Introduction

Introduction Poompuhar is in the Sirkali Taluk of Nagapattinam district and it is also known as Kaveripoompattinam.The place has great historical importance. The historical importance of Poompuhar Among the dynamic dynasties that ruled over Tamil Nadu the Cholas held a place of esteem and used this ancient town as their port capital. Puhar in Tamil means the estuary of river in the sea. This port town of Kaveripoompattinam has been mentioned and cited on the temple inscriptions, in ancient literature and travelogues, different names and it has been referred to as Kaganthi, Sampapathi, Palarpukar Moothur, Mannagathu Vanpathi, Cholapattinam, Kaberia Emporium, and Kolapattinam. There are frequent references to this important port town in ancient Tamil literature. Books like theAkananooru, Purananooru, Pattinappalai, Pathirruppathu, Mutthollayiram, Silappathikaram, Manimekalai, Devaram, Thirutthondarpuranam and Nandhikkalampagamrefer to this town. Ancient Pali literature like Milindapan, Buuttha Jathakakathaikal Abithamma Avathar and Buddhavamsakatha and the travelogues of Periplus, and Merris Erithroy contain the references to Kaveripoompattinam. Ptolemy and Pliny also mention Poompuhar in their writings. Somaya a Buddha Pikkuni from Poompuhar donated one of the beautifully sculptured pillars that were erected by the Sunga-Kings of North-India during the second century B.C. The pillars carry the inscriptionKaganthia Somaya Pikkunia Thanam which means “This Pillar was donated by Somaya Pikkuni of Poompuhar.” Buddhism flourished in Poompuhar two thousands years ago. With the rise of later Cholas in 850 A.D. the city regained its past glory. It is mentioned as Rajathiraja Valanaattu Nangoor Naattu Kaveripoompattinam in the Sayavanam temple inscription of Vikrama Cholan in the same temple. The town is called Puhar Nagaram. Later Kopperunchingan also contributed to the grandeur of the place.

The Structure Of Poompuhar City 2000 years ago

Details of Poompuhar have been read in the Brahmi inscriptions that date back to the second century B.C. in Barkuth of north India. The ancient Kings like Sembiyan, Musugundam, Manuneethi Cholan and Karikala Cholan who carried myths with them, added to the glory of Poompuhar town. Poompuhar grew into a great city during the reign of Karikala Cholan. He conquered territories up to the Himalayas and made a pass into China through the Himalayas. On his return Karikala Cholan brought back the monuments and gifts like the korrappanda, presented by the Vajra king, the Pattimandabam by the Magatha King and the Thoranavayil by the Avanthi King. These were rulers who were defeated by Karikala Cholan and these items were exhibited them at Poompuhar. Indra vizha was celebrated during the period of Thodithol Chempian. Inscriptions at Thiruvengadu make a mention of the grand festival of Indra, during the later Chola times. Even after Sangam Chola's period, Poompuhar occupied a significant place during the regime of Kalabras, in the 6th century A.D. After Kalabras, Poompuhar came under the Pallava rulers and during that time they built the Pallavaneeswaran temple. The great Saiva Saints Appar and Thirugnana Sambandar have sanctified the temples with their holy hymns. The Structure Of Poompuhar City 2000 years ago The structure of Poompuhar town can be traced from the fifth chapter of the Silappathikaram, Pattinappalai. Manimegalai also describes the same. The city is said to have been designed on the lines of Mayan's architecture. The town had well-marked divisions known asPattinappakkam and Maruvurppakkam. The market place in the middle known as Nalangadi during the day and as Allangadi by night. The seashore was inhabited by the fisher folk. The town had several warehouses. Weavers, silk merchants, vendors, fish and meat sellers, potters, grain merchants’ jewellers and diamond makers lived in Maruvurppakkam. The kings and nobles, rich traders and farmers, physicians, astrologers, members of the king’s army, court dancers occupied Pattinappakkam. The five Manrams - Vellidai Manram, Elanchi Manram, Nedankal manram, Poothachathukkam and Pavaimanram were located in Pattinappakkam. Gardens like Elavanthikaicholai, Uyyanam, Chanpathivanam, Uvavanam, and Kaveravanam added beauty to the town.

