Tharangambadi: Singing Waves & Forgotten Danish Heritage

Prologue:

Experience Tharangambadi, the Enchanting Land of Singing Waves! Formerly Tranquebar, this picturesque coastal town in Tamil Nadu, India, holds a captivating Danish legacy. Located near Pondicherry, it boasts abundant attractions.

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Before We Start:

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Introduction:

Finally, the day arrived when I could visit the captivating beach destination that had been a cherished dream of mine for a long time. The highlight of the trip was the opportunity to stay in an old Danish bungalow right by the beach. With this exciting plan in place, my companions and I embarked on a thrilling road trip from Bangalore, filled with anticipation and enthusiasm.

The Scenic Drive from Bangalore to Tharangambadi:

Covering a distance of approximately eight and a half hours, the journey from Bangalore to Tharangambadi was a scenic delight. The roads were in good condition, allowing us to enjoy a smooth drive throughout. As we made our way, we decided to take a refreshing break for breakfast in the charming city of Salem, which served as a pleasant pit stop on our route. It was the perfect opportunity to satiate our hunger and recharge ourselves before continuing our exhilarating journey.

The Bungalow on the Beach, Neemrana

With much excitement, we reached Tharangambadi and eagerly checked into the highly coveted "Bungalow on The Beach." This remarkable property is renowned for its historical significance and is notoriously difficult to book. I had been persistently trying to secure a reservation for quite some time, and finally, luck favored me this time! Dating back to the 17th century, this bungalow once served as the residence of a Danish collector, and its grandeur has been meticulously restored by the Nimrana group. In 2004, it was transformed into a magnificent Heritage Hotel, preserving its timeless charm.

Despite having modern amenities like air conditioning and a swimming pool, the property has maintained its old-world charm. It is located right on the beach, making it the best place to stay in Tharangambadi. We chose the Queen Anna Sofia room on the first floor as our base. It was very clean, had antique furniture, and beautiful old paintings. The high ceiling added a touch of grandeur, making us feel like royalty. The best part of this room was the attached verandah with a view of the sea!

On our way, we called the property to order lunch. It turned out to be delicious! Our plan was to explore the beach afterward, but heavy rainfall stopped us. Nevertheless, watching the rain fall over the sea from the verandah was satisfying, especially with a hot cup of chai, pakoras, and good friends for company!

After a relaxed evening, we had a delightful dinner and went to bed early.

The next morning, everyone woke up early to see the sunrise. It was an amazing sight! We were lucky to see the stunning sunrise from our balcony.

For those who didn't have a room facing the sea, the terrace provided a wonderful view of the sunrise. Even if you're staying at The Bungalow, I strongly suggest going to the beach to fully enjoy the experience.

Morning Walk on Tharangambadi Beach!

In the early morning, Tharangambadi Beach was calm and quiet, making it even more beautiful. This beach is famous for having a high amount of ozone, which gives off positive energy. We had a wonderful time here, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and even making new friends.

Visiting Dansbourg Fort

The Danish East India Company was formed in 1620 to engage in spice trade in the Indian subcontinent. They came to this part of India and, after obtaining land trading and tax collection privileges from the Nayakas of Tanjavur, the Danish built the impressive Dansbourg Fort, which happens to be the second-largest Danish fort ever constructed.

Today, the fort has been converted into an enchanting public attraction. Inside, there is a small museum that explores the history of Danish India, displaying artifacts from that period as well as the present day.

The fort is divided into two levels. The second level was designated for the governor, priests, and other important officials, while the first level mainly accommodated foot soldiers and guards. It includes different rooms like storehouses, prisons, warehouses, and even a wine cellar.

Despite the Danish East India Company's unsuccessful venture in India, Dansbourg Fort stands as a testament to their ambitions. Eventually, they sold all their settlements, including Srirampur in West Bengal and Tharangambadi, to the British.

Danish-Indian Culture Centre Maritime Museum

Situated adjacent to the governor's bungalow, the Danish-Indian Culture Centre Maritime Museum is a private museum that serves as a hub for cultural exchange between Denmark and India. It features a library and a few rooms showcasing select items. While it may not be a must-visit if you're short on time, it provides insights into the shared history of Denmark and India.

At this point, the kids were eager to go to the beach and have fun in the water! We quickly returned to the bungalow, changed into our beach clothes, and headed straight to the shoreline. It was a delightful experience to swim in the sea, especially since there were only a few people around. The water was refreshing, but the waves were quite strong. I must caution you to be careful and avoid going too far into the water or attempting to swim, as it didn't feel entirely safe.

After having a wonderful time in the sea, we went back and savored a delicious lunch of fish curry and rice. It appeared that the place was running with a reduced staff due to the post-COVID situation, resulting in some slight delays in service. Nonetheless, the committed staff made every effort to ensure a pleasant experience.

After lunch, we took a short break to rest and then embarked on an exploration of the enchanting town of Tranquebar, also known as Tharangambadi!

Tharangambadi aka Tranquebar Town Walk

During our visit to Tharangambadi, we had a leisurely walk through the serene streets of the town, where several old European-style buildings and calm neighborhoods emitted a relaxed vibe. For street photographers, the place offered plenty of captivating subjects to capture.

One notable landmark we encountered was the Old Town Gate, which served as a separation between the European block and the rest of the area. It proudly displayed the insignias of the Royal Danish Court, adding a touch of historical significance to the surroundings.

Constructed by the Pandiyan Dynasty in the 13th century, the authentic Masilamaninathar Temple was devastated by the sea. A replica of the original temple was built in 2013. The temple's architecture is unique, showcasing a pagoda style not frequently observed in this region. It is believed by many that this architectural style blends Chinese and Tamil art, aiming to entice Chinese traders to the locality. This age-old temple serves as testimony to Tharangambadi's significance as a maritime trading hub predating European influences.

Ending Note:

Our three-day stay in Tharangambadi was truly remarkable and remains one of the most memorable trips in recent times. I constantly search for offbeat destinations and bring travel stories to share with you. If you’d like to read more stories like this, consider following along for future adventures!

This story was originally published on my website www.TheUrbanNomad.co.in

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