Situated on the eastern coast of southern Tamil Nadu, this district has its headquarters in Tuticorin, the port famous for its pearl divers. It is a major industrial centre. There is a heavy water plant and thermal power station apart from the Spic fertilizer plant and the other major industries are pearl fishing and salt production. Between two rivers in a 40 acres temple-complex, lies the temples of Chidambaram, one of the oldest and magnificent temples of the South. Shiva Natrala or the Dancing Shiva stands in his cosmic dance pose in the golden rooted sanctorum. Flanking the temple are 108 sculptured illustrations of Bharat Natya Shashtra. In Akash Lingam hidden by a veil, lies the real secret of Chidambaram.

Festivals has great value in Chidambaram . The Natyanjali festival dedicated to the Cosmic Dancer is celebrated every year during February-March. The Sivarathri festival is celebrated every year on the Sivarathri Day. Again in February-March. The Markazhi Thiruvadhirai Day Festival in December-January and Ani Thirumanjana Festival in June-July are celebrated every year. Also the 10-days celebration of Panguni Uthiram Festival is celebrated every year, during which devotees skewer themselves with metal rods in ritual thanksgiving for answered prayers.

Places Of  Tourist Interest

The Nataraja Temple
The temple located in the centre of the town covers an area of 40 acres. It is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known as Akasa Lingam. Dedicated to Lord Nataraja, this ancient temple of the Cholas is unique as it one of Panchabootha sthala in India  and it is one of the rare temples where Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the customary lingam.

Ayyappan Temple 
The Annamalai University near the Raja Muthiah Medical Centre built this temple for Ayyappan. It is a replica of the Ayyappan temple at Sabarimala. A small, quiet park surrounds the temple, creating a serene ambience.

Kalvarayan Hills
These hills are situated 150 kms. Northwest of Chidambaram, and spread over an area of 600 sq.kms. These hills offer a temperate climate and quiet solitude. There is a botanical garden on these hills. These hills also have two waterfalls. The area is ideal for those interested intrekking. A summer festival is also held in the month of May every year.