Nagapattinam is the southern coastal district of Tamil Nadu, was also spelt as Nagapatnam or Negapatam. It is the famous east coast seaport and an important trade and commerce center in India. Nagapattinam city is the headquarters. It was once served as the capital of Tanjore. In 2004, the city was severly ruined by Tsunami. Fishing, sea-borne trades are the major occupations here. There are many notable holiday destinations and pilgrimage sites in Nagapattinam. Sikkal Singaravelan Temple, Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, the Nagore Dargah and Puhar are some important tourist destinations.

Nagapattinam History

Nagapattinam was constructed by Cholas in Medieval period and later settled by Portuguese. From1660 to 178, the city was served as capital of DutchCoromandel. It was then conquered by East India Company in 1781. It was served as Tanjore capital from 1799 to 1845. The history is dated back around 3rd century which is an evidence of Buddha Vihar built by great king Ashoka. The names found in gold coins Nagappattinam Varagan and Nagappattinam chornam are the evidence for its 2000 year old history. From 1781, the region was ruled by British. The district was witnessed two naval battles first in 1758 as part of the Seven Years War, and the second in 1782 as part of the American Revolutionary War.Then the city was taken over by Dutch in 1781. After the peace agreement , Nagapattinam was ceded to the British formally.

Nagapattinam Tourism

Nagapattinam lies on the eastern coast, 350 km south of the State capital Chennai, 20 km south of Karaikal, 145 km east of from Tiruchirappalli and 90 km east of Thanjavur. It is known for having one of the best harbors in the country and is considered a major pilgrimage centre having famous shrines of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam in nearby areas. With a salt swamp near it, Nagapattinam is also considered one of the most biodiverse regions of the country.

Tourist places in Nagapattinam
Koothanur - Saraswathi Amman Temple
Thirukadaiyur - Abirami Amman Temple
Sikkal - Singaravelan Temple
Thirunallar - Saneeswara Baghawan Temple
Vadakku poigai nallur - Korakkar Sithar Temple
Thirukkuvalai - Brahmapureeswarar Temple
Ettukudi - Murugan Temple
Velankanni - Our Lady of Good Health
Nagore
Tranquebar. Tharangambadi Dutch Fort
Kodikkarai.Point Calimere Bird Sanctuary
Mayiladuthurai or Mayavaram
Thiruvarur
Karaikal
Vedaranyam