Excavations at Poompuhar

During excavations, temples for Lord Shiva, and Chathukkappootham the last of the deities were found in the city. There are temples for Shiva, Indra, his elephant Iravatham, and his Vajrayutham, Balaraman, Suriyan, Machatham, Chandran, Arugan and Thirumal. Buddha sthupas or pillars and seven Buddha viharas were also found. Apart from these, a temple for Champapathi Amman, brick idols, and UlagaAravi Manram existed in Poompuhar. Cool and shady river banks with trees and dense foliage, sacred passages from temples to the river for Gods to come and bathe, and the ringed wells on the fringes of the town were salient features of the town planning that have been noted during excavations. The town had a compound wall engraved with tiger emblem. The town also had different market places and living areas for foreigners like Yavanas. Excavations at Poompuhar Excavation work on the lost Poompuhar city has been in progress since 1910. The excavations conducted by Indian Archaeological Department have revealed the existence of several ringed-wells called Urai Kinaru near the seashore. Pattinappalai a book Sangam period speaks of these wells. The excavation has also been taken up near Champapathi Amman and Pallavaneswaram temples. The remains of the various buildings have been found during the excavation in 1960-1961. Remains of a brick building and a boat-jetty were discovered at the Keezhaiyur area in Poompuhar. A water reservoir and the remains of several buildings were also found. Relics of a sixty feet long Buddha vihar with rectangular rooms were discovered at Pallavaneswaram. The Buddhapada or the feet of Lord Buddha in limestone was unearthed. This Buddhapada in limestone resembles the marble feet that was dug up from Amaravathi and Nagarjunakonda the Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh. The size of thisBuddhapada 3 1/2' x 2 1/2' and it has two feet and holy symbols like lotus flowers, thepoornakumbam and the swastikam. Several other brick figures and copper coins were also found. These coins were both rectangular and circular in shape. The Chola emblems of the tiger with the upright tail and the sun were engraved on them. These coins are considered to be those of Karikala Cholan.

GENERAL INFORMATION

A coin engraved with the karpagatharu or the divine tree that is capable of giving everything was also unearthed. In the Vellaiyan Iruppu area an ancient Roman copper coin were dug up. Copper coins with the inscription of Rajaraja were also found during this excavation. Copper idols of Buddha in meditation and green beads, shells, and glass bangles were the other items excavated. A gold-coated copper statue of the Buddha in a Bothi Sathuva Maithreya or meditative posture was found at Melaiyur in 1927. This is believed to belong to the 8th century. Recently the Archaeological Department of Tamil Nadu has discovered the remains of several buildings of this period. The National Institute of Oceanography, Goa and the Archaeological Department of Tamil Nadu have undertaken the offshore exploration of Poompuhar. The ancient Pricelen remains are exhibited in the Marine Archaeological Museum at Poompuhar. (Time 10. a.m to 5.45 p.m - Entrance Fee Rs 5/- and rs 50/- for Foreigners). POOMPUHAR AGAIN After the Chola period a major part of the Poompuhar town submerged in the Bay of Bengal. Though Poompuhar became a prey to the sea, a few small villages still remain and bear silent witness to the cruelty of times. Thirusaikadu or Sayavanam, Pallavaneeswaram, Melapperumpallam, Keelaperumpallam, Keezaiyur and Vanagiri are the remains of ancient Poompuhar that exist today. The Tamil Nadu Government has taken steps to reproduce the glory of thus submerged and scattered ancient town on the basis of historical evidence and literary references that exist. In 1973 Kalaingnar Dr. M. Karunanidhi, the Honourable Ex Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at that time, gave a crystallised form to redeeming this lost town, by asking that the archaeologists reproduce the town based on literary evidence available. Several symbolic monuments were raised. Sillappathikara Art Gallery, Ilanji Manram, Pavaimanram, Nedungal Manram and Kotrappandal found their existence, and remain today to attract visitors, with their artistic splendour.

