Tharangambadi-A Dreamy Beach Town near Pumpuhar, Tamilnadu

Tharangambadi Tamilnadu

Tharangambadi or Tranquebar is located in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu on the Coromandel Coast. It is 13 Km. away from the Karaikal,  near the mouth of a distributary named Uppanar of the Kaveri River. Tranquebar was established on 19 November 1620 as the first Danish trading post in India. Also known as Tranquebar- The land of the singing wave, Tharangambadi is untouched by time, and still famous for its tranquillity. Built-in the 14th century, Tharangambadi is a tiny beach town with a beautiful playpen of many cultures. It is placed at a dreamy patch at the confluence of the Kaveri River and the Bay of Bengal. Tharangambadi is also regarded as the town gate of Tranquebar, a quiet little fishing village, perched 15 km south of the archaic Chola town of Pumpuhar in rural Tamil Nadu. The portal-like gate, with the royal Danish insignia, etched on it, takes you back to a different era altogether- that of a former Danish colony.

History

The place Tharangambadi dates back to the 14th century. It is a Danish colony and it all started a few centuries ago when a man named Ove Giedde came to Thanrangambadi in 1618. As soon as he came to this village he instantly fell in love with this exotic town. The shores, beaches, water, and people everything here was beautiful for him. Danish admiral Ove Gjedde felt the place would be a potential trading centre, So he got permission from the King of Tanjore Raghunatha Nayak for spice trade and built a fort, which is known as Fort Dansborg. The place flourished for years and was named Tranqebar after a few years. But as the East India Company was flourishing, Danish was no longer in power and could not maintain any sort of control over this colony. Soon this place’s trading rights were sold to the British East India Company. Tharangambadi in India map showing the distance from Chennai and other surrounding locations.

Places To Visit In Tharangambadi

Fort Dansborg

The fort was constructed by the Danish in 1620. Dansborg is the second-largest Danish fort ever constructed, with Kronborg in Helsingor being the largest. The rampart wall is a fairly large four-sided structure, with bastions at each cardinal point. The fort was Built using the Danish architecture style, the fort boasts large halls, columned structures, high ceilings, and projecting drapery. It was built to start a bilateral trade, which can still be seen on Tranquebar Beach. The town is surrounded by old Danish, British, German, and French colonies.

 

Old Danish Cemetery

Old Danish Cemetery is home to ancient tombstones. The tombstones are fantabulous in their own way as they are uniquely carved and inscribed with beautiful lines.

The Zion Church

The Zion Church is a piece of history in itself and is affected only eternally by time. The Zion Church was built in the year 1701. It is the oldest Protestant church in India.

 

The Masilamani Nathar Temple

A mix of Chinese and Tamil architecture, the Masilamani Nathar temple is an interesting piece of architecture. It was built around 700 years ago to attract Chinese traders to Tharangambadi.

Other Attraction Near Tharangambadi

Nagapattinam

The city headquarters Nagapattinam came into existence in the year 1991, with its new name. The city has a long stretch of golden beach, which runs along the Bay of Bengal. It has one of the most thriving harbours in the country. There are many tourist attractions in the city such as Amman Temple, Nellukadai Mariamman Temple, and Shri Kayahorana Swami Neelayathatchi. Some other must-visit places in this city are the long beautiful beach, the mini-museum, and the towering lighthouse.

Velankanni

Velankanni is one of the most visited pilgrim centres in India, situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal.  Pilgrims from all over the world visit this renowned shrine Basilica. One of the holiest places for Christians, Velankanni was declared a holy city by the Pope in the Vatican city. This Roman Catholic Church houses a statue of Jesus Christ in its extended Basilica. The unique feature of the church is its Gothic style of architecture. Radiating rays of hope and piety.

Kodikkarai

Kodikkarai also known as Point Calimere, is situated near Palk Strait. This wildlife sanctuary covers over 312.17 hectares of land and houses several species of mammals like spotted deer, blue buck, semi-wild ponies and water birds like ibises, flamingos, spoonbills, and herons. Some of the reptiles like star tortoises, sea turtles, marsh crocodiles, and vipers. Sea cows, dugongs, sea lions, fish, and dolphins can also be found here.