CUDDALORE
Also Known As : Kuttalur
Hosts : An Ancient Seaport
Main Attractions : Cuddalore Port, Kattu Mannargudi, Tiruppapuliyur
THE CITY OF CUDDALORE
Cuddalore also known as "Kuttalur" is the headquarters of
Cuddalore district. It lies in the northeastern part of
Tamil Nadu State, on the Bay of Bengal coast. Its name is derived
from Kuttal-ur ("junction town") and refers to its location near
the junction of the Ponnaiyar River
with its tributary, the Gadilam. These rivers flood frequently,
causing damage to the city.
An ancient seaport was developed rapidly after the British East India
Company obtained trading rights in 1682, but it later declined with the
expansion of Madras (now Chennai). It now handles only a small percentage
of Tamil Nadu's foreign trade, dealing almost
exclusively with Malaysia and Singapore. Its fishing and shipbuilding
industries are slowly growing. It is an important river port and a
commercial center.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Cuddalore Port
The Cuddalore Port is situated at the confluence of the rivers Gadilam
and Paravanar discharging as combined river into the sea. The hinterland
of Cuddalore Port consists of the district of Cuddalore and ports of
Salem and Tiruchirappalli.
The area is rich in minerals, having lignites at Neyveli, about 40-km from
the port and iron ore deposits in Salem district.
Tiruppapuliyur
Tiruppatiripuliyur also known as Tiruppapuliyur is located in Cuddalore
New Town. The sacredness of the place is due to the divine effulgence by
which spiritual attainment becomes easier. In Tiruppapuliyur, there is an
old Shiva temple dedicated to Lord Pataleswarar.
Kattu Mannargudi
Mannargudi is a place of religious antiquity and legendary importance.
The famous Vishnu temple at Mannargudi dedicated to Sri Rajagopalaswami
was built by the Chola King Kulottunga I (1070-1120 AD). The temple is
situated over an area of 6 acres of land that commands an imposing view
and provides accommodation for thousands of devotees.
Thiruvahindrapuram
Thiruvahindrapuram, a calm village of the historical coastal town of
Cuddalore, falls in the group of Nadu Nattu Tirupati among 108 Divya
Desams. The temple of Lord Devanatha is flanked by the inspiring "Oushadagiri"
a herbal drop from the hands of speeding Anjaneya to the battle field of
Lanka and the serpentine holy river Garuda Nadhi. Its importance has found
place in three puranas, viz. Brahmandam, Brahannardiyam and Skandam.
The major festivals celebrated in this temple are Brahmotsavam in Tamil
month Chitrai, Desikar festival in Puratasi and Masi makam (sea bath) at
Devanampattinam, Vaikunta Ekadasi festival in Markazhi / Thai months
Pataleeswarar Temple
This temple dedicated to Pataleeswarar (Lord Shiva), has been in
existence since the 7th century AD. The existing structure is largely a
result of renovations from the 19th century. It has artistically carved
pillars, which has been glorified by the poems of the Saivite Saints.
EXCURSIONS
Chidambaram
Chidambaram is one of the
most ancient and celebrated shrines in India located at a distance of
44-km from the Cuddalore city. It is of great religious as well as
historic and cultural significance. Chidambaram is associated with Lord
Nataraja or Shiva in his Ananda Tandava pose (the Cosmic Dance of bliss)
in the cosmic golden hall and the hall of consciousness (Chit Sabha).
Annamalai University
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
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 backwaters, which are interconnected by the Vallar and
Coleroon system offer abundant scope for water sports -rowing, kayak and
canoeing. 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.
Porto-Novo (Parangipettai):
Porto-Novo, also called "Parangipettai", in
Chidambaram Taluk (also
spelt as Taluka), is situated on the north bank of the mouth of Vellar at
a distance of 30-km from Cuddalore. Portuguese were the first European
settlers of this place from whom it passed into the possession of the
Dutch and finally handed it over to the English in 1824. This town has a
large Muslim population engaged mostly in sea-trade. Tombs of several
Muslim saints are situated in this place, most important among them being
the dargah to Saint Malumiyar, Araikasu Nachiyar, Hafiz Mir Sahib and
Sayed Saheb.
Tiruvakarai
Tiruvakarai village is situated at a distance of 50-km from Cuddalore.
There are a number of petrified tree trunks, also called "fossil wood"
in and around this village. There is also an ancient temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva, dating back to the Chola period.
Vridhachalam
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
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
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.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest international and domestic airport
is at Chennai,
located at a distance of 192-km. The travel time by road takes about 4 to
5 hours.
Rail: Cuddalore Thiruppapuliyur Railway Station is connected by
train directly from Chennai
via Villupuram.
Road: Cuddalore is well connected by road with the neighbouring
places of tourist interest. Tourist taxis, auto-rickshaws and city bus
services are available for local transportation.
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation is available at the moderate class and small budgeted hotels in Cuddalore.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The major festivals celebrated at the temple in
Thiruvahindrapuram are the Brahmotsavam in Tamil month Chitrai, Desikar
festival in Puratasi and Masi Makam (sea bath) at Devanampattinam, and
Vaikunta Ekadasi festival in Markazhi / Thai months
Masi Magam
Masi Magam is an annual festival celebrated on the full moon day of the
Tamil month of Masi (February-March). Deities from in and around Cuddalore
district are brought in ceremonial processions to the
Ponnaiyar River for a symbolic
immersion ceremony. Thousands of people go to the seashore to have a dip
in the sea, which is said to wash away one's sins.
Fire Walking Festival
Local temples conclude their annual festivals with hundreds of men, women
and children walking on fire for fulfillment of their vows.
SHOPPING
Lawrence road, Nethaji road and Sankara Naidu Street are the best shopping areas for textile and other ready-made garments. Thiruvandhipuram road and Subrayalu streets are the best shopping areas for Jewellery and Silverware.
RESTAURANTS
The Cartels Club
Ratchagar Nagar West Extension
Chavadi, Cuddalore- 607 001
Hotel Durai
17 Imperial Road, Cuddalore-2
Sri Annalakshmi A/C Restaurant
4 North Kavarai St, Cuddalore-1
Anandha Bhavan A/C Restaurant
9 ALC Complex, Manjakuppam
Anandha Bhavan
83 Lawrence Road, Cuddalore - 2
BANKS
Andhra Bank
5 Nellikuppam main road,
Semmandalam, Cuddalore-1
Bank of Baroda
13 Bharathy road, Cuddalore-1
Canara Bank
2 &3 Car St. Extension, Cuddalore-2
Bank of Madura
16 Car Street Extn, Cuddalore-2
Indian Bank
27 Bharathi Road, Cuddalore-1
4 Bharati Road, Cuddalore-1
Jawan's Bhavan, Cuddalore-2
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 27-sq-km
Population: 144561 (1991 Census)
Latitude: N 11o 9' and 11o 49'
Longitude: E 78o 52' and 79o 50'
Clothing: Light Cottons
Languages Spoken : Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu
STD Code: 04142
Climate: Tropical
Temperature Range (deg C):
Summer- Max 43ºC, Min 33ºC
Winter- Max 27ºC, Min 22ºC
Rainfall: 1164 mm
NEARBY CITIES
Ariyalur - 101-km
Chidambaram - 40-km
Mahabalpuram - 108-km
Mannargudi - 93-km
Nagappattinam - 108-km
NeyVeli - 34-km
Perambalur - 114-km
Vridhachalam - 55-km
Know more about this Package !!!
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