Recommendations

It is suggested that visitor access to the Old Tranquebar churches and graveyards should be made easy. Visiting hours should be posted on signboards and a watchperson/guide available at such times.

The (TELC) New Jerusalem Church should soften the noise from its loudspeaker (a Protestant church using an outside loudspeaker is highly unusual !). Further it would add to the serenity of the New Jerusalem Church if the graveyard walls were whitewashed (as in Vailankanni) and the painted slogans removed.

21.          BEACH, SEA AND RIVER

Findings

The beach in front of the Fort and to the South across the Uppanar River is excellent, and the water is safe for swimmers except during rough weather. The fort beach is used for bathing, usually by well-covered men and fully clothed women. A problem with the Fort beach is that the sea-front near by is used as a toilet by the fishing communities and that excreta may be transported along the coast to the Fort Beach.

The empty beach - just south of the Fort and the Uppanar River

Also the use of bikinis and skimpy bathing suits could be problematic, not so much because it would cause offence, but rather as it may attract locals and excursionists as beach watchers.

A one kilometre perfect beach with no habitations is found across the Uppanar River, only a short 5-10 minute boat trip away. Such boat trips can be organised with local river-fishermen, directly or through the hotels.