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| A religious retreat in the
land of the Gods |
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Introduction |
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Get away to a place
where there’s a tryst with God whichever way you go.
A place with countless
temples, each with its own story to tell. A majestic church that’s the tallest
landmark in town. And a dharga right in the center of the town to commemorate
the miracles of a Muslim saint…
This quiet and
picturesque former French enclave of Karaikal is the second largest constituent
of the Union Territory of Puducherry. It is located 135 Km south of
Puducherry, 20 Km north of Nagapattinam and about 300 Km from Chennai.
Karaikal forms the delta
of the Cauvery River system. It is an agricultural town and is dotted with
irrigation canals and paddy fields. To add to its beauty it also has the
tributaries of Arasalar, Nattar, Nandalar, Thirumalairajanar and Pravadayanar
crisscrossing over the landscape.
Rich in architecture and
history, Karaikal offers it all. It is studded with scores of beautiful temples
and quiet little places to relax. Legend has it that the King Thirumalai Raja
built 100 temples and an equal number of holy tanks at T.R.Pattinam. All this
makes Karaikal a peaceful religious retreat.
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Sri Dharbarenyeswaraswamy Temple
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Sri
Dharbarenyeswaraswamy Temple is one of India’s most famous Lord Shiva temples.
This 7th century beauty stands as a monument to Lord Shiva’s attainment of
Abhayahastham. It is situated 5 Km West of Karaikal and is well connected by
bus and attracts devotees from all corners of the world. Sri
Dharbarenyeswaraswamy Devasthanam comprises:
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Temple Timings: 6 a.m to 1 p.m and 4 p.m to 9 p.m.
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Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple
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According to legend
Lord Shiva came as a sadhu to eat in the house of Punithavathi who was destined
to occupy a prominent place among the 63 saints with the name of Karaikal
Ammaiyar. An image of this great lady saint is housed in a small but beautiful
temple.
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Masthan Sahed Dharga
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This Dharga with 4
minarets is the main Dharga of Karaikal. Legend has it that Masthan Sahed a
descendant of the Prophet came to Karaikal about two centuries ago. The saint
performed innumerable miracles during his visit to various places. He left his
mortal remains as he had predicted, in his 120th year. His last rites were
performed at what is now called the “Kadar Mahal” (Mansion of Mirrors). He was
buried in accordance with his wishes at the center of the town in Karaikal.
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Our Lady of Holy Angels Church
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Of the many Roman
Catholic Churchs of this erstwhile French Territory, none compares to the
Church-Notre Dame Angels – Our Lady of Holy Angles Church. Built in 1739 by the
French, it is known for its architectural beauty, intricate stained glass
windows and its decorated marble altar. The Church has a lofty, imposing look
with its 133 feet tall tower, the tallest landmark of the town, housing three
huge clocks and five large bells.
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Karaikal Beach
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Karaikal beach is
one of the most scenic natural beaches in Tamil Nadu and is one of Karakal’s
major attrations. The Beach Road – 2 Km road that runs along river Arasalar is
brilliantly illuminated. Going down this scenic road is a refreshing wholesome
experience.
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Boat Club
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The Boat Club is
located on the backwaters of the river Arasalar, stretching about 2 Km from the
town. The boat club provides both peddler and rowing boats to the tourists.
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Around Karaikal
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| Chidambaram
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60 Km
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World famous Chidambaram Temple
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| Vaitheeswaran Koil
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52 Km
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The place of traditional Fortune Tellers
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| Tranquebar
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12 Km
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A former Danish settlement with an old fort on the seashore.
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| Nagoor
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12 Km
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World famous for Nagoor Dharga. A sacred place for Muslims.
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| Valankanni
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29 Km
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The site of a world famous Basilica dedicated to Mother
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| Tanjore
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100 Km
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Known for Birhadeshwara Temple
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| Point Calimer (Kodiakkarai)
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70 Km
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Bird sanctuary
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| Kumbakonam
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62 Km
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Adi Kumbeshwar Temple
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Shopping and eating out at Karaikal
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| Shopping:
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Step into the Dharga Market, a shopping complex at Thirunallar Road for linen,
clothes, electronic goods and other fancy products. (Closed on Fridays)
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| Eating out:
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Feast
on vegetarian, non-vegetarian & Continental delicacies at famous restaurants
like Hotel Seagulls, Hotels Nala, Hotel Madhura, Hotel Sri Kandaa’s, Hotel
Chola Chinese Restaurant, Hotel Chettinad, Paris International and Hotel Nanda.
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Navagraha temples situated in and
around Karaikal
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| Navagraha
temples situated in and around Karaikal
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| Suryanar Koil near Aduthurai
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48 Km
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Sun
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| Thingaloor near Kumbakonam
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80 Km
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Moon
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| Vaitheeswaran Koil near Sirkali
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45 Km
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Mars (Sevvai)
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| Thiruvenkadu near Poombukar
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40 Km
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Mercury (Bhudan)
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| Alankudi near Needamangalam
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60 Km
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Jupiter (Guru)
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| Kanjanoor near Suryanar Koil
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45 Km
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Venus (Sukkiran)
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| Thirunallar near Karaikal
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5 Km
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Saturn (sani)
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| Thirunageswaram near Kumbakonam
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50 Km
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Rahu
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| Keezhaperumpallam near Poombukar
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49 Km
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Kethu
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The Path to your Religious Retreat
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Karaikal can be accessed by both air and road. The nearest airport is at
Tiruchirapalli, 163 Km west of Karaikal. Frequent flights and convenient
timings make it a fairly easy place to reach. The nearest railway station is at
Nagore, 10 Km from Karaikal. It can also be accessed by bus, both private and
Government.
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Accommodation
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| Name of the hotel |
Phone No. |
Tarrif |
| Govt. Tourist Home |
222621 |
120-300 |
| Arasalar Guest House |
220531 |
300-500 |
| Municipal Tourist Home |
222757 |
150-300 |
| Hotel Nanda |
225033 |
200-500 |
| Hotel Paris International |
220304-306 |
250-1000 |
| Hotel French Residency |
231403 |
A/c 300-650 |
| City Plaza |
222730 |
80-375 |
| Kumaran Guest House |
220596 |
100-500 |
| Saudha Manor |
225973 |
350-850 |
| Presidency Lodge |
222736 |
80-400 |
| Hotel Moon Park |
236427, 236026 |
80-300 |
| Devasthanam Tourist Home |
236530 |
150-300 |
| Bharathiya Yatri Avas Vikas Samithis |
236547 |
50-75 |
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