Tranquebar, also called Tharangambadi in Tamil, is a sleepy fishing village, formerly Danish territory, with 17th century Danish buildings.

The first building (of any significance) to welcome any visitor, is an old gateway with wooden doors, at the entrance of the town. The Danes landed in Tranquebar in 1620, for commerce. Tranquebar had been an important port and a busy trade centre till the beginning of the 19th century. Christian missionaries came in after trade was established, to spread their religion. The Newjerusalem Church and Zion Church are a testament to this fact.

The first Danish-built building - New Jerusalem Church - constructed in 1718, by Rev Barthamow Ziegenbalg, is well maintained. It is a small church, built for the converted Indians. The church also has a small cemetery around it.

Across the street is another church, the Zion Church. It was built in 1702 and was later renovated in 1782-84 and again in 1839.

A short walk towards the beach leads to an old dilapidated bungalow, standing precariously as if

struggling against the force of gravity. This is the Danish Governor's Bungalow, built in 1784. Interestingly, this is still the largest building in Tranquebar and comes under purview of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department Opposite the bungalow is the magnificent Dansborg, the Danish fort, built in 1620. This is a stunning piece of Viking architecture, with enclosing stonewalls and cannons facing the sea. The fort, now converted into an archaeological museum, displays weapons and artefacts from the Danish past.

On the sea front, fighting a losing battle against the sea is the last monument in this village - Masilamani Nathar temple, built in I 305 by Mahaverma Kulasekara Pandiyan. The temple is partly eroded by the advancing sea. Some of its parts are still intact and locals continue to use the temple.

Once a busy and an important trade centre, this forgotten village of Tranquebar is intriguing and captivating.