Cuddalore's main draw is the Pichavaram mangrove forest a few kilometres north — one of the world's largest mangrove ecosystems, best explored by boat through its narrow channels. Silver Beach draws Tamil Nadu day-trippers on weekends. The town itself has colonial-era remnants from its days under Dutch, Portuguese, French, and British rule, including the ruins of Fort St David. For temple visitors, Chidambaram with its famous Nataraja Temple is 43 kilometres north.