Tharangambadi - Tranquebar Danish Fort

At the Edge of the Sea

After escaping the crowds at Thirunellar temple on an early Friday morning, we wanted to spend a relaxing time. Had we taken the scenic ECR to reach Pondicherry, I wouldn't complain much. The dusty, traffic-ridden NH 45 aka GST had nothing much to offer except of course the super-smooth, well-maintained roads and the hefty tolls associated with it.

Tharangambadi anglicized as Tranquebar was a Danish colony from 1620 to 1845. It is a small village and can be explored by foot mostly. It is about 15 KM from Karaikal. When we were in Tharangambadi, we did not even have the slightest idea that we would be in Denmark someday. Ironically, here I am, writing this post from Copenhagen, Denmark.

Friday is the weekly off for the Danish fort and hence we couldn't visit the fort and the museum. The majestic fort stood at the edge of the sea with its faltering ruins and equally intimidating cannons (called beerangi in tamil).

Danish Fort

The Canon

The beach was quiet and very clean. Here you can find the customary beach scene of an unattended boat against the lone sea. There were only a couple of fishermen drying their nets and engrossed in their daily jobs.

The Beach

A ruined wall leads into the sea and it provided a nice opportunity to enjoy the wavering sea disturbed only by an occasional fishing boat.

The Ruined Wall

View of the Sea from the Wall

View of the Fort from the Wall

Adjacent to the fort, there was some construction going on. We could see a small temple in a bad condition. I believe this is the Masilamani Nathar Temple built in 1306. Interestingly, we found a bat napping. 

Masilamani Nathar Temple at the Corner

The Bat Napping

The Bungalow on the Beach operated by Neemrana Hotels was right on the beach and looked impressive with its manicured lawns and balconies offering stunning sea view.

Neemrana Hotels

Tranquebar is an offbeat and unspoiled destination. It is a chic village characterized by a distinct rural feel with the European aura of the churches and narrow alleys. A day or two here is a must to sink in the beauty of the village and the sea. We were not that lucky. The trip did remind us of Poompuhar which we visited a couple of years ago during our Thirunellar trip.

Fact Sheet:

How To Reach

Nearest City/Town : Karaikal – 15 KMs, Pondicherry – 120 KMs

Nearest Airport : Chennai

Nearest Railhead : Chennai

Mode of Transport : Hire a cab from Chennai / Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu or Pondicherry govt. buses.

Stay

Bungalow on the Beach by Neemrana Hotels, Hotel Tamil Nadu.

Plenty of options in Pondicherry or Karaikal.

Eat

Hotels in Karaikal.

Nearby Attractions

Karaikal

Velankanni