Velankanni

Places of Interest

Vedaranyam

It is 55 kms from Nagapattinam. It is called as Thirumaraikkadu in tamil. Historically this town is famous for its Salt Sathyagaraha movement in 1930, headed by C.Rajagopalachary, parallel to that of Dandi March of Mahatma Gandhi during Indian Independence struggle. A Mahamandapam, long corridors and beautiful Rajagopuram[Main Tower] are some striking features of Vedaranyeswarar Temple on this seaside. This is an important temple that attracts large number of pilgrims throughout the year.

Kodikarai [Pt.Calimere]

It is 11kms from Vedaranyam and 65 kms from Nagapatttinam on the Coromandel Coast. The Chola lighthouse was the historic landmark of this area, destroyed by the Tsunami of 2004. The forests of Point Calimere, called as Vedaranyam forests too, remains the last of the dry evergreen forests that were once typical of the eco region of the East Deccan dry evergreen forests. The Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary was created on the 13th June 1967 in an area of 24.17 km2. Dry ever green forests, mangrove forests and wetlands the natural habitats and the cape includes the sanctuary area. It was extended by including the Great Vedaranyam Swamp and was renamed Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary. Total area of this zone is 375 km2. Flamingos., Indian blackbuck, spoon-billed sandpiper can be found in large numbers in this area. The area has Salt Pans along the coast and major producer of Salt. Mythical Ramar Patham [Rama’s feet impression], a stone with the impression of two feet, believed to be that of Lord Rama can be seen here. Visiting hours 10.00 am to 6.00 p.m.

Thirunallar

This temple nearer to Karaikal and Mayiladuthurai is dedicated to Lord Saneeswaran [Saturn]. He occupies the most important position in the planetary movements. Anybody who worships Saturn believes that he/she is relieved from curses, spells of ill luck and diseases.