What’s the plan: Tranquebar/Tharangambadi
This dreamy town on the East Coast Road provides a blissful atmosphere for all those who choose to go on a laid back trip. Known as ‘Land of Dancing Waves’, this quaint town was once the trading post of the Danish East India Company.
When to go:
Well, the best time to visit Tranquebar is from December to April. The temperature varies between 25°C and 31°C. Post April, the town experiences a humid climate, which is unfavorable for any outdoor activity.
What’s the route:
This tranquil town is located about 280 km from Chennai and the best route to take would be:
Chennai-Puducherry-Cuddalore-Pichavaram-Tranquebar
On the whole, the road to Tranquebar is quite wide and well-maintained. The only place one would find some narrow roads is near Cuddalore. The best part about the drive is the scenic Coromandel coastline.
What to pack:
Since this place is along the coastline, make sure you pack some comfortable walking shoes, cotton clothing, and sun protection. If you are heading for some water sports, consult the activity center for suggestions on clothing.
What to explore:
As this is one of the few places in India where the Danes settled down, one should definitely check out Fort Dansborg and the Danish Governor’s Bungalow to get a glimpse of Danish lifestyle. If you find rich architecture inspiring, then a visit to the Zion Church, which is the oldest Protestant church in India, and the New Jerusalem church, is a must.
What not to miss:
A boat trip in the mangrove forest at Pichavaram is an adventure for all ages and should be on the checklist. It is suggested to go for the boat ride as early as possible, as it can get exhausting due to the hot weather. The Silver Beach at Cuddalore, one of the longest beaches in Asia, is definitely worth visiting, especially to watch the sunset. If you are an adventure seeker, you can also explore the scuba diving (beginner level) option along with other water sports at Pondicherry.
Where to stay:
There are four options for a stay at Tranquebar – Bungalow on the beach, Nayak house, The Gate House, and The Tamil Nadu House. However, only the Bungalow on the beach has a fully functional restaurant that serves some awesome delights. As the town has relatively lesser sightseeing options, one could finish the sightseeing tour and head to Chidambaram for other stay options. Choosing to stay at Pondicherry and visiting Tranquebar for a few hours is also a great alternative.
What to eat:
Tranquebar is a heaven for all seafood lovers. Tharangambadi Fish Curry is a must try at the “Bungalow on the beach” hotel. You could also try the continental dishes here. Hotel Tamil Nadu is your go to place for the authentic local flavors, and some scrumptious delicacies. Let’s also not forget the ‘on the road’ food fest, though. Since this is a small town, a quick stopover in Pondicherry to fill on some French delights can really make this trip an immensely satisfying experience.
How much:
Between Rs. 4000 – Rs. 7000. The cost of adventure sports is not included.
Whom to tag along:
Friends and family
What’s the safety quotient:
Most of the places on this route are quite safe to travel on.
