Cuddlore Travel Guide
The then district consisted of the 21 Taluks of Arcot, Vellore, Thiruvathur, Polur, Arani ( The Jagir of that name ) Wandiwash, Chetpet , Thiruvannamalai , Gingee ,Tindivanam , Valudavur, Villupuram , Anniyur , Tirukoilur , Thiruvennainallur , Tiruvadi , Elavanasur, Kallakurichi , Vridhachalam , Tittagudi and Bhuvanagiri but excluded the form of Fort St.David and the territory of Pondicherry, both of which had been separately acquired and were separately administered. In April 1805, the then Taluk of Mannarkudi ( which is included in what is now known as Chidambaram ) was added from Tiruchirapalli to this huge charge.

In puraana this district is described as part of Sri. Rama Khetra. This district is a primitive one. Vridhachalam is an example where mountain once prevailed disappeared at times.Historic evidence available from madras district gazetteers south arcot published in 1962 reveals that the name ‘Arcot’ derived from Tamil ‘Aaru kadu’ i.e. six forests which was said to be the abode of six rishis. This district in Tamil called ‘Thondai Nadu’ and in particular ‘Nadu Naadu ’. It has a speciality ‘ Saandror udaithu’ i.e great and elite personalities possession of the district.

To prove it saivaite pathmakers Thirunaukkarasu, Sundarar born in this district. Maikaudar one of the sithas out of eighteen born in this district. This district is proud of possessing as birth place of Vallalar Ramalingar.

Places of Interest
Pichavaram
Vadalur
Srimushnam
Mangrove Forest at Pichavaram
Lignite Mines at Neyveli
Natrajar Temple at Chidambaram
Padaleeswarar Temple at Cuddalore
Devanatha Swami Temple at Cuddalore
Bhuvaraha Swami Temple at Srimushnam