Neyveli is situated in Tamilnadu State of India, which is famous for its mythological and historical importance. Neyveli is surrounded by a number of worth seeing places both of tourist and religious attraction. Some of the many are listed below. For more details one can see the web sites of Cuddalore and Villupuram Districts.

PUDUCHERI:
The Union territory of Puducheri (earlier known as Pondicherry) is just 70 Kms from Neyveli. A French settlement prior to independence this town still maintains the French Culture. This town is planned on a grid system, which is to say that the roads meet each other at right angles. In the heart of the town lies the Aurobindo ashram housing the Samadhis of Shri Aurobindo Ghosh and the divine Mother.

Auroville, Puducheri

The beach road is like the mall of a hill station, where everyone comes for a stroll. The footpath is interspersed with trees, flower beds and have lots of benches to sit on and enjoy the evening. Overlooking the sea among the many mansions, the most striking is the one called Marie. It is built in the French style and is actually the Municipality office. The other buildings which are reminiscent of the French architectural style are the Samadhi, French Institute, Ecole Francaise, Raj Niwas to name a few.The other attractions in Pondicherry are the Duplex and the Botanical Gardens.

CHIDAMBARAM:
The town of Chidambaram where the famous Nataraja temple is situated is about 40 Kms.from Neyveli. The temple is located in the center of Chidambaram town and covers an area of 40 acres. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with gold plates. The presiding deity of the temple is represented by air, one of the five elements of the universe and is known as Akasa Lingam. This is the temple of the Cosmic Dancer, where the presiding deity is called Nataraja. This temple has five halls, of which two-the Kanaka Sabha and the Chit Sabha-have gold-plated roofs. The main icon of Nataraja is in the Kanaka Sabha. This to signify that God exists in vacant space too. The Nritta Sabha or the Hall of Dance is the most beautiful and remarkable of the five halls, built in the form of a chariot on wheels drawn by horses. There are 56 pillars in the hall depicting the 108 poses of Bharat Natyam, the classical dance of Tamilnadu.

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, Near Chidambaram

Annamalai University - a seat of learning in disciplines like Engineering, Medicine, Sciences, Humanities, Management, Philosophy, Finance, Oriental studies etc., with a proud history of more than 75 years, is also situated in Chidambaram

Nataraj Temple, Chidambaram

CUDDALORE: This District Headquarters is having a beautiful Beach called silver beach which is about 40 Kms. from Neyveli.

GINGEE:
Nestled on three hills, and enclosed by a huge rampart 60 feet thick, stands the majestic GINGEE Fort, in the Villuppuram district, which is located on the Thindivanam to Thiruvannamalai road about 25 kms from Thindivanam and 100 kms from Neyveli. The indomitable courage and valour of its erstwhile rulers, caused Father Pimenta, a Jesuit priest to call the GINGEE Fort the Troy of the East. Besieged by the Mughals and battered by the British, the fort still stands at 800ft. in height, guarded by a moat, eighty feet wide. The small town of GINGEE was once a capital city, with its province extending from Nellore in the north to the Coleroon (Kollidam) in the south.

Gingee Fort

The Nayaka line of Gingee built most of the structures, fortification walls and temples. Chatrapati Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler, who captured Gingee in 1677 A. D further strengthened the fortifications and defenses. Gingee came under the hegemony of the Moghul emperor Aurangazeb in 1691 A. D., and Sarup singh was appointed as the chief of Gingee by the emperor, under the control of the Nawab of Arcot. Sarup Singhs son. Raja De singh, revolted against the Nawab of Arcot, and was defeated and killed in the war that followed. The young and courageous De Singh became a legend and his heroic deeds were sung in the form of popular ballads. GINGEE today, with its ruined forts, temples and granaries, presents a different picture from the glorious splendor of its bygone days. But the remains of that valorous past, speak volumes about the numerous invasions, warfare and bravery that it witnessed.

THIRUVANNAMALAI:
This temple town is roughly 100 Km away from Neyveli. This is one of the places attributed to five elements viz., earth, water, fire, sky and air. This place is dedicated to the Fire element, whereas Chidambaram is Akasa sthala. It is also said that one attains salvation by merely thinking about Thiruvannamalai. Ramana Maharishi has glorified the place with his penance and attaining samadhi here. His ashram at the out skirts of the town attracts devotees and followers by its serene, tranquil atmosphere. The beautiful hill at Thiruvannamalai is said to be abode of sages and attracts lakhs of devotees every full moon day for walking around the hills (Giri Valam).

AUROVILLE: AN INTERNATIONAL TOWNSHIP
This town of tomorrow now in the making - supported and encouraged by the Government of India, and endorsed by UNESCO - is sited just across the Puducherry border in Tamil Nadu. Representing an experiment in international living, it was launched in 1968 at the behest of the Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram at an inaugural function attended by representatives of 124 nations and all the States of India. This "City of Dawn" is still in its initial stages of development, though the Matrimandir, the central building intended for silent concentration, is now functional, as are many other major facilities, such as its Visitors Centre, Town Hall, etc. The near-2000 Auroville residents from some 40 countries live in 100+ scattered settlements spread around the landscape, either in the city area or surrounding Green Belt. The aim of the project is the achievement of an actual human unity in diversity, while at the same time researching into new approaches to education, health care, alternative energy usage, environmental regeneration, and sustainable living in general. Each inhabitant of Auroville contributes in his or her own way towards building the township. For more detailed information see the Auroville website www.auroville.org .