Tranquebar, Karaikal - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 14 km from Karaikal, Tranquebar, also known as Tharangambadi, is a small coastal town in the district of Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. Situated along the Coromandel Coast, it was the first trading post of the Danish in India, and among the top places of heritage in Tamil Nadu.

Tranquebar is a town that exudes grandeur and history and is steeped in colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. The Danish history of Tranquebar dates back to 1620, making it the oldest Danish settlement in India, predating Serampore near Kolkata by about 135 years. A contract between Danish East India Company envoy Admiral Ove Gjedde and Ragunath Nayak of Thanjavur transformed the tiny fishing village into a flourishing trading port centered around a small fort. Soon, mansions and churches were built and Tranquebar became a small, coastal colonial town. The Danes left in 1845, but the town still has remnants from the time, making it a charming coastal getaway, especially for history buffs.

The Danes left an indelible mark on the town, which is still evident today in the form of the awe-inspiring Fort Dansborg, straight streets, colonial-style houses, the Land Gate, churches, and churchyards. Though a relatively small Indian fort, the trapezoidal fort of Dansborg is located in the southern part of Tharangambadi, and is believed to be the second-largest Danish fort after Kronborg in Helsingor, Denmark. Built in the Danish style, the fort is characterized by large halls, columned structures, high ceilings, and projecting drapery. There is also a small museum on the eastern end that exhibits models of European ships, stone sculptures of Hindu deities, fort documents, dolphin skeletons, etc.

Most of the walls of the town's fortifications still stand, including the bastions and a lone gateway. At the western end of the town, there is an arched gateway dating back to 1791. The ornamentation-free arched passage allows small vehicles to pass through. All larger ones enter Tranquebar from the southern side. The Zion church, Old Danish Cemetery, Ziegenbalg Press, Governor's House, New Jerusalem Church, etc. are the other historical places to visit in Tharangambadi. Besides, the coastal town is known for its ozone-rich beaches.

Timings: 6 AM - 10 PM.

Entry: Free