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. |