Karaikal
Karaikal, also
Karikal or
Karaikkal, is one of the four
Districts of the
Union Territory of
Pondicherry. Karaikal is located in a small coastal enclave of territory which was formerly part of
French India, and, together with the former French coastal enclaves of
Pondichery,
Yanam, and
Mahé, forms the Union Territory of Pondichery. Karaikal is bounded on the North and South by
Nagapattinam district of
Tamil Nadu state, on the west by
Tiruvarur district (also belonging to Tamil Nadu), and on the East by the
Bay of Bengal.
Located 132
km south of the city of Pondicherry,
Karaikal is known for its rich religious heritage, and is the destination for those who seek and solicit leisure, serenity and piety.
On the 26 th of December 2004 , Karaikal faced its worst tragedy. Tsunami waves hit this coastal town in India. More than 500 people, mostly fishermen families were washed away by the killer waves.
The town can boast of a harmonious society comprising of Hindus, Muslims , Christians and people of other Indian languages. The earlier generation knows French language too.
The town also has the offices of Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), which explores, produces and supplies oil & natural gas. The economy of this town remains now linked to the ONGC.
The calm beaches of Karikal, the temples of Sani, Shiva in Tirunallar, the Shrine Basilica in Velankanni, the Nagore Dargah for Muslims and countless ancient hindu temples are the places of visit for tourists.Places of interests are:
Our Lady of Angels Church,
Karikal Ammaiyar Temple, The Dargah of Mastan Syed Dawood, Bhadrakaliamman Temple - Ambagarattur, Lord Darbharanyeshwar Temple - Tirunallar, Ayiramkaliyamman Temple - Tirumalrayanpattinam, Nagore Andavar Dargah -
Nagore, Shrine of Our Lady of Health - Velankanni
Karikal also has Tranquebar (Tharangambadi) a former Dutch colony, located 10 kilometre to the North.
Karikal Struggle Group (KSG)Karikal Struggle Group (KSG) works for the regional development of Karikal which is neglected by political parties and seeking separate Union Territory status for Karikal region.
Blogs:
Karaikal Struggle Group (KSG)*
French colonial empire*
French East India Company*
French India
