The land of singing waves is what the name Tharangambadi translates to, and rightly so. The crashing waves on the shore are nothing less than music to the ears. This small fishing village in Tamil Nadu is a paradise for those seeking tranquillity, but that’s not all that this village provides. It has a royal Danish insignia etched on it that will teleport you to the era of Danish reign. In this article, we shall explore the history of this town and how you can enjoy every moment that you spend here. So, keep reading!

The History And Heritage

Tharangambadi was under the reign of a Danish colony between 1620 to 1845. During this period, the name of the village was changed to Tranquebar due to the perplexing pronunciation of the previous one. The Danes built forts and buildings in the Danish style as they were the residents and owners of the place. After nearly 225 years of rule, in the year 1845, the Danes sold the land to the British East India Company, after which the place was ruled by the Britishers. However, it was only after the country got its independence in the year 1947 was this village free from any rulers.

Places To Visit In Tamil Nadu’s Tharangambad

Fort Dansborg

Located in the southern part of the place and nearly 283 km from the state capital, Chennai, this fort is a must-visit site. The fort was built by the Danes and has a Danish charm to it. In addition, you can see large halls, columned structures, high ceilings, and projecting drapery that showcases impeccable Danish architecture.

The Town Gate

This rustic-looking gate is the entrance to Tranquebar. It is built on the main street of the village known as King’s street. Since this is the entrance into the village, there is no chance you will miss it. You can halt for a couple of minutes and admire the intricate detailing of the gate and Danish art.

The Zion Church

The church that stood the race against time. One of the oldest Churches in the country, the Zion Church provides a sneak into the past. It has a pretty big prayer hall with stained glass windows and a tiled brick spire. There is also a historic bell tower that rings the bell to indicate the time to worship Lord Jesus to the residents.

The Zieganbalg Museum Complex

If you ever visit Tarangambadi, do stop by the Zieganbalg museum. Moreover, this museum houses some interesting articles including the first bible printed in Tamil and many more.

The Masilamani Nathar Temple

The design of this temple is unique as it marries Chinese and Tamil architecture. It is said that this temple was built to attract Chinese traders and is almost 700 years old. Built near the shore, visiting this temple will boost your spiritual energy, and watching the sunset outside will bring you nothing but inner peace.

We hope these were reasons enough to encourage you to visit the land of singing waves in Tamil Nadu. If you visit Tarangambadi, do share your experience with us in the comments below.

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