Travel Guide - Poompuhar

Poompuhar

Poompuhar is an ancient port town that is located in the Nagapattinam District in the State of Tamil Nadu. Poompuhar which was also known as Puhar was a flourishing port and was also the capital of the ancient Chola Kingdom. The town has a unique distinct of being located on the banks of the River Kaveri as well as on the banks of the Bay of Bengal. Most parts of the old town were washed away when the tsunami struck around 500 AD. Many archeological sites can be seen located in and around the town of Poompuhar. Many shards of pottery have been found in these sites and they are believed to date back many centuries. Poompuhar has been featured in many ancient literary works and is one of the oldest inhabited places in the State of Tamil Nadu. There are many temples and other interesting sites that are located in Poompuhar. These are some of the interesting places to visit in the area. Poompuhar can be reached easily from Chennai and is well connected by road. Silpathikara Gallery of Art and The Masilamani Koil are popular places of interest in the town of Poompuhar. The temple has been eroded by the sea in many places over the years.

Getting There

Poompuhar is a town that is well connected by rail and road. There are frequent State transport services that are available to Poompuhar from the main cities in the State. The closest airport is located at Trichy which is around 140 km from the town. Trichy airport has regular flights to the important cities and also to Sri Lanka. Taxis are available from the Trichy Airport to the town of Poompuhar. Taxis cost around Rs 1500 for the trip and they are the best option.

Poompuhar does not have railway station and the nearest one is located at Ngapatinam. The station is connected to places such as Nagore, Trichy, Thanjavur and Chennai. Tickets are inexpensive and they are a good option. Government buses are available from Ngapatinam to Poompuhar. They are frequent and tickets are cheap as well. Tickets usually cost around Rs 50 for the trip. Taxis may also be available from Nagapatinam to Poompuhar. They usually charge around Rs 7 per km.

Tamil Nadu State Transport buses are available from Poompuhar to nearby cities. These are a good option and an easy way to travel. Buses may be crowded during certain periods and carrying luggage is also difficult.

When To Go

Climatic conditions in Poompuhar are very similar to the other parts of the Coromandel Coast. Due to the close proximity to the sea, Poompuhar experiences humid conditions especially during the summer months. Monsoon season experiences substantial rainfall and many parts of the Nagapatinam District experience cyclonic conditions. There are three main seasons that can be experienced in Poompuhar. They are summer, monsoon and winter.

Summer season is from the month of March and lasts till the end of May. Summer temperatures vary from a minimum of 34°C and can rise up to a maximum of 40°C. Nights are cooler due to the sea breeze. The hottest part of the year is usually May.

Monsoon season is from the months of June to October. Poompuhar gets a little rainfall from the South West Monsoon. However, predominantly Poompuhar gets rainfall from the North East Monsoon in the month of October. Cyclonic depressions are common in the area during this period.

Winter season is from the months of December to February. Winter temperatures range from a minimum of 24°C and rise up to a maximum of 32°C. This is a good time to visit the place as the temperatures are much milder.

Attractions

Silappathikara Art Gallery 

Town Gateway

Masilamani Nathar Koil

Poompuhar Beach 

Zion Church

  

Distances

Mahabalipuram	205 km	3h, 10m
Chennai	256 km	4h, 10m
Kodaikanal	343 km	6h, 30m
Bangalore	390 km	6h, 10m
Rameswaram	427 km	7h, 30m

Posted in: Travel