Nagapattinam
is 320 kilometers from Chennai, the capital city of Tamilnadu. The city
is extended along the long stretch of coastline that runs along the Bay
of Bengal for hundreds of Kilometers. Due to its prominence in
fisheries, Nagapattinam boasts off one of the most thriving harbors in
India. The city is also famous for its temples. The Shri Kayahorana
Swami Neelayathatchi Amman Temple and Sowriraja Perumal Temple are some
of the important temples that can be seen here. Apart from that, there
are other attractions in and around Nagapattinam. Some of them are as
follows: - Velankanni
Velankanni is a small town that is situated ashore Coromandel Coast 14 kilometers south of downtown Nagapattinam. Velankanni has a special place in the pages of Christian history in India. The most holy church on the Coromandel namely, The Arokiya Madha Church or the Velankanni Basilica is located in this town. However, typical of the homogenous society in South India, people of all religions offer their worship at this church. The annual carnival that takes place in the month of August and September is a very famous affair. Hordes of tourists flock Velankanni at that part of the year.
Koothanur
Located at a distance of 45 kilometers from downtown Nagapattinam, Koothanur is associated with the life of the great Tamil poet Ottakkoothar. The place is famous for the magnificent temple dedicated to this poet. The temple complex has a separate temple for Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning and arts.
Kodikkarai
Kodikkarai is situated just 68 kilometers from the downtown Nagapattinam. The place has been developed as a backwater and bird sanctuary. The quiet destination attracts a lot of honeymoon couples.
Mannarkudi
Mannarkudi situated at a distance of 56 kilometers from Nagapattinam is famous for the Vaishnava shrine called Rajagopalaswamy temple.
Nagore
Nagore is just 5 kilometers North of Nagapattinam. The place is famous for a Muslim Sufi shrine that is frequented by the people of various caste, creed and religion. The place considered a focal point of secularism in peninsular India. The Kandhuri festival, similar to the Urs of North India that is celebrated during the month of October is very popular among the tourists.
Sikkal
Sikkal that is famous for Shri Singaravelan temple is located 5 kilometers from Nagapattinam. This is an old Shiva Temple where Lord Muruga is worshipped in the form of Singaravelan. Many Shivite saints such as Appar, Thirugnana Sambandar and Manickavasagar have evoked the place in their devotional songs. The place is also famous for a festival called Soora Samharam that is celebrated in the month of April.
Thirukkuvalai
Thirukkuvalai or Tiruvarur lies at a distance of around 27 Kilometers from the downtown Nagapattinam. This too is considered one of the Saptha Vaidanga Thallams. Two of the most well known temples in Tiruvarur are Thyagaraja Swamy and Angalamman temple.
Vedaranyam
Vedaranyam is situated just 58 Kilometers off to the downtown Nagapattinam. The place is famous for the Vedaranyewarar temple that is considered among the Saptha Vidanga Thallams. The place has a historical importance as well. Vedaranyam was the center stage of Salt Sathyagraha in South India, during the Indian freedom movement.