Sillappathikara Art Gallery

Sillappathikara Art Gallery A beautiful seven-tiered building of great sculptural value has been built to house the Sillappathikara Art Gallery. The first storey is 12 feet high, and each storey above it has a height of 5 feet. The topmost part, which has kalasams, has a height of 8'. The total height of Art gallery is 50 feet.Visiting Time 8.30 a.m to 8.30 a.m Entrance Fee Adult Rs 3/- Child Rs 2/-. The Magara Thoranavayil at the entrance of the Art Gallery imparts an imposing and beautiful look to the whole structure. Its height is 22½ feet. It has been designed on the pattern of Magara Thoranavayil, found in Suruli Malai Mangala Devi Koil. There is also an anklet-shaped tank in the Art Gallery. On one side of this tank are installed the statues of Kannagi 9½ feet tall, and Madhavi 8½' in height. Scenes from the Sillappathikaram, the ancient Tamil epic have been etched in stone on the walls of the Gallery. These sculptures carved by the sculptors of Mamallapuram Art College remain the treasure house of Tamil culture and tradition. Elanchi Mandram: It is nothing but a Monument refered in the epic Silapathikaram. In Silapathikaram, Devanthi, the friend of Kannagi, told to her about the Elanchi. Mandram Situated in the Confluence of Cauvery into Bay of Bengal. It is a park where Neydarl filed opens its petals and where two saived tanks are dedicated to the Sun and the Moon respectively. Those women who bathe in them and worship the Gold of Love enshrined there will ever enjoy the company of their husbands in the world. Kotra Pandal : The stage in which the arrangement of Madhavi trok place was choosen in accordance with the time honoured tradition and the horps set by the architects. The Canopy was painted with many beautiful pictures, from which were hanging Loosely garlands of pears. It showed the novel and attractive appearance, which the stage presented.

GENERAL INFORMATION

General Information Area 14.90 Sq. Km. Population 86,155 (as per 1991 - census) Weather Normal Rain 22.64 mm (Average) Dress Cotton Languages Tamil and English Lodges Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Hotel Tamil Nadu Thonithurai Road, Tel : 22389 Lodges are available at rent ranging from Rs.50/- to 500/-

Places of Interest

Places of Interest

Temples around Poompuhar 1. Thirusaikkadu (Sayavanam) It is situated 2 kms away from the Poompuhar estuary. The temple is dedicated to Thirusayavaneswarar and Iraivi Kuyilinam Nanmozhi Ammai. This temple has been praised by Nayanmars in their hymns. Chola inscriptions are found in the temple.

2. Thiruppallavaneeswaram (Poompuhar) This is an ancient and very beautiful temple. Iyarppakai Nayanar and Pattinatthar were born here. The hero and heroine of Sillappathikaram - Kovalan and Kannagi were also born here. The Saivaite saint Thirugnana Sambandar praised this temple.

3. Melapperumpallam and Keezhapperumpallam These two sthalams are situated very near Poompuhar and Thiruvengadu. The Valampuranathar temple at Melapperumpallam has Chola inscriptions. It is noted for the famous Nayanmar's hymns. Keezhapperumpallam is 2 kms from Poompuhar. It is the temple where Kethu the zodiacal sign has a separate sthalam.

4. Thirvengadu Thiruvengadu is situated at a distance of 10 kms from Sirkali near Poompuhar. Four great Saivaite Saints have sung hymns about this town. This is the place where Meykandar was born. Budhan the zodiac sign Mercury has a separate sthalam in Thiruvengadu temple. The presiding deity here is Sri Swetharanyeswarar.

5. Thiruvakkur It is located in the Tranquebar Taluk. This Shiva temple is based on Madakkoil pattern. Sirappuli Nayanar one of the 63 Nayanmars was born in this town. Hymns have been sung about this temple by the Nayanmars. 6. Sempanarkoil This antique temple is referred to as Thirusumponpalli in the Thevaram hymns. It is on the road between Tranquebar and Mayiladuthurai. It is a temple that has historical significance. 7. Thirukkadaiyur (Thirukkadayur) Thirukkadaiyur is on the route between Mayiladuthurai and Tranquebar. It is one of the eight temples or Astha Veeratta sthalam glorifying the heroic deeds of Lord Shiva. Sthalapuranam says that Lord Shiva exterminated Yama at this place to save the life of Markandeya. It is one of the famous shakthi sthalams. The great poet and devotee Abirami Pattar has sung the holy hymns of Abirami Andhathi in this place. Devotees like this place to celebrate their Shastiyabtha poorthi or the sixtieth birthday celebrations. 8. Anantha Mangalam It is a small village near Thirukkadaiyur. The temple here is noted for the presiding deity of Dasapuja Veera Anjaneyar.

