Located along the Bay of Bengal and at a distance of 130 km from Pondicherry, Karaikal is a coastal enclave famous for its serene beaches, historical significance and vibrant festivals. There are many paintings displaying a mixture of French and Indian influences places to visit in karaikal Which includes forts, temples and the tranquil Karaikal beach. With a harmonious confluence of diverse cultures, the city welcomes travelers from all over the world to experience its captivating history and picturesque landscapes. Looking for a unique vacation? Look no further than this well-curated list of tourist attractions in Karaikal that need to be included in your itinerary.
8 places to visit in Karaikal
Karaikal is a perfect place full of divine bliss. On your next trip to Puducherry, do not forget to include these places to visit in Karaikal.
1. Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple
Image credit: P Jeganathan for Wikimedia Commons
Enshrining the divine presence of Goddess Punithavathi, the only woman among the 63 Nayanmars, the Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple is one of the religious places to visit in Karaikal. This temple holds spiritual significance in the hearts of the local people as well as devotees from all over the world as it is dedicated to one of the famous goddess Ammaiyar or Goddess Punithavathy of Karaikal. Developed by Malaiperumal Pillai in the year 1929, this temple has a huge statue of a female saint and a sanctum sanctorum for Vinayaka. On your visit to Kalaikal, this should be your first destination to start your journey with blessings and solace.
Place: WRFJ+FRP, Bharathiyar St, Karaikal, Puducherry 609602
Time: 06.00 am to 12.00 noon and 04.00 pm to 8.30 pm
Distance from Karaikal: 800m
Must read: 42 Best Places to Visit in Pondicherry: The French Colony of India
2. Our Lady of Angels Church
Image credit: Richard Mortel for Wikimedia Commons
Holding the prestigious title of being the fourth oldest church in Puducherry, Our Lady of Angels Church was built in 1855 by Napoleon III. Also known as the Adele de Notre Dame des Anges Church, it is a divine site to add to your list of places to visit. To visit in Karaikal. Standing as a picturesque structure and a perfect blend of Greco-Roman architecture, the church attracts huge crowds of locals and tourists by offering mass prayers in three languages including French, Tamil and English. Let your soul experience peace and tranquility during the prayers and worship at Our Lady of Angels Church.
Place: WRHM+XRF, Rue, Dumas St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Time: From 05.30 am to 12.00 noon and from 04.00 pm to 08.00 pm
Distance from Karaikal: 1.2 km
3. Mastan Syed Dawood Dargah
Mastan Syed Dawood Dargarh is the best tourist place in Karaikal, which is famous for organizing the grand celebration of Kanduri Mahotsav. Dedicated to the honor of Syed Dawood, this Dargah holds a special place in the hearts of the local people and tourists. During the Kandoor festival, the Dargah is decorated with flowers, giving it a picturesque look. The Sufi music, dance and firework displays are worth seeing on a visit to Karaikal.
Place: Tirunallar, Puducherry, India
Time: He
Distance from Karaikal: 1.2 km
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4. Thiruvettakkudi Sundareswarar Temple
Image credit: Ssriram Mount via Wikimedia Commons
Located in Tiruvettakudi town of Pondicherry, Tiruvettakudi Sundareshwar is another Hindu temple that holds special significance in the hearts of the local people and tourists. Revered as one of the pilgrimage centers of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, this temple is adorned with a huge deity of Lord Sundareshwar, another name of Lord Shiva. Many festivals are celebrated here, like the 3-day Masi Magam festival, Shivaratri, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Thirukarthigai and Pradosham, which welcomes all the devotees and tourists to witness the grand festivities.
Place: Sri Sundareshwar Temple, Tiruvettakudi-609 609, Puducherry
Time: 06.00 AM to 12.00 AM and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM
Distance from Karaikal: 1.8 km
5. Karaikal Beach
Karaikal Beach, a wonderful oasis blessed with breezy atmosphere, is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. A bustling place full of sand, sun and peace, it attracts adventure lovers to indulge in various water sports like sailing, canoeing, kayaking etc. While enjoying the beach feel, you can also dine at the restaurants available here. To satiate your adventurous spirits, Arasalar also has a children’s park, a tennis court and a boat jetty. So, don’t forget to add this adventurous place to your itinerary.
