Chidambaram Experience: Well, its called this and that in mythology - am not sure of all of those things - But one thing, you can rest assured to find in Chidambaram - Awesome Temple of Lord Nataraja!

Food, sight-seeing and shopping: If you're the type who would just eat at any road-side handy eatery, then the restaurants in Chidambaram would suit you just fine. There is Hotel Akshya that serves decent food. Keep your ordering to simple boiled food (Like Idly) or something without oil (Oil-less Dosa). Avoid Poori's/Potatoes and Chutney (They can taste different). People are simple and straight-forward. So, they wont give you anything that'll harm you...but remember, you're a traveller! The less you eat, the better it is! :)

Activities & things to do: 1. The temple has pooja timings at specific hours. So, catching the glimpse of the evening aarti or afternoon aarti can be a very elevating experience. See if you can actually witness one puja atleast... 2. The Thillai Kali Amman temple is a must visit too. It is believed that both Lord Nataraja and Thillai Kali danced together....and a visit is incomplete without seeing Her. 3. One more important thing to do: BOOK your hotel reservations in advance. Sometimes people have rooms, but show you the most expensive room to ensure you take it. Dont fall for it. Try another place. 4. Visit a village called 'Pitchavaram'. It is about 13 kms from Chidambaram towards Cuddalore (Though you would identify the route only on reaching Chidambaram. So, you first cannot visit Pitchavaram. You have to come to Chidambaram to see how to go to Pitchavaram). It hosts the second largest Mangroves in the world. Amazing boating and scenic experience.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: Chidamabaram is well connected by gooood roads from Chennai. The route is thus: Chennai to Pondy: 140 kms Pondy to Cuddalore: 25 kms Cuddalore to Chidambaram: 40 kms.