Land of the Singing Waves

Jan 06, 2013 - Shruti Menon |

Age Correspondent

Tranquebar, Danish settlement centuries ago, during the 1600s, is today a mélange of rich cultural influences. Tarangambadi, as the locals call it, is in Nagapattinam district. Seven hours away from Chennai by bus, it has a large fishing community. True to its name, which translates as ‘Land of the singing waves’, the town has some serene, picturesque beaches, said to be 'ozone-rich', the effect of the breeze said to be rejuvenating and therapeutic for heart ailments.
There is an Arts and Crafts centre here, located amidst houses restored after the tsunami that hit this little town, where many of the residents enroll in craft workshops. It’s a platform that helps keep alive the crafts native to this region. Discover the cultural knowledge of this charismatic town.
One of the popular sites at Tranquebar is the famous Fort Dansbourg. The fort, established in the 17th century, alongside the coast, was built soon after the first Danish trading expedition. The Town Gate, that replaced the first gate built in 1791, is another heritage site. The Zion Church, the oldest Protestant Church in India, demonstrates many Indian and colonial-influenced architectural techniques.

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