Poompuhar Beach is among the best-known beaches in Tamil Nadu and is the perfect getaway for those looking for some fun times amidst sand and sea. This black sand beach can be the ideal picnic spot for a family on weekends. The beach is popular not only among locals but also among tourists who throng to this place in large numbers, especially during weekends and holidays.

Location and History

Poompuhar Beach is about 40 kilometers from Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu. It has a high archeological significance as it was once a major port of the region during the rule of the Cholas but was washed away by the sea several decades ago. The beach is also known as Kaveri Poompattinam. The Cauvery River flows into the Bay of Bengal exactly at this place. Poompuhar is an ancient town with lots of historical relevance for the people of this region.

The Monuments

Poompuhar beach is not only a wonderful tourist spot but also famous for its many monuments that connects with the history of the past. The engraved monument on the beach which depicts a bathing scene is a major point of attraction for tourists. Another popular place on the Poompuhar Beach is the Silappathikara Art Gallery. It is a seven-tier building constructed in a style that depicts the architecture of the region. It highlights the history of the place.

The Dutch Connection

The Zion church built by the early Dutch settlers is another place on the beach that attracts large number of visitors. There are many other Dutch architectural monuments such as the fort and the town gateway near the Poompuhar Beach.

The Temples

There are a number of temples in and around Poompuhar. These include some famous ones such as the Thiruppallavaneeswaram temple, which is an ancient structure. Poompuhar is the gateway to the famous city of Thanjavur and is used as a through-pass by locals to visit other places nearby.

Where to Stay

You can stay at the beach resort which is designed according to the Tamil epic Silapathikaram by the Department of Tourism. There are stone depictions from the historical incidents as stated in the Silapathikaram and also the details of the various landmarks mentioned in the epic. The Department of Tourism also offers conch and shell type accommodation here.

How to Reach

By Road

Poompuhar beach is 40 kilometers from Chidambaram and can be easily reached either using state transport buses or private transport like cars or taxis.

By Rail

The nearest railway stations are Mayiladuthurai railway junction at 24 km and Srikali railway station at 21 km from the beach.

By Air

The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport which is 141 km from the beach.