Coromandel Faiths: Nagore, Velankanni & Sikkal

Three shrines, one coast

Within about 15 km of Nagapattinam stand three of Tamil Nadu's most visited shrines, each drawing pilgrims of every faith. This day with a local host, who grew up between them, is about how people actually worship here, and about the stories and offerings that cross religious lines.

The day

We begin in the morning at Nagore Dargah, the tomb of the 16th-century Sufi saint Shahul Hameed, with its five minarets and the pigeons released by devotees. Next is Sikkal, whose Singaravelar temple is linked by tradition to Murugan receiving his vel (spear) before the battle remembered at Tiruchendur. After a coastal lunch, we end at Velankanni, where the white basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, the old shrine and the path pilgrims walk on their knees lead down to the beach.

Good to know

Dress modestly for all three, with a scarf for the dargah, and expect to remove footwear often. Camera rules differ at each shrine; the host will tell you where photos are fine. Transport in an air-conditioned car and lunch are included. Feast days (Kanduri at Nagore, late August to 8 September at Velankanni) are very crowded; we run a shorter route then.