Tuticorin
Tuticorin is commonly known as Thoothukudi which means ‘dig and drink’ as there are no rivers in this district and wells are the only source of water. It is well known sea trading and pearl fishing center in Tamilnadu. It is located along the coast of Gulf of Mannar at a distance of 600 km from state capital, Chennai. It has a huge port and popularly known as ‘pearl town’ which is famous for pearl diving, fishing and ship building. The Pearl City serves the entire southern Tamil Nadu. It is a coastal region, the deep blue sea will admire each and every visitors. The city is full of Parks, Roche Park, Harbor Park and Rajaji Park is very popular among tourists. Thiruchendhur temple devoted to Lord Murugan is located along the seashore which adds to its lure. Kattabomman memorial fort is also situated in Tuticorin. The busy trading center assures a fantastic journey experiences to unwind the tangled nerves.
Places to visit
Manapad
It is religious tourist attraction. The small village is well known for the holy cross church which is located 60 km from Tuticorin and the most famous church in Tamil Nadu.
Kalugumalai
It is a popular tourist destination and famous for Jain temple. These are rock-cut temple and one can find rock-cut paintings of Mahaveer, Adinatha and Neminatha. There are some Hindu religion temples like Vattuvan Murugan temple and unfinished Pandiyan temple of 8th century.
Sri Vaikuntam Temple
The beautiful temple and one of 108 Divyadesam, holy abode of Lord Vishnu. It is located on the banks of River Tamirabarani. The sanctum sanctorum is featuring holy serpent which unfurls his hood over the graceful standing idol of Sri Vishnu. It is one of its kinds among all Divyadesams. The temple was built by Shankara Pandiayn in such as way that Sun rays directly falls on Lord Vishnu idol on two days every year. It is a unique feature of this temple.
Paniya Matha Church
It is otherwise known as Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Snow. The major attraction in Tuticorin, was built on a cliff in 1711 by Portuguese. Annual church celebration in the month of August attracts huge hirdes of devotees and pilgrims to Tuticorin.
Ettayapuram Palace
The famous historical place where the revolutionary tamil poet Subramaniya Bharathiyar was born. Tourists can found his house as ‘Bharathiyar Memorial House’. The great poet Umaru Pulavar was also lived here. It is located around 35 km from Tuicorin.
Panchalankurichi
It is another famous historical place. The famed place is a birth place of Veera Pandiya Kattabomman, the great freedom fighter. Kattabomman Meorial Fort is located here which was built in 1947.
Mundanthurai-Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary
It is covering the area of 817 sq km which is under buffer zone. It is homage for species like Nilgiri Langur, lion tailed macaque and several other macaques. One can found spotted deer, mangoose, sloth bear and variety of squirrels. It is place of dangerous amphibians like King Cobra, Viper and crocodiles. It is also an excellent place for bird watching.
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple
It is the prime attraction of Tuticorin, located along the seashore. Lord Murugan and his consorts Valli, Deivanai are presiding deities. It is one of the six holy abode of Lord Murugan. The Lord Murugan is expressed as Senthilandavar. Tall gopuram and lively sculptures are worth visiting this temple.
How to reach Tuticorin
By Air
Tuticorn airport is located around 14 km from heart of the city.
By Train
Tuticorin has a major railway junction and well connecting this district to almost all major Indian cities and states.
By Road
It is well connected via road. The fine network of bus services are provided by state and private sectors.
Weather
In summer 32-40°C and in winter 20-32°C. Tuticorin is best visited in the month of October to March.