Nagapattinam

NAGAPATTINAM – TAMILNADU TRAVEL GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

Nagapattinam, one of the most important port-cities of Tamil Nadu was formed by carving out a portion of Thanjavur district in 1991, which has thus resulted in the region also being refereed to by the name of East Thanjavur. Nagapattinam, located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, lies between Northern Latitude 10.10’ and 11.20’ East Longitude 79.15’ and 79.50’. One of the most important cities of Tamil Nadu, a tour to Nagapattinam is a definite must-have while planning a trip to Tamil Nadu.

History

Nagapattinam has always played an important role in the history of Tamil Nadu. The importance that this beautiful port-town has enjoyed in the affairs of Tamil Nadu is a factor that has remained constant in both the politics as well as the economy of Tamil Nadu even today. Reference to the district dates back to the Sangam Era when the district was ruled by the Cholas and the Pandyas. A number of architectural glories of the era are instrumental in pointing out to modern historians of the role that Nagapattinam enjoyed as a major power in the history of Tamil Nadu. Nagapattinam was also an important center of the tsunami that hit the coast of peninsular India in 2005, an unfortunate event whose influence can still be seen today while on a tour to Nagapattinam.

How to Reach :

1.By Road :

Nagapattinam is well-connected to a number of neighboring cities by an efficient network of roads.

2.By Train :

Nagapattinam is well-connected to a number of neighboring cities via important rail heads. These cities include Tiruchirappalli, Tanjavur, Thiruvarur and Nagore.

3.By Air :

The nearest airport to Nagapattinam is at Thirichirapalli which is 147 kms away from the main city.

Best Time to Visit :

Nagapattinam is known for its hot summers and warm winters, owing to its unique position by the sea. The temperatures remain for most part of the year in between a maximum high of 32.0 degrees Celsius and a minimum low of 24.6 degrees Celsius. Thus, the best time to plan a tour to Nagapattinam would be during the monsoons when the coast is at its most beautiful or during the winters when the weather is a natural help in discovering the exquisite beauty of the Tamilian coastline during a tour to Nagapattinam.

Places to Visit :

The major tourist attractions of a tour to Nagapattinam include :

Nagore

Located just 5 kms away from Nagore, this is one of the most important shrines for the followers of Islam.

Velankanni

Located just 14 kms away from the town of Nagapattinam, this beautiful village is a part of the Bay of Bengal coastline.

Ettukkudi

Located at a distance of just 28 kms from the main town of Nagapattinam, Ettukkudi is home to a famous Murugan Temple.

Places Around Nagapattinam

The important places of tourist interest located around Nagapattinam are :

Velankanni

One of the most pilgrimage centers for Christians in India, the beautiful city of Velankanni is located just about 12 kms away from Nagapattinam. Declared by the Pope as a Holy City, the city is famous for a shrine dedicated to “our lady of sorrow” where the sorrowing Mother is depicted carrying infant Jesus in her hand.

Tranquebar (Tharangambadi)

Located just about 35 kms away from Nagapattinam, this quaint city still exhibits some of the most brilliant influences of Danish architecture. These include the Archeological Museum, Zion’s Church, Town Gateway, Masilamani Nathar Temple and the Danish Governor Bungalow.

Kodiakkarai

Kodiakkarai, located around 55 kms away from the main town of Nagapattinam is one of the best places for excursions from Nagapattinam. Also called Point Calimere, this beautiful town is home to a wildlife sanctuary, where you can see nature in its purest form.

Sikkal

Home to one of the most famous shrines of Lord Muragan, this beautiful town is homage to Lord Singaravelan, one of the most revered deities of Tamil Nadu.