It will take minimum one hour to visit all sannidhis. Om namah shivaya Om namo narayanaya

Peaceful Night Visit to Chidambaram – The Aakasha Lingam We visited Chidambaram Temple on a Friday night around 9 PM (the temple closes at 10 PM). By 8 PM, the temple was crowded, but after 9, it was much calmer, which made for a peaceful and serene visit. This temple, one of the Panchabootha Lingams (Aakasha Lingam – sky element), has a vast area with amazing architecture that truly reflects its grandeur and history. Though there isn’t official parking near the temple, visiting at night worked out fine — the nearby roads were quiet, and the shops were closed, so we managed to park without any issues. The overall experience was very peaceful, and the temple’s spiritual vibe is unmatched. A must-visit for anyone exploring the Panchabootha Linga Yatra or interested in sacred architecture!

A monument that takes you 1000 year into our glorious past. The Chidambaram Temple, also known as Thillai Nataraja Temple, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his dancing form, Nataraja. Its history dates back to the 10th century, with significant contributions from the Chola dynasty, who considered Nataraja their family deity. The temple complex is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, sprawling over 50 acres. Its grandeur is evident in the towering gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with intricate carvings of deities and mythological tales. The temple features majestic pillared halls, serene courtyards, and the unique sanctum sanctorum, which houses a bejeweled image of Nataraja. The temple's architecture is deeply symbolic, with elements representing the human body and the cosmos. For instance, the roof is made of 21,600 gold sheets, signifying the number of breaths a person takes in a day. The temple's five main halls, or Sabhas, are also significant, with the Kanaka Sabha (Golden Hall) being the most prominent. The temple's rich history and architectural splendor make it a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in South India.

Annamalai University offers a sprawling green campus with a historic charm that makes studying here a pleasant experience. The university provides a wide range of courses, including well-known distance education programs. The faculty is generally experienced and helpful, though the quality can vary between departments. Hostels are basic but affordable, and the mess food is decent for daily needs. The library is a major highlight, with a large collection that supports serious academic work. Overall, it’s a respected university with a strong reputation, though some of its facilities could benefit from modernization.

Annamalai University in Chidambaram is one of the oldest and best state universities in India. Along with the famous Natarajar Temple, it is a pride for the people of Chidambaram. The university offers many courses in arts, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and more. During my period, getting admission here was very hard because of its strong reputation. Now a days, its name and reputation have weakened. Still, It produce many notable alumni's in to the world.

Nice place where the area fully surrounded by the campus every 300 m you will found the different departments

One of the very old universities of Tamil Nadu. Many of our eminent leaders have studied here . excellent infrastructure and various departments like medical ,nursing , engineering, agri , physical education , dental, physiotherapy, pharmacy ,and arts & science. Seperate hostels for boys and girls for different departments . Music , psychology and yoga departments are very unique . Their distance education is a boon to many people who couldn't go to regular colleges.

Annamalai University is a good university.They offer all graduation courses.Engineerig courses are also there.Lot of students study here.Earlier it was a private university. Now after long fight it has been taken over by Govt.I have no idea about the performance of the university after it has been taken over.

The one and only University which is the backbone for this locality and the development of areas around this area. It’s one of the top university in India 🇮🇳 where all the departments of every speciality under one roof. It is one of the best place to study any speciality subject. Cost of living is very affordable Student friendly university

Great and one of the oldest universities.Founder sir Annamalai chettiyar of chettinadu by his extended heart and excellency. Many courses in one campus. This atmosphere itself make us to feel the Education enthusiasm.