There are several religious places outside the region. These also include the ones in Puducherry, a popular tourist destination.
Thillai Kali Amman Temple: This shrine is on the outskirts and is dedicated to Thillai Kali, who was defeated by Lord Shiva in a dance competition.
The Chidambaram temple has played major roles in the lives of saints and poets. The story of Nandanar is related to this temple.
Festivals, such as, Aarudra Darsanam (Dec-Jan), Ani Thirumanjanam (June-July), Panguni Uthiram (March-April) and Natyanjali during Maha Sivaratri (Feb-March) take place here.
Srimushnam: Sri Bhuvarahaswami temple here is one of the eight Swayambu Kshetras. From Chidambaram it is 60 km away.
Vadalur: Satyagnana Sabha, 35 km away, was constructed by Sri Ramalinga Swamigal. Amazingly the devotees worship an eternal flame or Jyothi.
Puducherry: This former French colony has a few temples. These include the shrines of Manakkula Vinayaka and Varadarajaswami.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram, an international spiritual centre, was founded in 1920 by Sri Aurobindo, a Indian patriot, philosopher and saint. The Ashram symbolises the ideals of Sri Aurobindo and the Divine Mother.
Auroville (10 km): This small township, a new concept in education and urban living, is conceived as a tribute to Sri Aurobindo.
