Nestled along the Bay of Bengal and at a distance of 130 km from Pondicherry, Karaikal is a coastal enclave renowned for its serene beaches, historical significance, and vibrant festivals. Showcasing the fusion of French and Indian influences, there are many places to visit in Karaikal including forts, temples and the tranquil Karaikal Beach. With a harmonious convergence of diverse cultures, this town welcomes travellers from all around the world to experience its captivating history and picturesque landscapes. Looking for an offbeat holiday? Look no further than this well-curated list of tourist attractions in Karaikal that are a must to be included in your itinerary.
8 Places To Visit In Karaikal
Karaikal is a perfect place packed with divine delights. On your next trip to Puducherry, don’t forget to include these places to visit in Karaikal.
1. Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple
Image Credit: P Jeganathan for Wikimedia Commons
Enshrining the divine presence of goddess Punithavathi, the only woman out of the 63 Nayanmars, Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple is one of the religious places to visit in Karaikal. The temple holds a spiritual significance in the hearts of locals as well as devotees from all over the world as it is dedicated to one of the renowned goddesses in Karaikal, Ammaiyar or Goddess Punithavathi. Developed by Malaiperumal Pillai in the year 1929, the temple features a huge deity of a lady saint and a sanctum for Vinayak. On your trip to Kalaikal, this must be your first destination to start your journey with blessings and solace.
Location: WRFJ+FRP, Bharathiyar St, Karaikal, Puducherry 609602
Timing: 06.00 am to 12.00 pm and 04.00 pm to 8.30 pm
Distance from Karaikal: 800 m
Must Read: 42 Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry: India’s French Colony
2. Our Lady Of Angel’s Church
Image Credit: Richard Mortel for Wikimedia Commons
Renowned with the prestigious title of being the fourth oldest church in Puducherry, Our Lady of Angel’s Church was constructed by Napoleon III in 1855. Also known as Edlise de Notre Dame des Anges Church, it is a divine site to add to your list of places to visit in Karaikal. Standing as a perfect fusion of captivative structure and Greco-Roman architecture, the church attracts huge crowds of locals and tourists by offering mass in three languages, including French, Tamil and English. Let your soul feel tranquillity and calmness during the prayer and worship in Our Lady of Angel’s Church.
Location: WRHM+XRF, Rue, Dumas St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Timing: 05:30 am to 12.00 pm and 04.00 pm to 08.00 pm
Distance from Karaikal: 1.2 km
3. Mastan Syed Dawood Dargah
Mastan Syed Dawood Dargarh is the best tourist place in Karaikal, famous for organising the grand celebration of the Kandoori Festival. Dedicated to the honour of Syed Dawood, the dargah holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists. During the Kandoor festival, the dargah is embellished with flowers, offering it a captivating look. The Sufi music, dance, and display of fireworks are worth witnessing on your trip to Karaikal.
Location: Thirunallar, Puducherry, India
Timing: NA
Distance from Karaikal: 1.2 km
Suggested Read: 10 Pondicherry Beach Hotels For A Peaceful Stay
4. Tiruvettakkudi Sundareshwarar Temple
Image Credit: Ssriram mt for Wikimedia Commons
Nestled within the town of Tiruvettakudi in Pondicherry, Tiruvettakkudi Sundareshwarar is another Hindu temple that holds special significance in the hearts of locals and tourists. Awarded as one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, the temple is adorned with a huge deity of Lord Sundareshwarar, another name of Lord Shiva. There are many festivals that are celebrated here, such as 3-day Maasi Magam festival, Shivarathri, Vinayak Chaturthi, Thirukarthigai and Pradosham, welcoming all the devotees and tourists to witness the grand celebration.
Location: Sri Sundareswarar Temple, Tiruvettakudi -609 609, Puducherry
Timing: 06.00 am to 12.00 am and 04.00 pm to 08.00 pm
Distance from Karaikal: 1.8 km
5. Karaikal Beach
Karaikal Beach, a wonderful oasis enriched with a breezy vibe, is a stunning place to unwind and rejuvenate. A bustling place packed with sand, sun and serenity, attracting adventure lovers to indulge in various water sports like boating, canoeing, kayaking etc. While soaking up the beach vibe, you can also have exquisite meals in the restaurants available here. To gratify your adventurous souls, the place also has a children’s park, a tennis court and a boat jetty in the Arasalar. So, don’t forget to add this adventurous place to your itinerary.
