Tranquebar - where time and tide dance in step

The lure of spices brought every European nation to India. Portugal, Holland, France, England -- they came one by one. Did you know that Denmark, too, was on that list? The little-known alcove of Tharangambadi, on Tamil Nadu's eastern coast, became Tranquebar to the Danish, who set up base there. One part of the Danes' mission was to evangelize the Protestant faith. Another was to colonize the island of Nicobar. Tharangambadi in Tamil means 'place of the dancing waves.' Today, time and tide dance in step among the ruins of Tranquebar.

ANAND YEGNASWAMI visited Tranquebar and returned with a slice of nearly forgotten history.

Follow exclusive coverage of Jay's bike ride to Kashmir

LATEST TRAVEL BLOGS »

  • Gay tourism in India comes out of the closet
    Gay tourism in India comes out of the closet Traveler - Thu, May 16, 2013

    Gay tourism might be in its inchoate stages but operators across cities have a sodality in their purpose and vision, says Thommen Jose Continue reading → More »

  • Holy dip and a few million people
    Holy dip and a few million people Traveler - Fri, Mar 15, 2013

    Even if one is not religious minded, the Kumbh Mela is a spectacle worth the experience. Continue reading → More »

  • Venice Carnival – In Love with Color
    Venice Carnival – In Love with Color Traveler - Thu, Feb 28, 2013

    Though the 15-day bacchanal ends with the Lent period before Easter, celebrations never end here and the warmth of the fiesta lingers even after the costumes and masks have been packed away. Continue reading → More »

  • Going Troglodytic in Cappadocia
    Going Troglodytic in Cappadocia Traveler - Thu, Feb 21, 2013

    Turkey is not only about Istanbul. The ancient region of Cappadocia -- land of beautiful horses -- is a spectacular gift of the forces of nature, says Shabana Shaikh Continue reading → More »

  • A Nameless Love in Morbi
    A Nameless Love in Morbi Traveler - Tue, Feb 12, 2013

    The river Macchu flows silently. But sometimes, she speaks. And when she does, her voice can be heard across time. A unique love story from deep inside India's heart. Continue reading → More »

  • Mawlynnong – life in tune with nature
    Mawlynnong – life in tune with nature Traveler - Wed, Feb 6, 2013

    God’s Own Garden is not in Kerala; it is in this remote village in Meghalaya where modern buzzwords like sustainability and eco-friendliness have been daily habits for centuries, says Kalpana Sunder Continue reading → More »

READ ALL TRAVEL BLOGS