Tag - tuticorin

Thoothukudi or Tuticorin is one of the major commercial ports in India, which is in the coromandel coast of Bay of Bengal. In earlier days, Tuticorin is known for pearl and fishing.

It was ruled by Pandyas in 7th to 9th century and by Cholas from the period of 9th to 12th century. Portuguese ruled the city in 16th century, Dutch in 17th century and British from 18th century till independence.

Tuticorin is known as “Korkai” in ancient days. After independence the commercial trading was increased via Tuticorin to nearby countries. Now, Tuticorin Port is one of the 12 major ports in India. Tuticorin is also known as Pearl City, Muthu Kuzhithurai and Sea Gateway of Tamilnadu.

Also Read – 5 Best Family Friendly Hotels in Tuticorin To Stay

Where is Tuticorin Located?

Tuticorin is located in Thoothukudi district, it is the district headquarters. Thoothukudi is ideally located at the southernmost tip of Tamil Nadu. The city is part of Coramandel coast of Bay of Bengal. Tuticorin is located 600 Km from Chennai, 150 Km from Madurai and 200 Km from Trivandrum.

How to Reach Tuticorin

Chennai To Tuticorin

Tuticorin is 600 KM from Chennai. From Chennai there are direct flights to Tuticorin. SpiceJet and Indigo has flight services from Chennai to Tuticorin. The average flight fare costs around Rs 2700 one way.

Chennai To Tuticorin By Train

From Chennai there is a direct train to Tuticorin, the train name is Pearl City. It leaves from Chennai Egmore Railway station at 7.30 Pm and Reaches Tuticorin Railway Station by 6.35 AM. The average fares are Rs 385 for sleeper coach, Rs 1010 for third AC, Rs 1430 for second AC and Rs 2415 in First AC.

Chennai To Tuticorin By Bus

There are several government and private buses operate between Chennai and Tuticorin. The distance is around 600 KM and the travel time is around 10 hours. The bus tickets on a non AC semi sleeper bus will cost around Rs 600 to Rs 700. AC Sleeper bus will cost around Rs 950 to Rs 1200.

Madurai To Tuticorin

The distance from Madurai to Tuticorin is around 150 Km and the travel time is around 2 hours 30 minutes. There are two routes, one via Virudhnagar and Kovilpatti and other one via Aruppukkottai and Ettaiyapuram. Several private and government buses from Madurai operate to Tuticorin. There are also several link trains via Madurai to Tuticorin.

If you are planning to visit Thoothukudi, check out the best hotels here.

Tuticorin weather and Best Time to Visit

it is one of the driest places in Tamil Nadu. Tuticorin weather is mostly hot and humid. During summer it can reach till 40 degrees. The best time to visit Tuticorin is during winter. During November to January it has pleasant temperature around 26°C. The weather at this season is not too hot, which allow tourist to reach various places comfortably. Tourist can also experience the amazing sightseeing at this season.

Places to Visit Near Tuticorin

Tuticorin Beaches

Harbor Beach Tuticorin – It is famous sandy beach in Tuticorin, which takes 20 minutes from city and 30 minutes from the Tuticorin Airport. Here you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of both sun rise and sunset. There is a park near this harbor beach. At night times, it is a treat for your eye to see the Tuticorin Harbor from the seashore.

Roach Park and Beach – It is located at 4 km away from center of the town, which is on the way to Tuticorin seaport. This is a pleasant place to spend holidays. The walkways in the beach provide the best ambience to view the sunrise and sunset.

Tuticorin Port & Harbor

Tuticorin Port is called as V.O. Chidambaranar port named after the famous freedom fighter. This port is Tamil Nadu’s 2nd largest port and it is the 4th largest container terminal in India. Opened in 1974 this port is an all weather port that can handle million tons of cargo. This port is an ISPS compliant Port and ISO 9001:2008,ISO 14001:2004.

Manapad

Manapad is small beach village located 60 Km from Tuticorin. There is a historic cross in this beach that was built in 14th century. Apart from this you visit the holy cross church and the Manapad point. Manapad is also a historic place.

Manapad being a small village does not have good places to stay. You have to stay at Thoothukudi and plan a visit to Manapad.

Thiruchendhur

Thiruchendur is a religious beach destination. This is the place where the famous Thiruchendur Murugan temple is located. It is at the distance 40 km from Tuticorin. This is the only murgan temple, which is located on the seashore. There are many places nearby that are worth to visit like Vali Cave Temple, Naali Kinaru, Seyed Rabiyath Ummal Darga. You can visit the beach near murugan temple at any time, but there is timing for visiting temple.

