The fishing village of Tranquebar is about 275 km from Chennai and easily accessible by road. It was originally known as Tarangambadi but the Danish colonists called it Tranquebar and made it one of their major trading posts in the early 17th century.In 1620 by means of a treaty signed with the local ruler, Raghunath Nayakas, the town was colonized and renamed Tranquebar. By mid-19th century, all Danish settlements were transferred to the British East India Company.
Today the Dansborg Fort, the New Jerusalem Church and the remaining Danish homes off King's are popular sightseeing spots. At the entrance of the town is an old gateway with wooden doors, built by the Danish in 1792. The main street of the town, is called King Street and here there is a memorial dedicated to the original Danish settlers. Near the beach the Danish Governor Bungalow built in 1784 is still the largest building in Tranquebar. Located opposite the bungalow is the Danish fort, built in 1620. It is a stunning piece of Viking architecture, with enclosing stonewalls and cannons facing the sea.
The fort has now been converted into an archaeological museum, and is a 'must visit' if you interested in history. Close to the sea front is the Masilamani Nathar temple, built in 1305 by Mahaverma Kulasekara Pandiyan. Some parts of the temple are still intact and in use but the temple is being eroded by the sea Other sightseeing includes the Lutheran churches and grand bungalows of the Danish Governors' and the British Collector's residence. Another church here is the pretty, whitewashed New Jerusalem Church, and the Old Danish bungalows in king street.