Place: Karaikal, Puducherry, 609602
Time: 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Distance from Karaikal: 2.8 km
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6. Shaniswaran Temple
Image Credit: Rs for Wikimedia Commons
Another spiritual delight in the list of places to visit in Karaikal is the Saneeswaran Temple, which depicts the divine presence of Lord Shiva. Located at a distance of 6 km from Karaikal, this temple is one of the famous Shani temples of India. It is also known as Thirunallar and Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, where huge crowd of devotees and tourists throng to feel the divine presence. The main attraction of the temple is the Markata Linga and Nala Theertham, which according to legends is believed to have the power to remove all kinds of problems and misfortunes. To witness its auspicious charm, you can include this divine haven in your itinerary while visiting tourist places near Karaikal.
Place: ONGC Colony, Tirunallar, Puducherry 609607
Time: 05.30 AM to 12.30 PM and 04.00 PM to 08.30 PM
Distance from Karaikal: 5.8 km
7. Nagore
Image credit: Sundaramarajaraman for Wikimedia Commons
Another Muslim religious place that deserves to be included among the top places to visit in Karaikal is Nagore, located just 14 km away. Its impressive construction and intricate entrances from all four directions leave tourists in awe. The main attraction of Nagore Dargah is its minaret called ‘Periya Minara’, which is 131 feet high. The interesting fact about this place is that its architecture is inspired by Hinduism, as it was built by Thanjavur Raja Pratap Singh. To hear the complete story of this enchanting place and see its fusion creation, you must include this place in your itinerary while traveling to places around Karaikal.
Place: Nagore Main Road, Karaikal, Puducherry, India
Time: 4:30 am to 07:00 am and 06:25 pm to 09:30 pm
Distance from Karaikal: 13.7 km
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8. Tirumeyachur Mahanadhar Temple
Located at Thirumiyachur in Thiruvarur district, Thirumiyachur Mehnadhar Temple is one of the heavenly places to visit in Karaikal. With the glorious presiding deity of Lord Shiva along with Maa Lalitambika, this temple bears its name among the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalam temples. The main attraction of the temple is its intricate sculptures, which are a visual attraction for all devotees and tourists. The best time to view its grand construction is during April and May when the sun rays fall on the Lord and make its appearance more magnificent. To celebrate this auspicious occasion, a special puja called Surya Puja is also organized here during this time.
Place: XJ7X+32C, Tirumichiyur, Tirumeyachur, Tamil Nadu 609405
Time: 06.00 AM to 12.00 AM
Distance from Karaikal: 23.7 km
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Karaikal, a land full of spiritual gems and breezy beaches, is a city that belongs to the Indian union territory of Puducherry. Whether you are on a family vacation or planning to go on a short trip with your friends, Karaikal welcomes you for a blissful trip with the well-arranged list of places to visit in Karaikal given above. For a hassle-free travel experience at budget-friendly prices, book your customized tour to Pondicherry from Tour TravelH otels now. Happy journey!
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FAQs about places to visit in Karaikal
Karaikal is related to which city?
Bounded by Nagappattinam and Tiruvarur districts of Tamil Nadu, Karaikal is one of the four regions of Pondicherry in the union territory of Tamil Nadu.
Are Karaikal and Puducherry the same?
No, both the districts are separate regions and come under the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Can we play on Karaikal Beach?
There are countless activities you can do at Karaikal Beach including kayaking, boating and canoeing. You can also play other games like volleyball, frisbee, rounders, water bucket relay, seashell hunt and volleyball.
What are the best places to visit in Karaikal?
There are many places to visit in Karaikal to have a fun trip with your family and friends. From divine delights like Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple, Our Lady of Angels Church and Mastan Syed Dawood Dargah to adventure spots like Karaikal Beach, the city is filled with many great attractions.
What is the best time to visit the best tourist places in Karaikal?
The best time to enjoy the peace and blissful atmosphere of Karaikal is the winter season (December and January).
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