Danish fort-Tranquebar/Tharangambadi ,Nagapattinam

Fort Dansborg is a Danish fort at Tharangambadi.Bay of Bengal is at a walkable distance and one can enjoy a walk on the relatively cleaner beach.The fort was built by Tanjavur King in association with Danish administration in early 17th century.Presently there is a museum at the center of the building which is the main attraction with loads of artifacts, coins,Danish manuscripts, canon balls and whale skeleton.
This whole complex consists of two floors upper for governor and priest and lower being for soldiers and animals , there were warehouse, kitchen, church, and jail all in the same wall.. History and archaeology enthusiasts would love the place as not much damage has occurred to the complex.

front view

entrance

The complex looks like a small town self sufficient supporting itself.With the sea just meters away one and here the crashing waves.

visitors can climb upon the complex and have a look around

To look down to the lower floor

canons

Jail

Horse stable

The man behind TELC

Old entrance to the Danish area

There is a renovated Sr Masilamaneeswar temple on the beaches that has become quite colourful after renovation.I would have preferred it with the old charm.there is a danish cemetary nearby but as I was running short of time I couldn't visit.

How to reach
Do carry water
It is around 115 km from Pondicherry by road
The nearest railway station is Mayiladuthurai which is 40km.
The museum is open on all days except Friday and State government holiday
Timing-10:00 am to 5:30 pm

Thirumayam fort, Pudukottai

Thirumayam that falls on the Pudukottai-Karaikudi highway is easily.As I was on my way home Trichy I thought of stopping by the fort.For me it was around 45 min drive.I stopped in Pudukottai for lunch and then headed to this fort.

Taken care by Archeological survey of India, there is entrance fee to the premises.Built by Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi in 1867 was handed over to Raghunatha Raya Thondaiman. Recently renevoated it hasn't fallen victim of vandalism yet.Originally with seven concentric walls now only three ramain. There are three entrances from north, south and east.

On top of the fortress there is a an elevated structure built of stones that holds a canon that is believed to be of  British Origin

Adjacent to the bastion there a water source that is caged and protected.

There is nothing much to do on top of the fortress and since the the fort doesn't enjoy a great elevation, you can see the highway and dry thorned plants around the fort.As you get out of the fort to the left of he main fort there is a cave temple of Lord Shiva.Climbing up the iron steps was fun .There is one more rock cut structure just opposite to this temple. 

How to reach

Thirumayam is about 20km from Pudukottai and is well connected by road as it is on NH 210 which Trichy-Rameshwaram highway.