In the centuries since Vasco Da Gama led the first Portuguese expedition to India, the subcontinent developed into a key possession and trading post for all the major European powers. The British, French and Portuguese all had their East India Companies and colonies in the region. While the British went on to take over almost the entire country, and the Portuguese and French left an indelible influence on Goa and Pondicherry, another European power was also active in the subcontinent. The small fishing village that was the centre of influence for the Danish East India Company is now a quaint fishing village that remains frozen in time on the east coast of Tamil Nadu.
Tranquebar, now known as Tharangambadi, is an easy single-day’s drive from Chennai, 300-odd kilometres down the East Coast Road (ECR) which runs all the way down the eastern seaboard of Tamil Nadu from Chennai to Tuticorin.
Drive out of Chennai early after breakfast, hit the ECR and reach the tollgate at Kanathur just outside city limits. From here, a Rs 45 ticket will take you through till the outskirts of Pondicherry, and that’s the only toll you pay on the drive.
Renuka Kirpalani
Rishaad Sam Mehta
