I took a bus that connects Mayiladuthurai and Karaikal to reach a destination that is supposed to be the first invaded place in India. Going through the narrow roads with many bends, finally the bus dropped me at Tranquebar or Tharangambadi.
Dutch invaded and ruled for some couple of years. Ove Gedde Dutch Naval Commander signed a treaty with Raghunatha Nayak, the then king of Thanjavur to carry on trade and build a fort. When I got down, I experienced the smell of fish and some yards ahead of the bus stop, I saw backwaters. I asked a person walking through that way, “How should I go to the fort”? He said, “This way” and showed his finger towards the right. I walked through that way for some distance. After 2 minutes walk, I saw an old arch completely ruined. The whole place looked like a dutch colony. A school meant for girls and a residential school were on the way and walls of the school filled with the verses of bible.
Reading it through-out the way, I saw the fort finally. A person sitting in the entrance charged me 5 rupees for entry. Nothing different, a place covered with walls on four sides. The ground floor had prisons, warehouses to store weapons, food etc. Then I went upstairs, to see the governor’s office that was kept as a museum.
It had photos of Governor’s Bungalow, Fort, Ove Gedde, Masilamaninathar Temple that is situated near the shore and some vessels used by people those days. Weapons used by Dutch people, some stories of war were also displayed.
Then I thought of visiting Masilamaninathar Temple in the shore. But unlikely, renovation works were going on. Hence I was not able to go inside. Nothing else than the fort and temple, I was a bit bored. So I walked down the streets to find out something else and spend some more time.
Then I thought of visiting Masilamaninathar Temple in the shore. But unlikely, renovation works were going on. Hence I was not able to go inside. Nothing else than the fort and temple, I was a bit bored. So I walked down the streets to find out something else and spend some more time.
The lane opposite fort exposed me to another tiny attraction. It was a private museum that had sea shells and some things used by the people of olden days. Even though nothing great, it was good enough and free entry.
Little bit of attractions, nothing great. But one thing about Tranquebar is that it is the first invaded place in our country. Hence that adds some justice to traverse some different destinations that has not been known to many.
Little bit of attractions, nothing great. But one thing about Tranquebar is that it is the first invaded place in our country. Hence that adds some justice to traverse some different destinations that has not been known to many.
Tranquebar is well connected by road. Any bus that goes to Karaikal and surrounding places would land you here. Mayiladuthurai is the nearest railway station.
No comments:
Post a Comment