Poompuhar Beach
Poompuhar beach is a nice rocky beach with less waves. This beach is good to visit to watch sunrise and sunset.
Poompuhar beach is the remaining of the glorious Chola kingdom. Visiting this place will goose bumps for people who have read about Cholas and this city.
Poompuhar History
Poompuhar is a town, which was once called as Kaveri poompattinam, an ancient port city. It is located near the end of the Kaveri River in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. Poompuhar has served as a capital of Chola Kings.
Kovalan and Mathavi from the famed tamil epic “Silapathikaram” or the “Epic of anklet” lived here. It has been the capital of Manuneethi Cholan, Karikal Cholan and Sembiyan, the most prominent South Indian rulers.
It has previously served as a harbour during Sangam Period. Most of the parts in the old town has be destructed as a result of tsunami struck around 500 AD.
Best Time to Visit Poompuhar
The best time to visit here is definitely during the months of November to March. It is the best season to visit the town as the temperature will be much milder. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 34°C. In this season, harsh summer gives way to cool and comfortable winter.
Places to visit Near Poompuhar
Silappathikara Art Gallery
Silappathikara Art Gallery is an educative art gallery, which depicts the entire story of Silapathikaram. It is very close to Poombuhar beach. Since, the lightings will not be good, hence you need some source of light inside the gallery to take the photos.
The sculptures present here are carved by the sculptors of Mamallapuram Art College.
- Entry Fee: Rs.5 per adult and Rs.2 per child
- Timings: The gallery is closed for lunch from 1 PM to 2 PM.
Marine Archaeology Museum
The museum is very small and is located nearby the Silappathikara Art Gallery. It has a collection of few old coins and objects excavated at the nearby places.
In addition to this, there will be goddess Kannagi Statue and Poompuhar memorial pillar near to the beach.
Poompuhar Lighthouse
Poompuhar lighthouse will guarantee you a clear and amazing view of the location. This lighthouse will be a good tourist place, if maintained properly. There will be circular steps to reach to the top. It shows the right direction for fishermen during the night time.
- Timings: 3 PM to 5 PM
Masilamani Nathar Koil
This temple built in 13th century by Maravarma Kulasekara Pandiyan. Masilamani Nathar Koil is located near to the sea shore, where the sea waves often touches the temple. There are also several other temples but this old temple adds the beauty of the beach and impresses all the tourists to Poompuhar with its architectural richness.
Zion Church
It is located in Tharangambadi, which just 24 Kms from Poompuhar. The church was built by Dutch settlers in 1701. It provides you a sight of architectural design from the renaissance era.
- Entry: Free
Town Gateway
It is built by British in 1792 and it was one of the most historic attractions near Poompuhar. It will be in a Danish architectural style and resembles the typical gateways in Europe.
Danish Fort
It is one of the famous forts in Tamil Nadu with Danish architectural style. Danish Fort was built in 1620 AD. This displays many decorations and carvings.
Entry: Free.
Danish Governor Bungalow
Danish Governor Bungalow is the biggest building in Poompuhar town. It was built in the year 1784 and currently it is the office of Tamilnadu Tourism Department.
Pallavaneswarar Temple
Pallavanaeswarar Temple is a gracious Lord Shiva temple located just opposite to Pallavanaeswaram excavation site. This is the 10th Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauvery. This temple has big linga, which gives a divine experience. It is the birth place of the renowned saint Pattinathar.
Vaitheeswaran Kovil
Vaitheeswaran Kovil is located just 22 Km from Poompuhar. Here the lord Shiva is worshipped as Vaidyanathar and it is believed that the prayers to lord here can cure diseases
Swetharanyeswarar Temple
Swetharanyeswarar Temple is located in the town of thiruvengadu near sirkazhi, which is just 6.7 Kms from Poompuhar. This temple is well known for its unique incarnation of Lord Shiva. Generally, the town itself unique for the pool structures in the temple. It is one of the six temples along the banks of river Cauvery.
Things to do in Poompuhar
Poompuhar is a prominent place for religiously inclined travellers.
Get the blessings
Chitra Pournami is an important festival in this beach, which is dedicated to Lord Chithra Gupta, who is believed to record the good and bad deeds of everyone. It happens during the full moon. The Holy dip in the mouth of Kaveri River is celebrated during new moon. People believe that their sins will be forgiven, when they bathe in the Rivers.
Amazing view
The beach starts from Kaveri River and expands towards Neithavasal around 3 Kms. From here, you can clearly see and experience the river Cauvery flowing in to the sea. Generally the sand in the beach spreads around 3 Kms, but now in order to stop the erosion some granite stones have been placed making it as one of the most important tourist destinations of Tamil Nadu.
How to reach to Poompuhar?
By Air
The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, which is located at a distance of 141 kms from Poompuhar. There are many flights operating daily between Trichi, Madurai and various other important cities of India and Sri Lanka.
By Rail
There is no straight train to Poompuhar. The nearest railway station is Mayiladuthurai and sirkali railway station, which 21 Kms and 24 Kms away from Poompuhar. There is also another option Thanjavur Junction, which is located at a distance of 104 Kms from Poompuhar. From there, you can reach here easily by taking the highways NH36.
By Road
There are numerous buses plying at regular intervals to poompuhar from major cities of tamil Nadu. The best option is to reach Tanjore or Mayiladuthurai and Sirkali and from there you can take a local bus. This is the best and easy option to travel.
Hotels To Stay in Poompuhar
Poompuhar is a small town, there is no option to stay. You can either stay in Mayiladuthurai or Chidambaram and visit Poompuhar.
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