Temples

9. Vaitheswaran Koil This place is situated between Mayiladuthurai and Sirkali on the bus route. It is called Pullirukkuvolur in the Thevarams. This old temple has the deities of Vaithyanathan (Shiva) Thaiyal Nayaki (Shakti) and Muthukkumarasamy (Murugan). This temple is famous for its sculptural wonders. It has a special sthalam for Sevvai or the zodiac sign Mars one of the Navagraghas Angrahans. 10. Sirkazhi It is the birthplace of great Shaivite Saint Thirugana Sambandar. The famous Thoniyappar Shivalayam is situated here. It is a beautiful temple of historical importance. 11. Thirunallaru The famous Shiva temple lies at a distance of 5 Kms from Karaikkal. The Shiva temple here is glorified in Thevarams. It is one of the 'Sapthavidanga's Thalams. The temple for Saneeshwara (Saturn) one of the Navagrahas, is famous. 12. Thiruvarur:Thiruvarur is at a distance of 65 Kms from Poompuhar and 20 kms from Nagapattinam. This place is noted for Thiyagaraja temple and the chariot (temple car). It is the most prominent of the Ashta Veeratha Sthalams. The art gallery depicting the myths of Manuneethi Chola, the grand Kamalambal temple is one of the famous Shakti Peedams. The unique feature of the town is that it has three Shiva temples at one place. The well knownPanchamuga Vathyam and Paru Nagaswaram are still played during regular Poojas. The Musical Trinity of Thiyagaiyyar, Muthuswamy Deekshither and Shiyama Sastri were born here.

Tranquebar (Tharangambadi)

13. Tranquebar (Tharangambadi) is 35 kms north of Nagapattinam on the coastal line of Bay of Bengal. Danish fort and buildings with Danish architecture are the attractions of Tranquebar. The Danish came here on commercial venture in 1620 and built the Danishburg Fort. The place developed into a town in 1690. Christian missionaries came here in 1702 to spread their religion. In the 18th century the population of the town ranged around 200. The Danish Government took over the administration of the town from the commercial agencies in 1777. The army barracks was constructed in 1780. The Fort was renovated in 1792 with the construction of town gate way. Since 1800 Tranquebar began to lose gradually its commercial importance. After 225 years of Danish rule Tranquebar was sold to British East India company in 1845. The Christian missionaries converted Danish Buildings into Educational Institutions in the 19th century. Buildings of the Danish times in the Danish Architectural beauty still entice the people.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Danish Fort: Even now the Danish Fort built in 1620 exists to exhibit Danish architecture. The Fort is now under the control of Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department and houses an archaeological Museum. This museum is open to public on all days except Friday. Zion Church: It was built in 1701. It was renovated in 1782-84 and again in 1839. It is still in good condition. Town Gateway: It was built in 1792 on Danish Architectural style. Masilamani Nathar Koil: This temple built in 1305 by Maravarma Kulasekara Pandiyan exhibits outstanding architectural skills. The front portion of the temple has been partly damaged due to sea-erosion. Danish Governor’s Bungalow: This building gets its name as it was used as the residence of the Danish Governor in 1784. It is the biggest building in Tranquebar.

TRANSPORT

How to get there Transport facilities: Bus facilities are available to this place from Nagappattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Poompuhar and Sirkali. Local Transport: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations operate town buses to nearby areas. Hired Vehicles like cars and auto rickshaws are available. Tourists have to alight at Mayiladuthurai Railway Junction, to proceed to Poompuhar by road. Visitors from Chennai who travel by train have to get down at Sirkali. Poompuhar is connected to Mayiladuthurai and Sirkali by road. The distance from Poompuhar to Mayiladuthurai is 24 kms and to Sirkali, 21 kms Tourists from Chennai to Poompuhar by private carriers can take the route via Tindivanam, Pondicherry, Cuddalore and Sirkali. Those who come from Madurai, Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli may proceed via Melur, Tiruppathur, Karaikudi, Tharangampadi and Akkur. They can also come via Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, and Mayiladuthurai. Silappathikara Art Gallery Visiting time 8.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m . Entrance Fee Adults: Rs. 3/- Child: Re. 2/- (From 5 to 10 years old). Tourist Office in Poompuhar Poompuhar Tourist Complex, Poompuhar - 609 105. Nagapattinam District. Ph: 04364 - 260439.

