Things to Do

Nagapattinam is less a destination in itself than the hub of a remarkable cluster of pilgrimage sites — Hindu, Muslim, and Christian — spread across a 60 km stretch of the Tamil Nadu coast. The town is a base for exploring all of them.

Guide

Things to Do

01

Fort Dansborg, Tranquebar

Fort Dansborg in Tranquebar (Tharangambadi) is the only Danish fort in India and one of the least-visited European colonial sites on the subcontinent. The …

Sight
02

Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni

The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health at Velankanni, 12 km south of Nagapattinam, is one of the largest Catholic pilgrimage centres in …

Sight
03

Nagore Dargah

The Nagore Dargah, 5 km north of Nagapattinam, is one of the most important Sufi shrines in south India. It is built over the …

Sight
04

Thirukadaiyur Kalasamharamoorthy Temple

Thirukadaiyur Kalasamharamoorthy Temple is one of the important Shiva temples north of Nagapattinam. It is tied to the story of Shiva saving the young …

Sight
05

Zion Church

Zion Church in Tharangambadi was consecrated in 1701 and is often described as the oldest Protestant church in India. Its architecture reflects both colonial …

Architecture
06

Masilamaniswarar Shiva Temple

Masilamaniswarar Shiva Temple is a restored coastal temple in Tharangambadi, originally built in 1306. Its sea-worn setting and early inscription make it a worthwhile …
07

New Jerusalem Church

Early 18th-century Protestant church from Tranquebar's Danish missionary period

Sight
08

Ziegenbalg Museum Complex

The Ziegenbalg Museum Complex preserves the printing legacy of Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg, the German missionary associated with the first printed Tamil Bible. The old press, …

Museum
09

The Town Gate

The Town Gate, called Landporten in Danish, is one of the surviving pieces of old Tranquebar's fortifications. The original gate belonged to the 17th-century …

Architecture
10

Poompuhar (Kaveripoompatinam)

Poompuhar (ancient Kaveripoompatinam) was the main port of the Chola kingdom in the early centuries CE, one of the great trading cities of the …

Sight
11

Ozone Reach Beach

Ozone Reach Beach is the stretch of coast below Tranquebar, with Fort Dansborg rising just behind it. The beach is better for walking and …
12

Rehling's House

Rehling's House is one of the notable colonial buildings in Tranquebar, near Fort Dansborg. It once served as the residence of the Danish governor …

Architecture