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Arulmigu Kalikambal Temple in Chennai’s George Town is an important religious centre dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kalikambal and Lord Kamateswarar. This beautiful temple was built in the 17th century and is one great example of the Dravidian architectural style and its cultural influence. The temple was originally located near Fort St. George but was moved a little farther in 1640 because of British expansion. It is also said that this place has been blessed by the Hindus and demi-gods who have made their prayers here, thus heightening its ever-enchantment.
Location
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Kalikambal Temple located on Thambu Chetty Street in the downtown area of Georgetown, Chennai is a highly revered temple worshipped by the devotees of Goddess Kalikambal- an incarnation of Parvati, in addition to God Kamateswarar, a form of Shiva. The temple is at a distance of 20 km from Chennai International Airport and 3 km from Chennai Central Railway Station. Local buses and auto rickshaws are readily available for the visitors.
How To Reach
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By Train: The main train station nearest to the temple is Chennai Beach Station which is located about 2.6 km. Or reach Chennai Central Railway Station (3.5 km) and board a local to Chennai Beach.
By Bus: Many MTC buses service the temple, the nearest alighting point being Armenian Church (280 metres) and Mannady (600 metres).
By Metro: The High Court Metro Station nearest to the temple is roughly 1.2 km away from the temple.
By Car/Taxi: You can use a GPS for directions as there are not only paid parking rates but parking space is available. The distance from Chennai Airport to the temple is approximately 24.7 km.
Places To Visit Around Kalikambal Temple
When visiting the Kalikambal Temple, there are several nearby attractions worth exploring.
1. Marina Beach
Photo: godwin leones / Unsplash
Marina Beach in Chennai, which lies adjacent to the Bay of Bengal, is popularly held as the second longest natural stretching beach with a reservation of about 13 km probably more or less. This ‘beach’ is loved for many reasons such as the golden sands, recreational activities, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The oceanfront allows people to walk, buy snacks from the shops, and go to the Aquarium or the Mahatma Gandhi statue and some other historical sites as well. Most families refrain from swimming due to the strong undercurrents but do indulge in kite flying and pony riding.
Distance From The Temple: 2 km
Location: Marina Beach runs from Fort St. George in the north to Besant Nagar in the south
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: November to February for pleasant weather
2. Fort St. George
Photo: L.vivian.richard / Wikimedia Commons
Fort St. George in Chennai is a fortified British colonial structure built by the East India Company. It was also the first fort erected by the English in India and served as a principal centre for trade, marking the advent of British colonial ambitions in the region. Within the grounds is the Fort Museum which contains over 3600 artefacts with most of the artefacts depicting previous governors and military objects from foreign countries, alongside many sculptures. Also, inside the fort complex is a church called St. Mary’s built in the year 1680 which is said to be the first church built by the British in India.
Distance From The Temple: 3 km
Location: Fort St. George is situated on Rajaji Salai, Chennai
Entry Fee: Fort: ₹5 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners, Museum: ₹15 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (closed on Fridays)
3. Perarignar Anna Memorial
Photo: Gowtham Sampath / Wikimedia Commons
Perarignar Anna Memorial situated on Kamarajar Promenade is named after a famous politician and a Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C.N. Annadurai. The memorial was erected on the spot where Anna was cremated in February 1969, and it consists of a black marble platform that signifies the love and admiration that the people of Tamil Nadu had for him. The memorial compound features a well-designed mounded structure with two semicircular horn-shaped platforms, a flame with an eternal fire, and a sword like a pillar with a round light on top.
Distance From The Temple: 3 km
Location: Kamarajar Promenade, Marina Beach, Chennai
Entry Fee: Free
4. Victory War Memorial
Photo: Planemad / Wikimedia Commons
Victory War Memorial is an obelisk in Chennai built to celebrate the triumph of the allied powers in World War I but now lost its glory and stands erect to honour the soldiers from the Madras presidency who were dead in World War Two and other Wars including the Kashmir Aggression in 1948 and Indo-Pakistani Wars. The monument, named Cupid’s Bow, also has a very tall Indian Flag with a Flag Post and is inscribed with the memorial engraving of the fallen soldiers. The design of the structure comprises rock and marble in a rotunda shape with an erect central obelisk.
