What to Wear in Chidambaram
Chidambaram is hot for most of the year, and most of your time will be spent around temples, so the right clothes need to do two jobs: keep you cool and cover you properly. Loose cotton in light colours is the easiest choice.
The Nataraja Temple is traditional about dress. Men wear a veshti (dhoti) and are usually asked to remove their shirts before going close to the inner shrine, while women usually wear a saree, a half saree or a salwar kameez with a dupatta. For photos, a silk saree or a white veshti with a gold border looks right at home against the carved gopurams.
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What to Wear in Chidambaram During Summer
Summer (April to June) is very hot and humid, with May the hottest month. Wear the lightest, loosest clothes you have, and plan to be outside early and late in the day.
Best Summer Outfits for Chidambaram
- Loose cotton kurtas or shirts with light trousers
- Linen co-ords in light colours
- Cotton sarees or salwar kameez for temple visits
- A cotton veshti for men visiting the temple
- A hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
What to Wear in Chidambaram During the Northeast Monsoon
From October to December, Chidambaram gets most of its rain from the northeast monsoon, with heavy showers and the odd cyclone. It stays warm, so choose light clothes that dry fast.
Best Monsoon Outfits for Chidambaram
- A light rain jacket or a compact umbrella
- Quick-drying tops and trousers
- Cotton kurtas that dry fast
- Waterproof sandals with a good grip
- A spare set of clothes if you are going on a boat trip
What to Wear in Chidambaram During the Cooler Months
January and February are the most pleasant months, with warm days and slightly cooler mornings. You will not need a jacket, but a light layer is useful for early starts.
Best Cooler-Month Outfits for Chidambaram
- Cotton kurta sets or shirts with trousers
- A light shawl or stole for early mornings and temple visits
- A Kanchipuram silk saree or a veshti with an angavastram for festival days
- Comfortable sandals
Best Colours to Wear in Chidambaram
Bright colours such as deep red, saffron, mustard and peacock blue stand out against the grey stone and painted figures of the gopurams. At Pichavaram, white, teal and coral look fresh against the green mangroves and brown water.
Footwear Tips for Chidambaram
You will take your shoes off at every temple, and the stone floors of the Nataraja Temple's courtyards get very hot by midday. Wear sandals or slip-ons that are easy to remove, and visit early or late when the stone is cooler. For Pichavaram, choose sandals that can get wet.
Questions
Chidambaram — FAQ
Is there a dress code at the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram?
Yes. Men are expected to wear a veshti (dhoti) and are usually asked to remove their shirts before going near the inner shrine. Shorts, sleeveless tops and short skirts are not allowed. Women usually wear a saree or a salwar kameez.
Where can I buy a veshti in Chidambaram?
Shops on the car streets around the Nataraja Temple sell cotton veshtis and angavastrams, so you can buy one when you arrive.
What should I wear for a boat trip at Pichavaram?
Wear light, quick-drying clothes, a hat and sandals that can get wet. Carry sunscreen, as there is little shade on the wider channels.
Do I need warm clothes in Chidambaram?
No. Chidambaram is warm all year. At most, carry a light shawl for early mornings in January and February.
What should I wear for photos in Chidambaram?
A Kanchipuram silk saree in deep red or peacock blue, or a white veshti with a gold border, looks great against the temple gopurams.