Karaikal

Karaikal is a popular tourist and pilgrim destination. Seeing its place on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, this ancient town is frequently flocked by the visitors. Residing over the delta of the River Cauvery, Karaikal is an important place in the maps of the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Karaikal is bounded by Nagappattinam and Thiruvarur Districts of the southern State of Tamil Nadu. Karaikal is known for its rich cultural and religious history. This ancient town is also popular by the name Karaigiri in Sanskrit, which is an amalgamation of two words ‘Karai’ and ‘Kal’.

The popular town has seen many rulers over its land. The town also saw its place under the Thanjavur Kingdom. Later in 1738, Dumas, a dignitary from France took the town under his rule. Thus, it was under the French rule in 1739. Later, in 1761, the town was passed on to the British Rule. Again in 1814, under the Treaty of Paris, the possession of the town came under the French rule. It then experienced french rule till 1954. The flavor of which can still be felt. Even today, the town retains a French flavor. Apart from the rich history and culture, the Town has numerous famous tourists spots worth paying a visit. One can visit- Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple, Lord Saneeswara Temple at Thirunallar, Sri Dharbarenyeswaraswamy Temple, Badrakaliyamman Temple, Ayiramkaliyamman Temple and many more. The temple that attracts lots of pilgrims here is the Lord Saneeswara (Saturn) Temple, which is rare to find anywhere else.