Tourism Place in Nagapattinam

Nagapattinam is a coastal city in the state of Tamil Nadu of southern India. The city is a municipal and an administrative centre in the Nagapattinam district. Located on the banks of Bay of Bengal, the same was carved by divergence of the Thanjavaur district.

Nagapattinam is commonly known by many other names, these include Cholakula Vallippatinam, Naganadu and Shiva Rajadhani. As the ruling centre of Cholas, this place is often designated as the vital trade centre in ancient Tamil Nadu. The rich heritage of this town dates back to the 3rd century while the construction of Budha Vihar took place on the orders of the Great Ashoka.

This town remained a Buddhist centre between 4th and 5th century and the stupas that stand till date are the evidence for it. In addition the town also has testimony of the Dutch invasion, which is seen on the engravings that are visible even till day. This however is thought to have occurred in 1680.

Nagapattinam is located on the eastern coast of the Indian peninsula and is just 350 km from Chennai, which is the state capital. Other important places that link to this town are Karikal, which is 20 km away and Tirucharappali that lies 90 km to the east.

The harbours at Nagapattinam are known to be the house to some of the best harbours in India. Apart from a rich historical past, the place is a major pilgrimage centre too that attracts visitors from all over. From shrines of Islamic to church and temples, this town is a true exemplification of unity in diversity.

The salt swamp located near Nagapattinam is the most bio diverse areas in southern India. Apart from these, visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds at the Sapta Vidangar (Sundara Vidangam) and also the 19th Divya Desam. The sacred town of Velankanni is another popular attraction to visit

The town with its rich historical past is also known to possess rich soil. The major crops that grow in this area include groundnut, rice, gingili, pulses, cotton and sugarcane. These add significantly to the economic activity of the place.

Tourist places in Nagapattinam
Nagapattinam is one of the major pilgrim destinations in Tamil Nadu. Major attractions in this place include mostly temples. Located in the central region of the place is the Soundaryaraja Perumal temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple consists of Vishnu idols coated with gold and emerald stones and as per the beliefs of the natives, the temple exists for many decades.

The 17th century Dutch Fort at Nagapattinam showcases some of the ancient Danish works of that period in the form of rare carvings and inscriptions on the walls of the fort. Other than the ancient paintings on the walls, the fort also houses a museum that showcases ancient Danish paintings and rare works. The museum is open for the visitors on all days of the week except for Fridays.

Nellukadai Mariamman Koil is a temple here that was constructed by a rice trader, who dreamt of the instructions of a god. Kayarohanaswamy temple is one of the seven temples present in the outskirts of Vidanagar that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is popular for its rituals held, that are said to be beneficial to a person in attaining salvation after life. The Sikkal Singaravelar temple present here is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of God Shiva and Parvathi. The temple is said to be built on the place where Murugan received his main weapon from his mother to defeat a demon.

Other important places of religious importance at Nagapattinam include the Arumugaswamy temple. Just 9 km from Nagapattinam is the region of Velankanni, which is known mainly for the Church of Virgin Mary. The church is popular among different religions especially, Christians believe that the church has mystical powers.