Numerous important Hindu Temples are found close to Tranquebar, and the small sea-fisherfolk’s Mother Goddess Temple near the Muslim part of town is well worth a visit. Also the two mosques, the Old- and the New Mosque may be visited by persons of all denominations, if properly dressed and removing shoes, which is also the rule for Hindu temples and churches

On the sea-front near the Parade Ground is the Masilamaninathar Temple built in 1305 during the Pandyan period. The temple has been severely eroded by the sea, and is non-functional and un-kept to the extent of being used as a toilet by visitors.

The main Catholic church is found outside Old Tranquebar and is only of very moderate architectural value.

The two Danish churches in Old Tranquebar (the Zion Church built 1701 and the New Jerusalem Church from 1718) are well kept and well looked after. A churchyard with old gravestones fronts the New Jerusalem Church. Another European churchyard is found at Nygade (New Street) just west of the Parade Ground, and a Catholic graveyard next to the Town Gate. The Bethlehem Church and churchyard (from 1746) are located in Porayar, at a distance of 4 kilometres from Tranquebar.

While access to the mosques (except during prayer times) and the Fisherfolk’s Temple (except during mid-day closing) is easy. Both churches in Old Tranquebar are most often closed and the gate to the New Jerusalem graveyard locked. Also the Nygade graveyard and the Catholic graveyard are locked to the public.

While the prayer calls from the mosques are subdued, the New Jerusalem Church has a very loud loudspeaker disturbing the quiet of the town. The walls of the churchyard have been painted confrontationally with slogans and Bible quotes (in Tamil and poor English) and a golden statue of Ziegenbalg, flanked by two toy deer, has been erected at the corner of Dronningensgade (Queen Street). Most religious visitors consider the monument vulgar.

The Bethlehem Church and graveyard in Porayar are open to the public.