Places to see in Nagapattinam

The Land of Coromandel, Nagapattinam of the land of the Nagas as it is called is one of the most significant and important towns in the city of Tamilnadu as well as the tourists map of the state. An ancient port city and also one of the most important port cities that has even found mention in the travelogues of the great philosopher and traveler of all times Ptolemy. The city welcomes travelers with open hands to experience the culture, tradition, heritage and also the unfloored spirit that the city posses and has stood strong even in the face of calamities.



Hence the places to see Nagapattinam are:

Dutch Fort- The Dutch were the first outsiders who came and settled in the city of Nagapattinam. They have left an indelible influence on the region and in particular the culture. The Dutch fort built in the 17th is an architectural marvel in itself. This fort epitomizes the highpoint of Danish architecture. This one of the few and priceless structures in India that bear the influence and the structural designs.  The Dutch fort also has some of the best antiquity in terms of paintings and sculptures that are stilled preserved within the fortress. The Dutch bastion has faced the perils of uncertainty and was at one point in time left desolate.  The present fort as it is seen today was renovated at one point in time.  The Archeological department of the Tamilnadu is the caretaker of the fort and the department takes care of the entire premises. This is also is also one of the most visited sites in Nagapattinam and thousands of tourists  visit the place and are enamored  with the this marvelous bastion that has stood the test of time.

Kayarohanaswamy Temple- This is considered as one of the Sapthavinagala Stalam also referred to by devotees as Neelayadakshi.  This temple is dedicated to the lord Shiva and  is worshipped under the title of Kayarohanaswamy. It is believed that the Lord appeared to Sage Pundara. The sage in return asked the Lord for salvation not only for himself but also for all the descendants. Hence till today the offspring of the Sages family line are taken to the gates of the temple and then led for the cremation. This place is o0ne of the holiest and the most sanctified places of worship in the city and attracts both pilgrims and tourists alike. The Goddess Neelayadakshi is revered in the temple. Pilgrims visit the temple in search of salvation and reorientation. The belief is that the  keep the observances will be truly blessed and so pilgrims flock to the temple with strong faith and unwavering observances.

Soundarayaraja Perumal temple- This 900 year Old Chola Temple is also one of the most revered and visited pilgrimage site in Nagapattinam.  Though from the outset the temple has a simple exterior and architecture design once inside the main sanctorum is adorned with paintings and the pillars and very space in the temple is adorned with pictures pertaining to mythology and also known for the colorful and wide spread designs of flowers and symbols that adorn the ceiling of the main prayer area. In the main sanctum the Lord Shiva is seen on a divine serpent dressed in hunting clothes. From the main sanctum one can feel as if the Lord is looking straight into the eyes of the devotees.  There is also a small shrine devoted to Sudarasarna. The deity is visited by devotees who pray fervently for a job and to be gainfully employed. One part of  the temple also houses a sanctum of Lord Vishnu and is also visited by pilgrims who flock to the temple all through the year and specially during the time of  festal days in earnest and outright dedication.

Aramugaswamy temple- This temple dedicated to Subramanian Swami is one of the first  temples dedicated to Aramugaswamy and is also one of the most revered places of worship dedicated to be  the deity of  Lord Subramanian.  The devotion and the fervency of devotees is awe inspiring. The observances and the practices of the temple are followed strictly and in deep and faithful submission. The environment of  silence and the natural ecology is also conducive for prayer and meditation.

Sikkal Singaravelar Temple- This is one of the most  and popular temple in the entire country that is dedicated to the Lord Murgan or Karthikeya. Lord Murugan is invoked under the title of Singaravelar.  This imposing temple is adorned with sculptures and exquisite imagery and carvings that adorn the temple. This temple was built by the King Veerapandian and as such is one of the most awe inspiring places with an ambience that is conducive for prayer. Pure devotion flows in this place of worship and as such is also revered by adorers. Countless scores of devotees and pilgrims from all over come to this temple ever year ,.

Shrine of our lady of Good Health Vailanakanni- The shrine of Good Health is one of the most sacrosanct and holiest places of worship and is frequented by tourists and pilgrims of all faith. The marvels and the wonders of the church and the many miracles that are attributed to the temple cannot be comprehended. There are some things that are difficult for the sense to understand in this case faith is the only parameter and this is the best expression that  one can use about the shrine.  The miracles that started with the buttermilk vendor and the Shepherd boy and the Portuguese ship continue even today in the scores of devotees who experience healing or the strength toi face their ailments. The complex of all Lady is known for a number of churches. The main church as well has two altars one the high altar and the Second altar that is one the second floor.  Devotees flock to te temple all over the calendar year.

Archeological Museum- This Museum is situated within the Dutch Fort itself and is known for the remnants of the Dutch influence in Nagapattinam. The museum showcases some of the best in terms of architecture and artifacts of the Danish rule and influence in the town.  The museum has a collection of Dutch artifacts not only from the place but also from other sites that are well preserved.

Tsunami Monument -  This is one of the most solemn places in Nagapattinam.  The monument that is in the center if of the vicinity is dedicated to the person who lost their lives to the dreaded Tsunami that took the lives of many and rendered scores of people along the coast as hopeless. The monument is also a tribute to the spirit and the undying spirit of the villagers that is strong and has moved on even though the memory remains. In and around the monument there are saltpans and also some of the temporary construction that were made to the city. This is the perfect in competiting the travelogue of Nagapattinam.

Faith and a never say die spirit of this city lives on. The simplicity and the endurance of the people and the warmth is something that inspires one and all. It offers tourists an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate away from the humdrum of life.