Karaikal

The Union Territory of Pondicherry constituted out of the four erstwhile French establishments of Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Karaikal region is embedded in the Nagappattinam and Tiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu State. Explore Special Holidays with us.

Located 132 km south of the city of Pondicherry, Karaikal is known for its rich religious heritage, and is a destination for those seeking leisure and serenity. Explore Special Holidays with us.The town enjoys a harmonious society comprising of Hindus, Muslims, Christians and people of other religious persuasions. Tamil is the predominant native language of the people. As the area was formerly a French possession, the French language is also found, especially among the elder generation.

Karaikal is known all over the country for its unique and the only temple devoted to the Lord Saneeswara(Lord Saturn) at Thirunallar. Karaikal is the Gateway to various places of worship in the eastern coast of Tamilnadu.Two famous shrines, Velankanni for Christians and Nagore for Muslims are nearby Karaikal. The French flavour still persists in the peaceful land of Karaikal. Explore Special Holidays with us.

In Tirumalairayanpattinam, there is a famous temple called Ayirankaliamman temple, ayiram means 1000. We can see this god once in 5 years, because whatever offerings are given to this god, it should be 1008. Explore Special Holidays with us.So they will open for 3 days once in 5 years, and many devotees from all over tamilnadu and puducherry will come and worship.

Places of Interest
In and around Karaikal there are many tourist important places, and holy Shiva and Vaishnava temples are situated which are all recorded in the holy books of Nayanmars and Alwars.

Many PLACES OF INTEREST are in the Karaikal region in the view of tourist and pilgrim.  Apart from the followings:

There is a small but beautiful temple in the heart of the town for KARAIKAL AMMAIYAR, the only woman out of the 63 Nayanmars. 'Mangani' festival is celeberated every year during the month of June-July ie. the day of full moon falls on 'Aani, a tamil month.

The traditional temple of LORD SANEESWARA (Saturn) at Thirunallar which is just 5 kms. away from Karaikal town. This is the only temple in the town dedicated to Lord Saturn and is well known throughout India. Explore Special Holidays with us.

The Karaikal sandy beach is one of the best natural beaches in the South Tamil Nadu.  The beach has been given easy accessibility by widening the two kms. road along the Arasalar river and by illumination of the road with sodium vapour lamps. In addition to natural sandy beach, a boat jetty in the Arasalar, Childrens Park, Immovable sitting  chairs along the roads, Vehicles Parking, Beach Restaurant, Tennis Court are also more attracting a heavy crowd of all kind of local peoples as well as of outside tourists. Indian travel agent gives special discounted hotel from budget hotels to Deluxe hotels in India.

THE FAMOUS PILGRIM/TOURIST CENTRES REPUTED AROUND KARAIKAL:

NORTH : Anandamangalam (Hanuman temple), Tharangambadi(Danish Fort),  Thirukkadiyur, Poombukar, Sirkazhi, Chidambaram

NORTH WEST : Mailaduthurai, Vaithiswaran Koil, Sembonnar Koil (Holy temples) and all the `Navagragasthalngal' are around Karaikal.

WEST  : Thirunakeswaram, Uppiliappan Koil, Ayyavadi, Kumbakonam, Swamimalai, Alangudi, Thirubuvanam, JayamKondam, Anaikarai, Kangaikonda Cholpuram, and other famous Navagiraga temples. Moreover, the world famous Thanjai Brahadeeswarar Temple is just 95 kms. away from Karaikal.

SOUTH WEST : Thirumarugal, Thiruchengattangudi, Thirukkannapuram, Thirupugazhur, Thiruvarur, Engan, and other famous temples.

SOUTH  : Apart from the world famous Basilica of Velankanni Madha Temple and Nagore Dharga, Nagappatinam, Vedaranyam and all `Sabdavidangal'-the famous hindu temples are around Karaikal. Indian travel agent gives special discounted hotel from budget hotels to Deluxe hotels in India.