Tourism in Thuthukudi: Things to do in Thuthukudi

Formerly known as Tuticorin, Thuthukudi is the headquarters of Thuthukudi district in Tamil Nadu. One of the major port cities in India, Thuthukudi is unique for having a natural harbor. Thuthukudi is famed for pearl fishing, production of salt, and as a center for folk art.

Location

Situated in the Gulf of Mannar, Thuthukudi is about 540 km southwest of Chennai, 230 km from Thiruvananthapuram, and 130 km from Madurai.

History

One of the oldest sea ports in the world, Thuthukudi was the sea port for Pandyan Kingdom after Korkai and later was taken over by the Portuguese in 1548, seized by the Dutch in 1658, and surrendered to the British in 1825. Besides, Thuthukudi is famous as the place from where freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram Pillai set sail his ship to protest against British rule in India.

Fairs & Festivals of Thuthukudi

Annual feast of Our Lady of Snow: Every year, from 30th July to 5th August, the annual feast of Our Lady of Snow is elaborately celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of Snow.

Dussehara festival: This magnanimous 10-day festival is celebrated at the 150-year-old Kulasekarapattinam Mutharamman Temple, situated on the way to Kanyakumari and Thiruchendur. Various folk dance artists perform during this festival.

Best Time to Visit Thuthukudi

For a Tour to Thuthukudi, the best time to visit is between the months of November and March.

How to Reach Thuthukudi

By Air

BY AIR -

The nearest airport is at Vagaikulam.

By Train

BY RAIL -

Thuthukudi is a major junction for the Southern Railway and is connected to many important places in South India by Broad Gauge Rail.

By Road

BY ROAD -

Thuthukudi is well-connected by National Highways with Madurai and Tirunelveli, with buses to major cities of Tamil Nadu being available at the New Bus Stand Thuthukudi.

Tourist Attractions in Thuthukudi

Make your Tour to Thuthukudi memorable by visiting these famous tourist places in Thuthukudi:

Sankara Rameshwarar Temple (Lord Shiva Temple): It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi on their way to Thiruchendur halted near the holy tank Vancha Pushkarani, the site of this temple.

Hare Island: An excellent picnic spot, this island lies adjoining the port.

Church of Our Lady of Snow: Earlier known as St. Paul's Church, this church is dedicated to the Mother of Jesus and was consecrated by the Bishop of Cochin.

Kazhukumalai: This 8th century cave temple has a Vettuvankoil worth a visit. It is a rock-cut cave temple similar to Pallava cave temples at Mamallapuram.

Places Around Thuthukudi

Explore the land of Thuthukudi, visiting the places around it, while on a Tour to Thuthukudi:

Roche Park: Located 4 km from Thuthukudi, this is a picturesque shore area. During festival and weekly holidays hordes of tourists throng at this serene place.