Tuticorin/Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu

Tuticorin is also known as Thoothukudi. Also popularly known as 'Pearl City', Tuticorin is a seaport that serves South Tamilnadu, as well as the inland cities of Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli. The city, which lies about 540 km South West of Madras in the Gulf of Mannar, has a tropical climate with hot and humid environ round the year. Tuticorin has been traditionally known for its pearl fishery and shipbuilding. It was an important seaport during the reign of the Pandyas. The major harbor of Thoothukudi is well known for as a pearl diving and fishing center. History shows that Thoothukudi was founded by the Portuguese in 1548, annexed by the Dutch in 1658 and ceded to the British in 1825. It also became the epicenter of India's freedom movement in the early 20th century. As a port city Tuticorin has one of the major attractions in the form of Tuticorin Port, which is strategically built to handle a host of international cargoes. Well protected from the ravages of impending storms and cyclonic winds, you can witness the sight of the cargoes loading and unloading, which is indeed worth a treat amidst the surging sea expanse.

Transport

Places to See:

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a unique marine biosphere reserve, located in the Tuticorin and Ramanathapuram districts of Tamilnadu. Rich in marine life, the Gulf of Mannar is spread over an area of about 10,500-sq-kms with 21 islands and continuous stretches of coral reef. 

Ettaiyapuram Palace

As a famous tourist spot, the palace is located in the town of Ettaiyapuram in Tuticorin district. The palace became a post for drawing taxes from the local chiefs under the reign of the Pandyas at Madurai. 

Kattabomman Memorial Fort

Tuticorin is also home to Kattabomman Memorial Fort built up by the Government of Tamilnadu in 1974. Under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India, the fort has a temple nearby, dedicated to Sri Devi Jakkammal, the hereditary Goddess of Kattabomman. 

Kalakadu Wildlife Sanctuary

Sprawling in an area of 223 sq kms in Tirunelveli district, the sanctuary is a popular hunt for botanists and ornithologists as it is home to a great variety of flora and fauna. Tourists can expect of some great fun amidst the gallery of varied species of animals and dense forests.

Panchalankurichi

Just about 18 kms from Tuticorin, this is a small hamlet with a great historical significance as the great warrior Katta Bomman known as "Veerapandiya Kattabomman" put up resistance against the British regime in the 17th Century AD here. 

The Basilica of a Lady of Snows

Built in the honor of Mother Mary, the church came up some 400 years ago. Acknowledging its antiquity and popularity, Pope John Paul II raised this Church to the status of "Basilica" in 1982 in memory of its fourth centenary celebrations.

Tiruchendur Temple

This temple is one of the six Aarupadai veedu shrines of Murugan, which is dedicated to Lord Subramanya. A spectacular sight for tourists, the temple presents a mystical aura with the sea at the backdrop. 

Tuticorin Port

Around 20 kms east of Tuticorin Old Bus stand is Tuticorin Port. Strategically built very close to the major International sea routes, Tuticorin Port handles a variety of international and domestic cargoes. The sight of the cargoes loading and unloading is indeed worth a treat amidst the sea expanse............
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