poompuhar

Poompugar (also known as Puhar) is a town in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This town is located near the mouth of the Kaveri River, on the Indian East coast (Bay of Bengal). The town has an average elevation of 1 m (3.3 ft).

The town was earlier known as Kaveri Poompattinam, and was a flourishing port city which also served as the capital of the Chola dynasty rulers for a while. But much of the town was washed away and destroyed by sediment erosions and periodic Tsunamis in around 300 BC, as confirmed by many marine archaeologists. These statements were supported by archaeological finds of submerged ruins off the coast of the present day Poompuhar town.

The city was rebuilt several times in that duration, after each destruction. But what remains today is a much smaller town with many archaeological evidences that have preserved the memory of the much larger destroyed city that it earlier was.

The town that is Poompuhar today was built on the north banks of the river Kaveri. And consists of 2 districts:

• Maruvurpakkam near the sea and 
• Pattinappakkam to its west.

These two areas were separated by a stretch of orchards where daily markets used to be held under the trees. The market place was known as Naalangadi during the day and as Allangadi by evening.

Some more places to see or visit in this ancient yet young town of Poompuhar are:

• Silapaddikaram Art Gallery – This is a seven-story gallery which is well-known for its anomalous architecture, and its collection of art work related to the Silapaddikaram epic (a popular epic in Tamil language).
• Elanchi – An ancient tank whose waters have miraculous powers to heal diseases, according to the epic of Silapaddikaram.
• Poompuhar Beach – The most popular beach here, which is located along the Bay of Bengal, starting from the Kaveri River and extending till three kilometres (more than 1.8 miles). The area is lined with palm trees swaying around the fringes, and the sunset view from here is absolutely stunning.
• Zion Church – An ancient church, built in 1701 by the Dutch settlers of the region; this is a must see for its typical Dutch style architecture and look; and an unmissable spot for religious (Christian) people or history enthusiasts.

Poompuhar mostly has foods from Tamil Nadu cuisine (staple being Rice, and dishes like Idli, Dosa, Upma, Sambar and curd rice), and sea foods as it is close to the coast. Here are some good restaurants in Poompuhar to get some good meals or snacks:

• Hotel Royal
• Annapoorani
• Chettinadu Hotel (Nethaji Road)
• Raj Bhavan
• Moogambikai
• Papa Mess

Some of the hotels closest and easily accessible to Poompuhar and the beaches in Poompuhar are:

• Holiday Inn Chennai OMR Expressway
• AVC Vasuki Mahall (Nagapattinam)
• The Ken Regency (5.5 km from Poompuhar)
• Hotel Sarada Nivas (2.4 km from Poompuhar)
• Sea Shell Park (9 km from Poompuhar)
• Golden Tower Lodge (9.3km from Poompuhar)
• Tranquil-Layam (5.6 km from Poompuhar)

Poombuhar STD Code – 04364 (to be used before dialling numbers from a number that is not locally registered).

Common helpline numbers:

• Police: 100
• Fire: 101
• Ambulance: 108
• Call Center for General Queries: 1961
• Child Helpline: 1098
• Crime Stopper: 1090
• Doctor (medical help): 1056

Tamil is the most spoken language in Poompuhar. But, language like English is spoken as well.

Tamil:

• What's your name? - Unga peranna?
• My name is - En peru
• Where are you from? - Nienga engirundhu varrienga?
• Congratulations! - Paaraattukkal
• Good night and sweet dreams! - Nalla thoungunga!
• What Is This? - Idhu enna?