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Discover the Wonders of Nagapattinam
Explore the rich heritage, serene beaches, vibrant temples, and cultural beauty of Nagapattinam District.
Explore Destinations
Welcome to
Explore the rich heritage, serene beaches, vibrant temples, and cultural beauty of Nagapattinam District.
Explore DestinationsNestled along the serene Coromandel Coast, the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni, stands as one of the most revered Christian pilgrimage destinations in India. Fondly known as “The Lourdes of the East”, this magnificent shrine in Nagapattinam District welcomes millions of devotees every year.
The origins of Velankanni trace back to the 16th and 17th centuries, marked by miraculous events including the vision of Mother Mary, healing of the lame, and the rescue of Portuguese sailors from a fierce sea storm.
The Gothic-style white basilica, with twin spires, chapels, holy tank, museum, stations of the cross, and shrine mahal reflects centuries of devotion and heritage.
Every year from August 29 to September 8, the annual feast attracts millions of devotees across religions, celebrating faith, healing, and humanity.
At the heart of Nagapattinam’s coastline stands the luminous Nagore Dargah Sharif, one of South India’s most venerated Sufi shrines. Built in honour of Hazrat Syed Shahul Hameed Qadiri (1504–1570 CE), affectionately known as Nagore Andavar, this sacred site embodies centuries of faith, harmony and healing.
Raised initially as a modest tomb by his disciple Yusuf Dhadha, the dargah later blossomed into a majestic complex under the patronage of Maratha kings and coastal merchants. Its five gleaming minarets — the tallest rising nearly 40 metres — stand as symbols of devotion from kings and commoners alike.
Within its ornate gateways lie silver-clad doors, gold-tipped domes and the tranquil Shifa Gunta healing tank. People of all faiths — Hindus, Muslims and Christians — pray together here in an atmosphere of peace and compassion.
Every year, the dargah comes alive during the Kanduri Festival, a fourteen-day celebration commemorating the saint’s Urs. Music, processions and the fragrance of sandalwood fill the coastal air, drawing pilgrims from across India and beyond.
Discover Kodiyakkarai — where the sea meets wildness. Located at the southeastern tip of Nagapattinam District, this unique sanctuary is a haven of dry evergreen forests, vast coastal wetlands and rich migratory bird habitats.
Established in 1967 to protect the graceful blackbuck antelope, the sanctuary now shelters tens of thousands of wintering waterbirds, including the iconic greater flamingo. It is recognised as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
Wander along quiet tracks where blackbucks graze in golden grasslands, observe flocks of flamingos swirling through lagoons, and feel the cool breeze from the Bay of Bengal. Ancient shrines such as Ramar Padam add mythic depth to the landscape.
Best visited between November and January, Kodiyakkarai offers nature lovers, birdwatchers and peace-seekers a rare chance to experience the living mosaic of coast, wildlife and history.
Located in the village of Sikkal, this revered temple complex holds a unique place in Tamil spiritual tradition. Though the main shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Navaneetheswarar, the temple is especially famous for Lord Murugan, worshipped here as Singaravelan.
According to tradition, this is the sacred spot where Murugan received his divine spear (Vel) from his mother Parvati to defeat the demon Surapadman — making it a key site in Murugan lore.
The temple is also among the rare Tamil shrines where temples for Shiva and Vishnu coexist within the same complex, symbolising spiritual harmony.
The name “Sikkal”, meaning “that which cannot be moved”, is linked to the legend of a butter-lingam created by Sage Vashistha, which became immovable at this very spot.
Situated near the southern coast of Nagapattinam District, Vedaranyeswarar Temple is one of Tamil Nadu’s most revered Shiva shrines. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Vedaranyeswarar, the “Lord of the Forest of Vedas”, with Goddess Vedanayaki as his consort.
This ancient Chola-period temple is a celebrated Paadal Petra Sthalam, praised in the Tevaram hymns, and is one of the famed Sapta Vidanga Sthalams.
The Tyagaraja form of Shiva here performs the graceful Hamsa Natanam (swan-like dance) during temple processions. The temple features a towering five-tiered gopuram, an emerald (maragatha) lingam and a sacred tank.
Surrounded by serene coastal village life and close to Kodiyakkarai Wildlife Sanctuary, Vedaranyam offers a powerful blend of devotion, heritage and tranquility.
A popular beach for locals and tourists.
Ideal for walks, sunsets and relaxation.
Nagapattinam has historic maritime connections with Sri Lanka.
Proposed ferry service will boost tourism.
