Nagapattinam - Tourist Information

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Nagapattinam - Tourist Information

Poompuhar (Sirkazhi block), Tharangampadi (Sembanarkoil block), Velankanni (Velankanni block), Nagore (Nagapattinam block) and Point Calimere (Vedaranniyam block) are the main tourist spots in the district. The first 4 tourist spots are visited throughout the year and the last tourist spot is visited from August to March. The foreign tourist arrivals have fluctuations and domestic tourist arrivals have been steadily increasing except in the years 1992-93 and the tourist arrivals both domestic and foreign are estimated at 2,99,150 during 1996. These five tourist spots are also included in the tourist circuits identified by the Tourism Department.

POOMBUHAR

Poombuhar is in Sirkali Taluk of Nagapattinam District. It is known as Kaveripoompattinam. Tourists have to alight at Mayiladuthurai junction to proceed Poombuhar by road, visitors from Chennai by train have to get down at Sirkali. Poombuhar is connected to Mayiladuthurai as well as Sirkali by road. The distance from Poombuhar to Mayiladuthurai is 24 kms and to Sirkali 21kms.

Tourists from Chennai to Poombuhar by private carriers can take the route via Dindivanam, Pandicherry, Cuddallore and Sirkali. Those who come from Madurai, Ramanathapuram and Tirunelvelli may proceed via Mellur, Tiruppathur, Karaikudi, Pattukkotai, Thiruthuraipoondi, Nagapattinam, Karaikkal, Tharangambadi and Akkur. They can also come via Pudukkottai, Thanjavoor, and Mayiladuthurai

Nagore

Nagore, as a pilgrim town has the Dargaha of saint Hazrat Meeran Sultan Syed Shahabdul Hammeed [Hazrat Mian]. It is a sea-side town, now bustling with activities both related to religion and commerce.

Sepulchre of the saint

The Dargha in Nagore near Nagapattinam, the district headquarters is a holy place. Not only the followers of Islam but also of all faiths visit this sacred centre throughout the year to offer their prayers and get the blessings of the saint. Nearly five hundred years ago a son was born in a devout Muslim family in a village in the central provinces [Madhys pradesh], He was named Abdul kadhar. With lust for the grace of Allah, he wandered with his followers far and wide.

He came to Tamilnadu after visiting different places like Keelakkarai and preaching the doctrine of love, service devotion to the almighty he settled down in Nagore in a piece of land granted by a devotee of this saintly preacher. His words and deeds were divine and prophetic. He said Islam preaches the fatherhood of God and brotherhood of Man. He sent his disciples to work among the people and spread the message of Prophet Mohammed. He passed away in 1558 at the age of 68 and in Nagore dargha are the relics of this God-man. Khandoori festival is the anniversary celebrations and devotees from all over the world join the festivals to be blessed by Nagore Andavavar.

Beach

A pristine beach has been developed to attract people. Main attractions are beach volleyball, Joyful catumaram rides, children’s amusement park and other recreational facilities.

Velankanni

Velankanni is one of the most visited pilgrim centres in India. It is a town situated on the shores of Bay of Bengal. This renowned shrine Basilica of our Lady of health draws pilgrims from all over the world. Not only Christians but also the people of other faiths come to this Church to pray at the shrine of “Our lady of health”. Knowing the importance of this town the Pope in the Vatican city has declared Velankanni as a “Holy city”.

This Roman Catholic Church has an extended Basilica, which has two floors where one can find the statue of Jesus Christ. The Gothic style of architecture is a unique feature of the Church. The church itself is an imposing building with inspiring architecture. While the buildings have been painted white roof of the church is made by the tiles with striking red in contrast to the colour of the walls. The environment around the shrine is spick and span. Radiating rays of hope and piety.There is also a shrine of "our lady of sorrow” where in the sorrowing Mother is depicted carrying infant Jesus in her hand.

The museum is situated opposite to the Basilica has a very rich variety of exhibits. The precious offerings made by the devotees are on display here. Biblical incidents are depicted on both sidewalls Timings 6.30am to 8.00pm. Festivals are celebrated here with all pomp and gaiety every year on August 29th the feast of our lady commences with the hoisting. Of the flag the 10th day ends on the 8th September after the dismounting of the flag. The pilgrims who come here also follow the Hindu tradition of tonsuring their heads as an offering and also perform ear-boring ceremony, This is a religious centre where Hindus, Muslims and Christian from all over the India congregate in large numbers and worship in harmony.

Nagapattinam - Tourist Information

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