Top Tourist Attractions in Nagapattinam
Nagapattinam is the administrative centre of Nagapattinam District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. During the Medieval Chola period, the town rose to prominence as a key harbour for trade and east-bound naval expeditions.
Best Places to Visit in Nagapattinam
- Velankanni
- Tharangambadi
- Nagapattinam
- Poombuhar
- Nagore
- Velankanni
- Tharangam padi
- Kodiakkarai
- Sikkal
- Thirumullaivasal
- Keelaperumpallam
- Thiruvengadu
- Vaitheeswarankoil
- Thirukkadaiyur
- Sirkazhi
- Mayiladuthurai
- Ananthamangalam
Velankanni
Velankanni is one of India’s most popular pilgrimage destinations. It is a town on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. Pilgrims from all around the globe visit the renowned Basilica of Our Lady of Health. People of various religions, as well as Christians, flock to this Church to pray at the shrine of Our Lady of Health. Recognizing the significance of this settlement, the Pope in Vatican City designated Velankanni as a Holy city. This Roman Catholic Church features an expanded Basilica with two storeys and a statue of Jesus Christ. The Church’s architecture is distinguished by its use of the Gothic style. The church itself is a massive structure with beautiful architecture.
While the structures are white, the roof of the church is built of red tiles that contrast with the colour of the walls. The surroundings of the shrine are immaculate. Rays of optimism and piety emitted. There is also a ‘lad’ shrine.
Tharangambadi
It is located 35 kilometres north of Nagapattnam on the east coast of the Bay of Bengal. Tranguebar’s main draw is its Danish architecture. This location is accessible by bus from Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Poompuhar, Sirkali, and Chidambaram. Built in 1620, it now serves as a showcase for Danish architecture. The fort is presently managed by the Tamil Nadu Archeological Department and includes an archaeological museum. Except for Friday, this museum is open every day.
PLACE OF INTEREST
HOME STAY – A New Model of Rural Tourism
The Department of Tourism in this city has suggested a “home stay” system in order to encourage rural tourism, particularly among poor and middle-income families. A model formerly exclusive to elite travel accompanied by high-end tourist packages. ‘Home stay’ is a spin-off of the former ‘bed and breakfast’ plan, which offered low-cost lodging to travellers. The Bed and Breakfast Scheme, which had been popular for more than five years, has been renamed the ‘home stay’ model, under which interested houses having extra rooms to spare for the stay of a visiting tourist can register with the Tourism Department. The government has requested expressions of interest from property owners in Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur for sub-letting of portions of dwelling units. Security checks, including police verification, are part of the procedure, and a NOC [no-objection certificate] granted by the police will be given to the Tourism Directorate.
NAGAPATTINAM
The district was established in 1991, with its headquarters at Nagappattinam. Its 188-kilometer-long coastline stretches along the Bay of Bengal. Nagappattinam is proud to be one of India’s busiest harbours. Shri Kayahorana Swami Neelayathatchi Amman Temple, Sowriraja Perumal Temple, and NellukkadaiMariamman Temple are all located here. The tiny museum, the towering lighthouse, and the long and lovely beach are just a few of the attractions in this city. The pillar in front of the District Collectorate commemorates the administration’s and the inhabitants of this district’s victory in breaking the Guinness World Record for planting the most number of seedlings in 24 hours.
POOMBUHAR
Poombuhar is located in Nagapattinam District’s Sirkali Taluk. It’s called Kaveripoompattinam. Tourists must disembark at Mayiladuthurai junction to get to Poombuhar by road, while those arriving by train from Chennai must disembark at Sirkali. Poombuhar is connected by road to Mayiladuthurai and Sirkali. Poombuhar is 24 kilometres from Mayiladuthurai and 21 kilometres from Sirkali. Private carriers from Chennai to Poombuhar can carry tourists through Dindivanam, Pandicherry, Cuddallore, and Sirkali. Those travelling from Madurai, Ramanathapuram, and Tirunelveli can take the Mellur, Tiruppathur, Karaikudi, Pattukkotai, Thiruthuraipoondi, Nagapattinam, Karaikkal, Tharangambadi, and Akkur routes. They can also travel through Pudukkottai, Thanjavoor, and Mayiladuthurai.
