Nagapattinam Travel Guide
Nagapattinam district was carved out by bifurcating the composite Thanjavur district on 18.10.1991. Nagappatinam is a unique District with all its historical and cultural significance. Nagappattinam is one of the constituents of chola mandalam, acclaimed as the Most prominent among the ancient Tamil Kingdoms. Its salient features more than anything else have contributed to the glory of the cholamandalam.

The Land of religious harmony, known for its rich religious heritage was carved out by bifurcating the composite Thanjavur district on 18.10.1991. This District lies on the shores of the Bay of Bengal between Northern Latitude 10.7906 degrees and 79.8428 Degrees Eastern Longitude an area of 2715.83 Square kilometers in its fold. The District capital, 'Nagapattinam' lies on the eastern coast , 350 kilometers down south from the State capital 'Chennai' and 145 kilometers east, from Tiruchirappalli, a central place of the state.

In ancient times, “NagaNadu”, “Nagappattinam” referred only to Sri Langa. Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka had close links with this town Nagappattinam. “Animangalam Copperplate” of Kulothungachola notes that “Kasiba Thera” [Buddhist Monk] Renovated the Buddhist temple in 6th century AD with the the help of Buddhist monks of ‘Naganadu’ This ‘nagar annam vihar’ later came to be known as ‘Nagananavihar’.

This District is having an area of 2715.83 Sq. Kms in its fold. The DistrictHeadquaters is Nagapattinam. This district is enveloping 11 Panchayat Unions, 3Municipalties, 9 Town Panchayats on its Development Side. On the Revenue Side,it is housing 2 Revenue divisions with 4 and 3 Taluks respectively and 523 revenueVillages.

Places of Interest
Poombuhar
Poombuhar is in Sirkali Taluk of Nagapattinam District. It is known as Kaveripoompattinam. Tourists have to alight at Mayiladuthurai junction to proceed Poombuhar by road, visitors from Chennai by train have to get down at Sirkali. Poombuhar is connected to Mayiladuthurai as well as Sirkali by road. The distance from Poombuhar to Mayiladuthurai is 24 kms and to Sirkali 21kms.

Tourists from Chennai to Poombuhar by private carriers can take the route via Dindivanam, Pandicherry, Cuddallore and Sirkali. Those who come from Madurai, Ramanathapuram and Tirunelvelli may proceed via Mellur, Tiruppathur, Karaikudi, Pattukkotai, Thiruthuraipoondi, Nagapattinam, Karaikkal, Tharangambadi and Akkur. They can also come via Pudukkottai, Thanjavoor, and Mayiladuthurai

Nagore
Nagore, as a pilgrim town has the Dargaha of saint Hazrat Meeran Sultan Syed Shahabdul Hammeed [Hazrat Mian]. It is a sea-side town, now bustling with activities both related to religion and commerce.

SEPULCHRE OF THE SAINT
The Dargha in Nagore near Nagapattinam, the district headquarters is a holy place. Not only the followers of Islam but also of all faiths visit this sacred centre throughout the year to offer their prayers and get the blessings of the saint. Nearly five hundred years ago a son was born in a devout Muslim family in a village in the central provinces [Madhys pradesh], He was named Abdul kadhar. With lust for the grace of Allah, he wandered with his followers far and wide. He came to Tamilnadu after visiting different places like Keelakkarai and preaching the doctrine of love, service devotion to the almighty he settled down in Nagore in a piece of land granted by a devotee of this saintly preacher. His words and deeds were divine and prophetic. He said ?Islam preaches the fatherhood of God and brotherhood of Man ?. He sent his disciples to work among the people and spread the message of Prophet Mohammed. He passed away in 1558 at the age of 68 and in Nagore dargha are the relics of this God-man. Khandoori festival is the anniversary celebrations and devotees from all over the world join the festivals to be blessed by Nagore Andavavar.