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Location
: 40-km From Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
Unsuitable For : Swimming
Also Known As : Kaveripoompattinam
Just 40-km from
Chidambaram, where the Cauvery, merges with the bellowing sea, it was
formerly known as "Puhar", but due to the exquisite beauty of
the port town, it came to be called as `Poompuhar'. Another name of
Poompuhar was Kaveripoompattinam.
Poompuhar beach
has black sand and rough surf, making it unsuitable for swimming. In
spite of this it is very popular with the locals. It has a monument
depicting an ancient bathing scene, which adds to its uniqueness. A fine
beach and calm water offer good bathing.
Preserving
History
Poompuhar, once
the biggest port on the east coast, was at its peak under the earlier
Chola Kings. The greatness of the city is brought out in some of the
poems in Sangam literature and also by Silappathikaram and Manimekalai
among the epics.
The life and time
of the Tamil classic 'Silappathikaram' has been recreated at Poompuhar
to the immense pleasure of the Tamils. In order to conjure up the
decorative ornamental scenic beauty of Poompuhar, an art gallery is made
to present the environment and atmosphere of the 2nd century AD by the
creation of the llanji Mandram, Paval Mandram, the Buddhist School,
Arugan Kottam, Tirumal Kottam, Murugu Kottam, etc
.HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest
airport is at Tiruchirappalli (141-km).
Rail: Poompuhar
in located in Sirkali taluk of Nagappattinam district. The nearest
railway stations are Mayiladuthurai railway junction (24-km) and Srikali
railway station (21-km). Visitors from Chennai, by train have to get
down at Sirkali.
Road: Poompuhar
is well connected to Mayiladuthurai and Sirkali by road. Tourists from
Chennai to Poompuhar by private carriers can take the route via
Tindivanam, Pondicherry, Cuddalore and Sirkali. Those who come from
Madurai, Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli may proceed via Melur,
Tiruppathur, Karaikudi, Tharangampadi and Akkur. They can also come via
Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, and Mayiladuthurai
WHERE TO STAY
The Department of
Tourism offers shell shaped cottages to the tourists in the Poompuhar
Tourist Complex, at a moderate tariff.
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