Around 17th Century, Denmark had set up an East India Company to do business with the sub-continent. Several ships had come to India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka). In India these ships landed in Tanjore, With the permission of the king of Thanjavur Nayak they had settled on the coast for an annual tribute. That point of time this place was known as Trankebar.
Denmark government and Raghunatha Nayak, then king of Thanjavur Kingdom entered into an agreement giving possession of entire Tarangambadi (Tamil Name) for an annual rent of Rs.3.111. Thereafter they were given permission to export pepper to Denmark. After 220 years later, Denmark government entered into an agreement with British in 1945 to run Tarangabadi for an amount of 1.25 million rupees .
In addition to Tarangambadi, Danish also had colonies in India namely Nicobar Islands, Serampore in Bengal, Balasore in Odisha and Calicut in Kerala. In addition, they had also set up several factories across India.
I landed up at Nagapattinam on the 6th June at 6.30 am to visit Tarangambadi. Then I came to know Karaikal is the nearest location to visit Tarangambadi. Then I took a bus from Nagapattinam to Karaikal which is around 14 km. The bus took around 30 mts to reach Karaikal. On reaching I checked in at Abirami Residency which is closer to the bus stand of Karaikal.
It is a very decent hotel with minimum facilities. They do not allow smoking and consumption of alcohol in the hotel. I stayed here for one and half days.
After having an excellent breakfast at Arusuvai Restaurant,near the bus stand I proceed to Tarangambadi (Tranquebar).
Gateway to Tarangambadi: This gateway is a huge one in white. It is also called the gateway to Tranquebar. As per records, this has been set up in the year 1792 and the same has been inscribed on the top of the gateway. This gateway is on the beginning of King’s street. As per my understanding this gate was destroyed in the year 1791 and the same has been rebuilt.
Dansbort Fort: Borg means Fort in Danish. This is one of the highlights in Tharangambadi. I was told that this was built in the year 1620. This fort is situated overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Unfortunately this was closed on Friday when I visited. Hence I did not go inside the fort. However, I was told that it is an Scandinavian design. This is the place where Danish people had stored Spices,, silk, gold and other items for doing trading. In turn, they exported pepper and cardamom. This fort is protected as a monument by the Tamil Nadu State Department of archaeology from the year 1977.
Next I visited the Sri Masilamani Nathar Temple also called Manivaneswaram. This is a siva temple built in 1306 AD. It is located on the beach. In the year 2004 due to Tsunami, this temple’s tower broke off and fell into the sea. However, the current temple looks like it was built after the Tsunami. This was built by Maravarman Kulashekhara Pandian
Then I went to see New Jerusalem Church: Jerusalem church was built in the year 1707 and the New Jerusalem church was built in the year 1718. This is situated in the King’s Street. I understand this is the oldest and first protestant Lutheran church of India .
Danish Governor’s Bungalow : This is situated just in front of the Dansborg Fort on the beach. This bungalow is also called Collector’s House.
Next I visited Zion Church: This is the last building on King’s Street. This is the first five Indian protestant converts of the Danish mission were baptized in Zion church in the year 1707. This was built in the year 1701.
Old Danish Cemetery: This cemetery is situated just behind the New Jerusalem Church. Many names which are carved were the Danish officials who served with East Indian Company and traders. Understand this cemetery has been n use since early 18th Century.
Ziegenbalg Press: This was originally housed in Misson House on King’s street. Next was It is said to be the first printing press in India.
Ziegenbalg Spiritual Center: This is situated very close to Zion Church. He was a important personality in Tranquebar.
If you take a walk across this colony the town still retains old names like King’s street, Queen’s street, Admiral Street, Queen’s street, etc. etc.
Due to tsunami in the year 2004, a large part of this town was heavily damaged.
Around 150+ people died due to tsunami. In memory of these people the town has built a memorial.
One can see one more memorial in the name of Raghunatha Nayak, the ruler of Thanjavur Kingdom.
Photos of the beach: This beach is called
Overall visit to this place was good – A colony with Scandinavian influences. Due to lack of hotels in Tranquebar, most of the tourists do not stay at this place. They stay at Karaikal.
This place is located 14 kms from Karaikal. If you wish to visit this place, it is better to stay at Karaikal. Another 40 kms one can reach the famous Velankanni,
A Solo Traveler 