Location: Karaikal, Puducherry, 609602
Timing: 12:00 am to 12:00 am
Distance from Karaikal: 2.8 km
Suggested Read: 9 Pondicherry Guest Houses: Comfortable Stay Options For A Budget Holiday
6. Saneeswaran Temple
Image Credit: Rsmn for Wikimedia Commons
Another spiritual delight in the list of places to visit in Karaikal is the Saneeswaran Temple, which showcases the divine presence of Lord Shiva. Located at a distance of 6 km from Karaikal, this temple is one of the renowned Shani Temples in India. It is also known as the Thirunallar and Dharbaranyeswara Temple, drawing huge crowds of devotees and tourists to feel the divine presence. The main attraction of the temple is Marakata Linga, and Nala theertham, which is believed to have the power to wash off all kinds of problems and misfortunes according to the legends. To witness its auspicious charm, you can add this divine haven to your itinerary while wandering tourist places near Karaikal.
Location: ONGC Colony, Thirunallar, Puducherry 609607
Timing: 05.30 am to 12.30 pm and 04.00 pm to 08.30 pm
Distance from Karaikal: 5.8 km
7. Nagore
Image Credit: Sundaramrajaraman for Wikimedia Commons
Another Muslim religious place that deserves to be in the top places to visit in Karaikal is Nagore, located just 14 km away. Its impressive construction and intricate entrances from all four directions leave the tourists awe-inspired. The main attraction of the Nagore Dargah is its tower called ‘Periya Minara,’ which has a height of 131 feet. The interesting fact about this place is that its architecture is inspired by Hinduism, as it was built by Tanjore King Pratap Singh. To hear the entire story of this enchanting place and witness its fusion construction, you must add this place to your itinerary while visiting Karaikal nearby places.
Location: Nagore Main Rd, Karaikal, Puducherry, India
Timing: 4:30 am to 07:00 am and 06:25 pm to 09:30 pm
Distance from Karaikal: 13.7 km
Suggested Read: 12 World-Class Hotels In Pondicherry That Have Plenty To Offer For A Comfy Stay
8. Tirumeeyachur Mehanadhar Temple
Located at Thirumeeyachur in the Tiruvarur district, Tirumeeyachur Mehanadhar Temple is one of the heavenly places to visit in Karaikal. With the glorious presiding deity of Lord Shiva along with mother Lalithambika, the temple holds its name among the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams shrines. The main attraction of the temple is its intricate statues, which are a visual retreat for all devotees and tourists. The best time to witness its grand construction is during April and May when the rays of the Sun fall on the Lord and make its appearance more glorious. A special worship called Surya Pooja is also held here during this time to celebrate this auspicious occasion.
Location: XJ7X+32C, Tirumichchiyur, Thirumeyachur, Tamil Nadu 609405
Timing: 06.00 am to 12.00 am
Distance from Karaikal: 23.7 km
Further Read: 6 Hotels Near Pondicherry That’ll Definitely Ensure A Great Stay
Karaikal, a land full of spiritual gems and breezy beaches, is a town that belongs to the Indian Union Territory of Puducherry. Whether you are on a family vacation or planning to take a short trip with your friends, Karaikal welcomes you to have a joyous journey with the above-given well-curated list of places to visit in Karaikal. For a hassle-free travel experience at budget-friendly prices, book your customized trip to Pondicherry from Travel Triangle now. Happy Travelling!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Karaikal
Which city Karaikal belongs to?
Surrounded by the Nagappattinam and Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu, Karaikal is among the four regions of the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
Is Karaikal and Puducherry the same?
No, both districts are different regions and belong to the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Can we play in Karaikal Beach?
There are countless activities that you can do at Karaikal Beach including kayaking, boating and canoeing. You can also play games other games like volleyball, frisbee, rounders, water bucket relay, seashell hunt, and volleyball.
What are the best places to visit in Karaikal?
There are many places to visit in Karaikal to have a blissful trip with your family and friends. From divine delights such as Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple, Our Lady of Angel's Church, and Mastan Syed Dawood Dargah to adventurous places such as Karaikal Beach, the city is packed with a number of great attractions.
What is the best time to visit the best tourist places in Karaikal?
The best time to enjoy the serenity and blissful vibe of Karaikal is the Winter season (December and January).
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