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 Tharangambadi
is a town north of Karaikal. It was a Danish colony from 1620-1845.
It is spelled Trankebar or Tranquebar in Danish, which came from the
native Tamil, Tarangambadi, meaning "place of the singing waves".
In 1620,
with permission from the ruler of Tanjore, Raghunatha Nayak, the
Danes built a magnificent fort here, right on the beach, called
Dansborg Fort. There is a beautiful Governor's Palace right on the
beach.
In Danish times Tranquebar was a busy port. It was the first
settlement of Protestant missionaries in India, founded by
Ziegenbalg and Pluetschau (Lutherans) in 1706. The churches
 as
well as the fort and the city gates are being restored for tourism.
Located just about 35 kms away from Nagapattinam, this quaint city
still exhibits some of the most brilliant influences of Danish
architecture. These include the Archeological Museum, Zion’s Church,
Town Gateway, Masilamani Nathar Temple and the Danish Governor
Bungalow.
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