APPROXIMATE DISTANCE BY ROAD POOMPUHAR TO

APPROXIMATE DISTANCE BY ROAD POOMPUHAR TO PLACE DISTANCE ( IN KMS.) PLACE DISTANCE ( IN KMS.) BANGALORE 374 POINT CALIMERE 115 CHIDAMBARAM 033 MADRAS 268 COCHIN 560 PONDICHERRY 101 COIMBATORE 577 RAMESHWARAM 245 COONOOR 421 SALEM 374 COURTALAM 533 SITTANNAVASAL 149 GURUVAYUR 516 THANJAVUR 090 HOGENAKAL 342 THEKKADY 384 HYDERABAD 967 TIRUCHENDUR 462 KANCHIPURAM 214 TRICHY 146 KANNIAKUMARI 611 TIRUNELVELI 399 KODAIKANAL 387 TIRUPATHY 324 MADURAI 369 THIRUVANNAMALAI 205 MAMALLAPURAM 268 TRIVANDRUM 507 MUDUMALAI 530 TUTICORIN 503 MYSORE 482 VEDANTHANGAL 176 NAGORE 045 VELANKANNI 080 OOTACAMUND 473 VELLORE 435 PALANI 306 YERCAUD 261 PICHAVARAM 053

Introduction

Introduction Namakkal is the headquarters of Namakkal District. Namakkal town lies at the foot of a small hillock. There is a fort on the hill. There are two rock–cut cave temples located on both sides of the hill dedicated to Narasimhaswamy and Ranganathasamy. There is also a 18 feet tall Hanuman statue carved out of a single stone at the Hanuman Temple. This town is famous for the automobile industry and poultry farms. Places of Interest Thiruchengodu is 35 kms from Namakkal. It is one of the seven Sivasthalams in Kongunadu. The Arthanareeswarar Temple is located on a hill. The presiding deity is depicted as half-male and half-female, vertically to represent Siva and Shakti worshipped as one form. It is considered one of the oldest temples in this region. Kolli Hills These hills are situated on Eastern Ghats at an altitude of 1200 mts in the Namakkal District and are 45 km from Namakkal town. The Kolli Hills are known for medicinal herbs and plants that grow in abundance on the hill slopes. The Arapaleswarar Temple, the Horticulture Farm, the Herbal Farm, Akasagangai waterfalls and the Telescope House are the places to visit for the interested tourist. TheValvil Ori festival is organised here every year during the month August. Accomodation Hotel (STD 04286)Phone Hotel Golden Palace 228511, 228522 Nala Hotel 228970 – 75.(6 lines) Priya Tower 221321, 226321 Hotel Nallathambi Resort 247227 P.A.Lodge 244406, 247488

