<strong>The Bungalow on the Beach: </strong>This beautifully restored old colonial building on the Bay of Bengal seafront, now a hotel, was originally used as a courthouse during Danish rule in the town of Tharangambadi. (The Danes named their settlement Tranquebar, as they were unable to pronounce Tharangambadi. The town has since reverted back to its original name.)
The Bungalow on the Beach: This beautifully restored old colonial building on the Bay of Bengal seafront, now a hotel, was originally used as a courthouse during Danish rule in the town of Tharangambadi. (The Danes named their settlement Tranquebar, as they were unable to pronounce Tharangambadi. The town has since reverted back to its original name.)
Amit Pasricha
<strong>Fort Dansborg:</strong> The Danish outpost of Tranquebar was founded 1620. Dansborg Fort, pictured, housed the town's first Danish inhabitants. Today, it features a small museum.
Fort Dansborg: The Danish outpost of Tranquebar was founded 1620. Dansborg Fort, pictured, housed the town's first Danish inhabitants. Today, it features a small museum.
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<strong>The Danish footprint: </strong>The fort is now the most important landmark highlighting Danish rule in India and at its peak was the second most important Danish castle in the world after Kronborg, which guarded the sound that separates Denmark and Sweden.
The Danish footprint: The fort is now the most important landmark highlighting Danish rule in India and at its peak was the second most important Danish castle in the world after Kronborg, which guarded the sound that separates Denmark and Sweden.
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<strong>Historic documents: </strong>The fort's museum displays include a copy of the sale deed between the Danes and the British, old maps of the town and a collection of miniature Danish ships that docked at Tranquebar.
Historic documents: The fort's museum displays include a copy of the sale deed between the Danes and the British, old maps of the town and a collection of miniature Danish ships that docked at Tranquebar.
Saroj Sirkeck
<strong>Land's Gate: </strong>During Danish rule, the only access to the town was controlled by the Land's Gate. A white stone structure bearing the coat of arms and insignia of the King of Denmark, it's the first thing one sees when entering Tharangambadi now.<br />
Land's Gate: During Danish rule, the only access to the town was controlled by the Land's Gate. A white stone structure bearing the coat of arms and insignia of the King of Denmark, it's the first thing one sees when entering Tharangambadi now.
Melting Spot/Alamy Stock Photo
<strong>Ziegenbalg Museum: </strong>Tharangambadi's Ziegenbalg Museum pays tribute to German-born Danish missionary Bartholomaus Ziegenbalg. He used this printing press to produce a Tamil-version of the Bible -- the first ever Indian language translation of the Holy Book.
Ziegenbalg Museum: Tharangambadi's Ziegenbalg Museum pays tribute to German-born Danish missionary Bartholomaus Ziegenbalg. He used this printing press to produce a Tamil-version of the Bible -- the first ever Indian language translation of the Holy Book.
Saroj Sirkeck
<strong>New Jerusalem Church: </strong>The New Jerusalem Church was built in 1718 by Ziegenbalg, who died at the age of 36 in Denmark. His remains were brought back to India and he was buried at his beloved church, pictured, which can still be visited today.<br />
New Jerusalem Church: The New Jerusalem Church was built in 1718 by Ziegenbalg, who died at the age of 36 in Denmark. His remains were brought back to India and he was buried at his beloved church, pictured, which can still be visited today.
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<strong>Royal suites: </strong>Restoration efforts began in 2004 and the Bungalow on the Beach opened to guests in 2006. The hotel has only eight rooms, each named for a member of Danish royalty.
Royal suites: Restoration efforts began in 2004 and the Bungalow on the Beach opened to guests in 2006. The hotel has only eight rooms, each named for a member of Danish royalty.
Amit Pasricha
<strong>Deserted beaches: </strong>Over the years, the fortunes of Tranquebar waxed and waned like the great waves that lashed the shores of the little town. Denmark struck a deal with the British in 1845 to sell their former possession for Rs 1.25 million ($15,033), thus bringing to an end this unique chapter in Danish-Indian history.
Deserted beaches: Over the years, the fortunes of Tranquebar waxed and waned like the great waves that lashed the shores of the little town. Denmark struck a deal with the British in 1845 to sell their former possession for Rs 1.25 million ($15,033), thus bringing to an end this unique chapter in Danish-Indian history.
Balaji Srinivasan/iStock Editorial/Getty Images