A coastal town with glorious past, Poompuhar is situated in
Nagapattinam District, 94 km north-east of
Thanjavur. The rulers of the
Chola empire traded with Rome and other eastern centers from there. Also known as Kaveripoompattinam, the town lies at the mouth of the
Cauvery River. It became famous during the reign of Karikala Chola and finds mention in ancient Pali and
Tamil literature.
Excavation work in Poompuhar city has revealed the existence of several ring-wells (Urai Kinaru) near the seashore. The remains of various buildings, a water reservoir, a brick-kiln, and a boat-jetty were discovered at Keezhaiyr area of Poompuhar. Relics of 60 ft long Buddha Vihar with rectangular rooms is found at Pallavaneswaram. Copper coins bearing Chola emblems in rectangular and circular shapes were obtained from here.
Sillappathikara Art Gallery, a beautiful seven-tiered building of great sculptural value, is a major draw. Other places of interest are the Thirukkadaiyur Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Vaitheeswaran Koil (ancient temple) between Mayiladuthurai and Sirkali.
Nearest airport is at Tiruchirapalli (141 km). Mayiladuthurai Junction Railway Station, 24 km away, is the nearby railhead.