Introduction

Introduction (Nagapattinam is 320 kms from Chennai) This district came into existence in the year 1991 with its headquarters in Nagapattinam city. Its long stretch of coast line that runs along the Bay of Bengal for 188kms. Nagapattinam has one of the most thriving harbours in India. The Shri Kayahorana Swami Neelayathatchi Amman Temple, Sowriraja Perumal Temple, and Nellukkadai Mariamman Temple are some of the important temples that can be seen here. There is also the mini museum, the towering lighthouse and the long beautiful beach are some of the places worth visiting. Nagapattinam is a unique district with its own historical and cultural significance. Nagappattinam was one of the constituents of Cholamandalam, and was acclaimed as the most prominent and is said to have contributed to the glory of the ancient Tamil Chola Kingdom. Nagapattinam was the Headquarters of a region during Chola period. Nagapattinam was also known as Cholkula Vallippattinam. The heritage of the town is found in the Burmese historical text dated around the 3rd century B.C. The same text gives evidences of a Buddha Vihar built by the great King Ashoka. The Chinese Traveller Hieun Tsang also mentioned the same Buddha Vihar in his book. Nagapattinam is mentioned as Padarithitha in ancient Buddhist literature. According to scholars, Avurithidal the name of a part of Nagapattinam might have been derived from the word “Padarithitha.” Padarithitha is the name of a fruit tree, very common in this region. In ancient times, “Naganadu,” “Nagatheezam” are the references made only to this town. Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka had close links with this town. The Anaimangalam copperplate of King Kulothunga Chola notes that Kasiba Thera a Buddhist monk renovated the Buddhist temple in 6th century B.C. with the help of Buddhist monks of Naganadu. This Nagar Annam Vihar later came to be known as Naganana Vihar The Pallava King Rajasimha (690-720 BC) permitted a Chinese king to build Buddha Vihar in Nagapattinam and once there was a Chinese built Buddha Vihar in Nagapattinam. According to the Anaimangalam copper plate of Kulothunga Chola, Sri Vijayathunga Varman built Raja Raja Perumpalliin the name of Raja Raja Cholan and Rajendra Chola Pepumpalli in the name of Rajendra Chola in 1090 BC. This Buddha Vihar was also called Sudamani Vihar. Excavations were conducted by the Archaeological Department at Velipalayam in Nagapattinam and more than 300 statues of the Buddha were unearthed and kept at the Museum in Chennai. The dilapidated old Buddhist tower was razed down 200 years ago.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Nagur was called so because it was inhabited by the Nagurs. The Nagapattinam Kayaroganam Shiva temple existed even in the 6th century. Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar were associated with this temple. The Kaya Roganam Shiva temple is based on the Laguleesa Pasupatha cult. The Soundaraja Perumal Vaishanava temple glorified by Thirumangai Mannan of 9th century A.D. is one of the notable features of Nagapattinam. This favourite town of Chola Kings was also celebrated later by Vijayanagara Kings. The Portuguese had a commercial contact with this town during the rule of the Thanjavur Nayak Sevvappa Nayakkar and Acchuthappa Nayakkar. A Portuguese commercial centre was established in 1554 and since then Christianity began to take root through this influence. The Portuguese traders took control of ten villages. With the advent of Portuguese, the Velankanni Church came in to existence. In 1658 the Dutch tried to evict the Portuguese from Nagapattinam to establish their commercial centre there under an agreement they had reached between King Vijaya Nayakkar of Thanjavur and the Dutch in 1662. The ten villages of Nagappattinam Port, Puthur, Muttam, Poruvalancheri, Anthonipettai, Karureppankadu, Azhinji Mangalam, Sangamangalam, Thiruthina mangalam, Manjakollai, Nariyankudi were transferred from the Portuguese to the Dutch. Ten churches and a hospital were built by the Dutch. They also struck coins with the name Nagapattinam engraved in Tamil letters. According to the agreement between the first Mahratta king 'Egoji' of Thanjavur and the Dutch, Nagapattinam and the surrounding villages were handed over to the Dutch on 1676. In 1781 this town fell into the hands of the British after the prolonged battles. 277 villages with Nagur as the headquarters were handed over to the East India Company in 1779. Gold coins bearing the names Nagapattinam varagan and Nagapattinam chornam were in circulation during the period of the Thanjavur Maratha Kings. General Information Area 14.90 Sq.Km Population 92,525 (as per 2001 – census) Altitude 5.97 m (19.45') Climate Max. Min. Summer : 36.0ºC 28.0ºC Winter : 29.0ºC 21.0ºC Rainfall 83.5 cms average Clothing Tropical Languages spoken Tamil and English STD 04365

