Mattur and Chengam are the only towns that lie along the highway between Krishnagiri and Thiruvannamalai. Thiruvannamalai is around 90 km south-east of Mattur while Dharmapuri is 35 km south-west.
Krishnagiri Dam, constructed across Thenpennar, is a major tourist attraction near Mattur. Hogenakkal Waterfalls and Athiyamankottai constitute short excursions from Mattur.