Description:
There are many religious spots near the port town of Cuddalore.
The Annamalai University is situated in Annamalai Nagar, which is at a distance of 47-km from Cuddalore. It is one of the greatest centres of Tamil learning and Carnatic music. The late Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar founded it.
Pichavaram is located at a distance of 56-km from Cuddalore. It ranks among the most exquisite scenic spot with abundant and varied tourism resources. The Pichavaram forest not only offer waterscape and backwater cruises but combines another very rare occurrence- the mangrove forest trees permanently rooted in a few feet of water. The Pichavaram mangroves are considered among the healthiest mangrove occurrence in the world.
Vridhachalam is situated on the banks of the river Manimukthar at a distance of 60-km from Cuddalore. It has an ancient Shiva temple dedicated to "Lord Vridhagirishwarar" and his consort "Vridhambigai". Masi Magam is the important festival in this place when a large number of pilgrims flock to this place to have bath in the scared Manimukthar River.
Vadalur, a major tourist attraction is situated at a distance of 34-km from Cuddalore. There is a Satayagnana Sabha popularly called as "Adigalar", an octagon shaped building, which was constructed by Ramalingaswamigal. The four great towers of Chidambaram temple are visible from this building. The sanctum of this temple is separated from the main hall by seven screens.
Srimushnam situated at a distance of 60-km from Cuddalore, has a temple that is one of the eight self-created "swayamvyaktamkshetras" in the South. The presiding deity is Sri Bhuvarahaswami. The Purushaskuta Mandapam here is shaped like a ratham (car) on which there are carvings of warriors mounted on horses and elephants.