NAGORE
The Dargha in Nagore, near Nagapattinam, which serves as the district seat, is a sacred site. Throughout the year, people of various religions, including Muslims, come to this hallowed site to worship and receive the saint’s blessings. A kid called Abdul kadhar was born around 500 years ago in a pious Muslim household in a hamlet in the central provinces [Madhyspradesh]. He travelled far and wide with his disciples, lusting for Allah’s blessing. He arrived to Tamilnadu after touring areas such as Keelakkarai and teaching the concept of love, service, and devotion to the Almighty. He lived in Nagore on land given to him by a follower of this holy speaker. His words and actions were both heavenly and prophetic. ‘Islam emphasises the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of Man,’ he stated.
He dispatched his followers to labour among the people and preach the Prophet Mohammed’s teachings. He died in 1558 at the age of 68, and his relics may be seen at Nagore dargha. The anniversary celebrations are known as the Khandoori festival, and devotees from all over the world attend to be blessed by Nagore Andavavar.
VELANKANNI
Velankanni is one of India’s most popular pilgrimage destinations. It is a town on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. Pilgrims from all around the globe visit the renowned Basilica of Our Lady of Health. People of various religions, as well as Christians, flock to this Church to pray at the shrine of Our Lady of Health.
Recognizing the significance of this settlement, the Pope in Vatican City designated Velankanni as a Holy city. This Roman Catholic Church features an expanded Basilica with two storeys and a statue of Jesus Christ. The Church’s architecture is distinguished by its use of the Gothic style. The church itself is a massive structure with beautiful architecture. While the structures are white, the roof of the church is built of red tiles that contrast with the colour of the walls. The surroundings of the shrine are immaculate. Rays of optimism and piety emitted. There is also a shrine dedicated to the ‘Lady of Sorrow,’ in which the sorrowing Mother is pictured holding the newborn Jesus in her hand.
THARANGAM PADI
It is located 35 kilometres north of Nagapattnam on the east coast of the Bay of Bengal. Tranguebar’s main draw is its Danish architecture. This location is accessible by bus from Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Poompuhar, Sirkali, and Chidambaram. Built in 1620, it now serves as a showcase for Danish architecture. The fort is presently managed by the Tamil Nadu Archeological Department and includes an archaeological museum. Except for Friday, this museum is open every day.
KODIAKKARAI
Kodiakkarai, also known as Point Calimere, is located in the Palk Strait. This Wild Life Sanctuary, which covers an area of around 312.17 hectars, is home to animals such as blue buck, spotted deer, wild boar, semi wild horses, bonnet macaque, and water birds such as flamingoes, ibises, herons, and spoonbills. Reptiles include sea turtles, starred tortoises, vipers, marsh crocodiles, and more. Fish, dolphins, dugong, sea lions, and sea cows have been spotted here on occasion. Furthermore, it is the location of the presence of several corals.
SIKKAL
A vast complex has a lovely Muragan Temple dedicated to Lord Singaravelan. This temple’s pillars are embellished with delicate and magnificent sculptures. Color and depiction are remarkable in the exquisite paintings of a bygone period. Aside from this temple, there are shrines to Siva, Vishnu, and Hanuman. It is, certainly, an uncommon mix. Worship in this temple, it is said, removes all obstacles from the believers.
THIRUMULLAIVASAL
This city is located 14 kilometres east of Sirkali. It is well-known for its magnificent beach, which is surrounded by natural beauty. This town is home to an old temple. Arulmigu Mullaivananathar is the temple’s presiding deity. In these holy songs, this shrine is extolled.
KEELAPERUMPALLAM
Keelaperumpallam, located 3 kilometres from Poompuhar, attracts a steady stream of devotees who come to worship Shri Naganatha Swami. The Kedhu, the Ninth Navagraha, is housed at this temple.
THIRUVENGADU
Thiruvengadu is located 8 kilometres from Poompuhar. Another Navagraha Budhan may be seen inside the ArulmiguSwetharanya Swami Temple. Every day, devotees from all across India and the world gather to adore Budhan. In the divine melodies, this temple is extolled.