Distance From The Temple: 1.5 km
Location: Situated at the beginning of Marina Beach, south of Fort St. George
Entry Fee: Free
5. Dharmaraja Temple
Photo: $nowPearl / Wikimedia Commons
Dharmaraja Temple is an important Hindu temple situated in Mannady, the heart of Chennai, India. The temple is serene and beautiful as it is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is topped with an elaborate gopuram (tower) filled with demi-god figures beautifully crafted in vibrant colours depicting the style of South Indian Architecture. The presiding deity Lord Krishna is placed in a standing position and other important images such as Radha, Srinivasa and Hanuman can also be found in the temple. The temple is more frequented by devotees in the quest for blessings of peace and wealth in the family.
Distance From The Temple: 1 km
Location: Dharmaraja Temple, Mannadi, Chennai
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 4:30 PM – 9 PM
Where To Stay
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Chennai has many accommodations near Kalikambal temple to suit all budgets. Economy hotels such as Hotel Pandian and Hotel Marina Inn offer pleasant places to stay for a reasonable price. If you are looking for mid-range hotels, Bhimas Inn and GVS Residency which have good reviews, will do just fine. However, Taj Club House or Courtyard Chennai providing plush amenities will be preferred by those seeking luxury. In addition, plenty of other hotels in the area like the Greens Gate Business Class Hotel also offer services like gyms and shuttle services to the airport.
Where To Eat
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A range of eating places is available close to Kalikambal Temple to suit assorted preferences. Dindigul Thalappakatti which is famous for its tasty biryani has a simple environment and thus is frequented by many people who are bored to eat in expensive hotels. To accommodate those who want to eat South Indian food in that area, Devar Mess provides home-style foods at affordable rates, but NAIR MESS offers normal food served on banana leaves ideal for eating. North Indian tastes can be satisfied at the North Indian & Bengali Pearl Restaurant where a homely menu is available in a warm atmosphere.
Best Time To Visit
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The ideal period for travelling to the Kalikambal Temple in Chennai is between November and February. Throughout this period, the temperatures are relatively moderate, as one avoids the high heat and humidity, which is characteristic of the summer months. Devotees, however, come in large numbers on Fridays because they are considered to be very good days for worship. Visits, however, during other months such as October for Navarathri and February for Mahashivratri are even more interesting due to the elaborate decoration and festivities.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip:
In determining the overall average cost of a visit made by tourists to the Kalikambal Temple in Chennai, many elements such as accommodation, transport, and food among numerous others come into play. Basic hotels will cost about ₹1000 – ₹2500 per day, mid-range hotels will cost about ₹2500 – ₹5000 per day, and luxury hotels will cost ₹5000 – ₹10000+ per day. For local flights to Chennai economy class round tickets vary between ₹3000 to ₹10,000 in consideration of the city and the time of booking. Taxi and auto rickshaw from the Temple to the airport (20km) is approximately ₹500 – ₹800 and local buses will cost ₹20 – ₹50. Meals for a whole day may cost approximately ₹600 – ₹1,200. A well-rounded budget estimation of ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 for a two-day trip.
Tips For Travelers :
- To prevent overcrowding, pay a visit either in the early hours of dawn or during dusk.
- Taking pictures while inside the temple is usually prohibited; follow this rule so as not to disrupt the peace.
- Talk to local worshipers or even priests; they tell about the customs and history that make things interesting.
- Chennai can get quite hot; it is good to have water bottles with you especially if you intend to move around more after the temple visit.
The Kalikambal Temple also serves as an architectural treasure reflecting the rich heritage and culture of Chennai. This temple promises a fulfilling visit both spiritually and in admiration of the intricate design of the structures, providing a sense of tranquillity and sanctity even in the streets full of hustle and bustle. Book your visit with TripXL as this beautiful temple awaits your presence.
Cover Photo: BBCLCD / Wikimedia Commons