There are several new hotels have come up at Thiruchendur that provides comfortable stay. We suggest the hotels Chitra park, Hari Iyer Residency Anandha Grand Lodge for a comfortable stay

Ettaiyapuram Palace

Ettaiyapuram palace is one of the familiar tourist spot near Tuticorin, which is located at a distance of 35 km from the center of the city. It is a great historic place that exhibits the architecture of pandyan kingdom. Ettaiyapuram is also the birth place of famous the poet Mahavkavi Bharathi. Bharathiyar house, Mani mandapam are nearby tourist spot to Ettaiyapuram.

Kattabomman Memorial Fort

Kattabomman Memorial Fort is situated in the small village named panchalankurichi 18 km from Tuticorin. It is built in the memory of Veerpandiya Kattabomman, the king who fought bravely against the British. Sri Devi Jakkammal Temple and cemetery of British Soldiers are nearby tourist places.

• Timings: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm & 1:00pm to 6:00pm (all days in week)
• Entry fee: Very small entry fee.

Sri Vaikuntam Temple

Sri Vaikuntam Temple is located 36 km way from Tuticorin, which is dedicated to the lord Vishnu. It has very unique architecture. This is the only temple where the serpent Adhisesha guards the lord in standing position.

• Timings: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm & 5:00pm to :00pm (all days in week)
• Entry fee: free

Hare Island & Church Island

It is one of the best picnic spot in Tuticorin. Hare Island is situated 6km in the east of Tuticorin, which is also known as Pandyan Theevu. It is the largest island in Gulf of mannar. Church Island (Van Theevu) is one the famous Island lies 12km from Tuticorin, which good place to visit on weekends.

Ottapidaram

It is a small village in Tuticorin district. It houses numerous places of historical importance. This is the birthplace of freedom fighter V.O Chidambaram. The Ulagamman Temple is also a famous temple. There are islands near Ottapidaram, Which gives amazing sights seeing. They are Kowsari Island, Karisauli Island, Vilangusuli Island.

Vanathirupathi

It is one of the famous tourist spot near Thiruchendur, Which is also known as Sri Punnai Serinivasaperumal Temple. Vanathirupathi is a peaceful place with beautiful painting on the wall. Here, the sun rays fall on lord’s right hand everyday.

• Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm (all days in week)
• Entry fee: free

Mayura Thottam (Peacock Farm)

This farm is located at the distance of 22 km from Tuticorin, which has different types of peacock. Peacocks visits this place between October to November each year, when you can see and catch a glimpse of wonderful peacock dance. This farm is surrounded by beautiful garden with coconut and guava trees.

It will normally take around 2 to 3 days to visit the above places in leisure. You can stay in Thoothukudi and visit all the above places

Things to Do in Tuticorin

Sight Seeing

There are two beaches in Tuticorin, Harbor beach and Roach beach, which gives you the amazing view of both sunrise and sunset. At night times, it is a treat for your eye to see the Tuticorin Harbor from the seashore. Pearl beach (Muthu Nagar Beach) is one of the less known beaches in Tuticorin. But it has amazing sceneries and worth to visit.

Worshiping

There are many religious places near Tuticorin. Thiruchendur murugan temple is one of the famous temples, which is located 34 km away from Tuticorin. Our Lady of Snows Shrine Basilica is one of the famous Catholic Church located nearby Tuticorin City.

Experience the Wildlife

Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see and enjoy the different wildlife animals. It is the worth place for wildlife lovers and photographers. Mundanthurai is a tiger Sanctuary, which is now combined with Kalakad Sanctuary. This Sanctuary has 150 endemic plants, 33 fish, 37 ambient, 81 reptiles, 273 birds and 77 mammal species. Here you can also go for trekking.

Outdoor Water Activities

Aqua Outback is a private beach, which is like a resort. It provides you splendid sight view as well as many activities snorkeling, scuba diving, kite surfing, kayaking and so on. At pearl beach, there is beach with volleyball court, long walking track, granite beaches, play are for children.

Tuticorin Famous Foods

Thoothukudi is famous for its poricha parotta with salna. The hotel Alwar By Night is very famous for their Poricha parotta. Apart from this Tuticorin is also famous for macroons, karupatti mittai and chillu karupatti

Also, one the way to Thiruchendur there is a vilage named Keela Eraal, which is famous for its snacks like mixture, seevu and seeval.

Restaurants in Tuticorin

Alwar By Night

This restaurant is famous for their Poricha parotta. The must try dish are nattukozhi, chicken, mutton chukka and Kadai.

Bell Hotel – Harbor Restaurant

This is a family friendly restaurant that serves both veg and non veg. Seafood is must try in this restaurant. kari dosai is one of the must try dish here. This restaurant is located near Lady Snow Church.

Capsi Family Restaurant

This restaurant is located on the Tirunelveli road. It serves both veg and non veg. It is famous for this miniature zoo and aquarium. The have both AC restaurant and garden restaurant. it is a fun place for kids.

We have tried our best to provide you with authentic information. If you have more information to add, kindly use the comment box below. Like our blog? kindly care to share.

If you are planning to visit Thoothukudi, check out the best hotels here.

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