Here’s a 3-day travel itinerary for visiting Cuddalore (Tamil Nadu) followed by a table of popular places with estimated visit time and entry/fees.
Day 1 – Arrival & Local Exploration
- Morning: Arrive in Cuddalore, check into your hotel, and relax after your journey.
- Mid-Morning: Explore the town center and local markets; enjoy some traditional Tamil Nadu breakfast or lunch.
- Afternoon: Visit Padaleeswarar Temple (Thirupathiripuliyur) – an ancient Shiva temple known for its architecture and heritage.
- Evening: Spend time at Silver Beach, one of the longest beaches in Tamil Nadu. Enjoy the sea breeze and sunset.
- Night: Have dinner near the beach or at a local restaurant serving South Indian coastal cuisine.
Day 2 – Nature & Scenic Spots
- Morning: After breakfast, travel to Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, located around 25 km away. Take a boat ride through the mangrove canals and enjoy the natural scenery.
- Lunch: Eat at a local restaurant or bring a picnic near Pichavaram or Chidambaram.
- Afternoon: Visit Veeranam Lake – a peaceful location ideal for nature walks and bird watching.
- Evening: Return to Cuddalore town, relax at your hotel or enjoy a light evening stroll by the beach.
Day 3 – Heritage & Temples
- Morning: Visit Devanathaswamy Temple (Thiruvanthipuram) – a beautiful Vishnu temple with detailed architecture.
- Midday: Head to Fort St. David, a historic site offering glimpses into the British colonial era.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a nearby local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Explore Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple at Srimushnam, known for its calm atmosphere and religious importance.
- Evening: Return to Cuddalore for a final sunset at Silver Beach or some local shopping before departure.
Table of Popular Places in Cuddalore
| No | Place | Estimated Time Spent | Entry / Fee Info | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Silver Beach | 1–2 hours | Free | Ideal for evening relaxation and sunset views. |
| 2 | Pichavaram Mangrove Forest | 2–3 hours | Around ₹500–600 per boat | Famous for scenic mangrove boat rides. |
| 3 | Veeranam Lake | 1–2 hours | Free | Perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers. |
| 4 | Devanathaswamy Temple | 1–2 hours | Free | Ancient Vishnu temple near Cuddalore. |
| 5 | Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple (Srimushnam) | 1–1.5 hours | Free / Donation-based | Calm, spiritual temple surrounded by greenery. |
| 6 | Fort St. David | 1–2 hours | ₹20 for Indian visitors, ₹100 for foreigners | Historic British fort near the coast. |
| 7 | Padaleeswarar Temple (Thirupathiripuliyur) | 1 hour | Free | Old Shiva temple within Cuddalore town. |
| 8 | Local Markets & Town Walk | Flexible | Free | Good for local snacks, crafts, and photography. |
With this 3-day itinerary, travelers experience Cuddalore’s nature, history, spiritual sites, and local culture in depth, at a gentle and immersive pace.