Places of Interest

Places of Interest 1. Nagore: This town is 5 kms north of Nagapattinam. Irrespective of caste, creed and religion people offer their worship at the Islamic shrine here. The Kandhuri festival during October and November is very popular. 2. Velankanni This small town is situated on the coast of Bay of Bengal 14 kms south of Nagappattinam. The Arokiya Madha Church or the Velankanni Basilica here is a holy place for the Christians. However people of all religions offer their worship at this church. The festival during August and September is very famous. 3. Sikkal The Sikkal Shri Singaravelan temple is located 5 kms from Nagapattinam. The Tamil Shaivite saints Appar, Thirugnana Sambandar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar glorified this temple in their divine songs. The festival, Soora Samharam is the most important festival celebrated in the month of Ippasi. Sikkal is on the bus route from Nagappattinam to Thiruvarur. This place has an old Shiva Temple where Lord Muruga is worshipped in the form of Singaravelan. 4. Kodikkarai is 68 kms from Nagappattinam. This place is noted for the birds’ sanctuary. Muthupettai, a nearby town with its backwaters also attracts tourists. 5. Vedaranyam (Thirumaraikkadu) Vedaranyam lies at a distance of 58 Kms from Nagappattinam. The Vedaranyewarar temple here is worth mentioning. It is one of the Saptha Vidanga Thallams. The place is historically important because it was the centre stage of Salt Sathyagraha in South India, during freedom struggle. 6. Ettukkudi The distance between Nagappattinam and Ettukkudi is 28 kms. This old Murugan temple at Ettukkudi finds a place in hymns of the Saint Arunagirinathar. 7. Thirukkuvalai Tiruvarur lying at a distance of 27Kms. from Nagapattinam is one of the Sapthavidanga thalams. The Thyagaraja Swamy temple and Angalamman temple are both well known. 8. Koothanur at a distance of 45 kms from Nagapattinam and is associated with the life of the great Tamil poet Ottakkoothar. This temple has a separate temple for Goddess Saraswathi, the goddess of learning and the fine arts. 9. Mannarkudi Mannarkudi situated at a distance of 56 kms from Nagapattinam is famous for the Vaishnava temple Rajagopalaswamy temple.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel Sea Horse Std Code (04365) V.P.N.Lodge Ph: 222309. Shanthi Lodge Ph: 240607 Kumar Lodge Ph :242923 How to get there Airport The Airport at Thiruchi is at a distance to 141 Kms. Air Lanka and Indian Airlines operate services to Sri Lanka from Trichy. The passenger service to Madurai and Chennai from Thiruchi is operated by Indian Airlines. Rail There are train facilities from Nagappattinam to Thanjavur, Thiruchi, Chennai and Nagore. Road Bus services are available from Nagappattinam to Thanjavur, Thiruchi, Nagore and Chennai. Local Transport Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations operate town buses to nearby areas. Hired Vehicles like cars and auto rickshaws are available. Important Telephone Numbers Address Phone No 1. District Collector, Nagapattinam 272700 2. Dist.Superitendent of Police 242888 3. Wildlife Warden 253091, 253092 4. Public Relation Officer, Nagapattinam 273040 5. Railway Enquiry 250161 6. Police Station 250100 7. Post Office 250188 8. India Overseas Bank 250165 9. Indian Bank 250109 10. Dargah Trustee 250186 11. Dargha Office 250194 12. Tourist Officer, Poompuhar 04364 – 260439

APPROXIMATE DISTANCE BY ROAD NAGAPATTINAM TO

APPROXIMATE DISTANCE BY ROAD NAGAPATTINAM TO PLACE DISTANCE ( IN KMS.) PLACE DISTANCE ( IN KMS.) CHENNAI 320 PICHAVARAM 113 BANGALORE 515 POINT CALIMERE 070 COCHIN 556 POOMPUHAR 045 COIMBATORE 348 PONDICHERRY 161 COONOOR 457 RAMESWARAM 344 KUTRALLAM 409 SALEM 285 GURUVAYUR 487 SITTANNAVASAL 160 HOGENAKAL 421 THANJAVUR 089 HYDERABAD 1051 THEKKADY 678 KANCHIPURAM 381 THIRUCHENDUR 451 KANNIAKUMARI 487 THIRUCHI 145 KODAIKANAL 421 THIRUNELVELI 398 MADURAI 238 TIRUPATHY 493 MAMALLAPURAM 294 THIRUVANNAMALAI 349 MUDUMALAI 527 TRIVANDRUM 506 MYSORE 485 TUTICORIN 458 CHIDAMBARAM 537 VEDANTHANGAL 236 OOTACAMUND 470 VELANKANNI 020 PALANI 303 VELLORE 516 YERCAUD 237