Nagore (5 kms.)
It is famous for the sacred dargah (tomb) of a Muslim Saint, Hazrat Meeras Sultan Syed Shahabdul Hameed. The dargah has beautiful domes and minarets and attracts devotees from all religious faiths and beliefs. Kandhuri festival during Oct. – Nov. is very popular.

Sikkal (5 kms.)
The Sikkal Shri Singaravelan temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the important religious centres of the State. Lord Murugan, the son of Shiva is worshiped in his popular form of Singaravelan. According to a legend Goddess Shakti presented the Vel (spear) to Murugan over here to kill the demon Surabadman. The Tamil Shaivite saints Appar, Thirugnana Sambandar, Sundrarar and Manickavasagar glorified this temple in their divine songs. Soora Samharam is the most important festival celebrated at the shrine in the month of Ippasi.

Tarangambadi (Tranquebar) (35 kms.)
It was once the site of a Danish settlement and has relics of the Dansborg fort built in 1620, by Ore Gedde commander of the Royal Danish Navy.

Church of Zion
This impressive church with vaulted roofs was built in 1701.

Masilamaninathar Temple
It was built in 1305, by the Pandya king Kulasekaran and is of great architectural interest.Other places of interest includes, the Rehlings Gard and British Collectors House etc.

Karaikal (15 kms.)
The former French enclave is a part of Pondicherry Union Territory. It still retains a distinct French flavour and is a popular Hindu pilgrim site.

Thirunallar
This important pilgrim site 5 kms. West of Karaikal is well known for the Shiva temple, regarded as one of the ‘Sapthvidanga’ Thalams, glorified in the Thevarams. The unique temple of Lord Sneeshwara (Saturn), one of the Navagrahas, is only one of its kind in the Navagrahas, is only one of its kind in the country. According to legends, King Nala was relieved was relieved of his afflictions due to the malefic influence of Saturn, after worshipping in this temple. The Nala theertam tank here is regarded the most important of all the theerthams here. It is believed that one is absolved of all kinds of misfortune and
afflictions by bathing here. When the planet Saturn transits between zodiac signs, millions of devotees from all over the country assemble at the shrine.

Kodikkarai (Point Calimere) (68 kms.)
The bird sanctuary here sprawls over an area of 17 sq. kms. Comprising of wetland jutting into the Palk Strait. Migratory water birds like teals, shovellers, terns, plovers, sandpipers, shanks, gulls and herons come here during the winters. The birds sighted during the spring time are – Qualis, mynas and barbets. Black buck, spotted deer and wild pig are the key fauna of the sanctuary. One can reach Kodaikkarai by bus from Vedaranyam, which is linked to Nagappatinam and Thanjavur. Best
season to visit the sanctuary is from November to January.

Vedaranyam (Thirumaraikkadu) (55 kms.)
The sacred site is known for the Vedaranyewarar temple, which is one of the ‘Sapatha Vidanga Thalams’. According to legends, Lord Shiva and Parvati attired in full bridal finery, appeared before Saint Agashyar over here. It is also associated with ‘Salt Sathyagraha’ during freedom struggle of India.

Velanganni (14 kms.)
The famous Roman Catholic church here is dedicated to ‘our Lady of Good Health’. Devotees from all religious faiths visit the church, many donating gold and silver models of cured body parts. A major festival is held in the month of Aug. – Sept.