VAITHEESWARANKOIL
Vaitheeswarankoil is referred to as Pullirukkuvellur in Devaram’s holy melodies. Lord Vaithiyanathan is the presiding deity, and Thaiyalnayagi is the Devi. ArulmiguMuthukumaraswami is the name given to Lord Muruga at this temple. Vaitheeswarankoil is 12 kilometres from Mayiladuthurai and 5 kilometres from Sirkali. Another Navagraha, Mars, is housed at this temple.
THIRUKKADAIYUR
Thirukkadaiyur is on the Chidhambaram – Nagappattinam bus route. In this temple, Lord Siva demolished Yama, the God of Death and Destruction, in order to preserve Markandeya’s life and bestow immortality on him. It is one of Sakthi’s most significant seats. The Shri Abirami Amman Temple is located inside the confines of the ArulmiguAmerthakadeswarar Temple. The sublime melodies of AbiramiAnthathi were penned by the great Saint AbiramiBhattar. The couple, who belong to a Hindu household, celebrates their SasthtiAbthapurthy ritual here inside the temple when the husband reaches his 60th year of married life.
SIRKAZHI
Sirkali lies on the main road between Mayiladuthurai and Chidhambaram. The Shri ArulmiguSattanatha Swami temple is rich in architectural and sculptural details. This shrine has been extolled in Thevaram’s holy melodies. Lord Siva and Parvathy showered divine blessing to the Saiva saint ThirugnanaSambandar, one of the four great divine poets, here. Thirumulaippal festival is held in magnificent style every year in the Tamil month of Chithirai.
MAYILADUTHURAI
The ArulmiguMayuranathar Temple may be found here. According to Hindu tradition, AnnaiParasakthi danced in the guise of a peacock, therefore the name Mayiladuthurai. After worshipping Mayuranathar, devotees can take a bus to all of the Navagrahas and other major temples. In the month of Ippasi, the holy bath festival known as KadaiMuzhukku in the Cauvery River is held.
ANANTHAMANGALAM
Ananthamangalam is located 5 kilometres from Thirukkadaiyur on the East coast between Nagappattinam and Chidhambaram. People from all across Tamil Nadu come to the shrine of Lord Anjaneyar to seek His favour. The holy statue of Anjaneya here is one-of-a-kind, with three eyes and 10 hands. Saturdays and Amavasya days are dedicated to Anjaneya.
Best Time to Visit in Nagapattinam
The winter season, beginning in October, is the best time to visit Nagapattinam.
How to Reach Nagapattinam
AIR : The nearest International airport is Trichy Airport (150Km).
Image of Train RAIL : Nagapattinam is connected by rail to
Chennai (Train No.16175),
Thanjaur (Train No.76812),
Tiruchirapalli (Train No.56714, 06852),
Velankanni(Train No.76818),
Ernakulam (Train No.16188),
Bangalore(Train No.56514) and
Mumbai (Sunday Only- Train No.11017).
Image of Bus ROAD: Nagapattinam is connected directly from
Thirunallar – 20 kms. (Towards West)
Kumbakonam – 70 kms. (Towards West)
Thanjavur – 90 kms., (Towards West)
Tiruchirappalli-150 kms., (Towards West)
Coimbatore (Towards West)
Erode (Towards West)
Thiruvarur-30 kms.,(Towards Southwest)
Chidambaram- 85 kms., (Towards North on ECR)
Mayiladuthurai-56 kms.(Towards Northwest)
Puducherry-150 kms., (Towards North on ECR)
Chennai-309 kms., (Towards North on ECR
Nagore-3 kms., (Towards South on ECR)
Velankanni-12 kms., (Towards South on ECR)
The aforementioned routes are served by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), Tamil Nadu State Express Transport Corporation (TN-SETC), and various private buses.
Local transportation is also accessible in the form of taxis, auto rickshaws, minibuses, and town buses.
VOLVO, TNSTC’s Ultra Delux, and omni buses are also available for leisure travel to places like Chennai, Bangalore, and Trivandrum.