Updated May 30, 2023
Thoothukudi District
The city of Thoothukudi, also called Tuticorin, now functions as a corporate entity. It is also popularly known as “Pearl City.” It is a seaport city that provides services to Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tirunelveli, as well as other inland cities in southern Tamil Nadu. Its history dates back to the sixth century BCE, and it ranks among the earliest known cities in India. Thoothukudi serves as the district’s administrative center.
Geographically speaking, Thoothukudi is situated in the Mannar River Gulf in South India, around 540 kilometers southwest of Madras (Chennai). Following Indian independence, the small port of Tuticorin experienced a surge in industry. It handled a wide range of cargo bound for India’s coastal regions, nearby Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and other nations. Of course, it is also well-known for its trips. Continue reading to learn about the most sought-after tourist places in Thoothukudi.
Tourist Places in Thoothukudi
Amongst all the beautiful destinations throughout the city, here are some tourist places in Thoothukudi to keep an eye out for
#1 Tiruchendur
Murugan followers from all over the world know Tiruchendur, in the deep south of Tamil Nadu, as a member of the Lord’s Aru Padai Veedugal, or “Six Battle Camps,” and consider it to be one of his greatest. The giant Surapadma and his demonic army were defeated here by Murugan and his deva-sena, or an army of celestials.
On the sixth day during Skanda Sasti, also known as the “Six Days of Skanda,” this historic battle is recreated yearly in Tiruchendur. The sacred region and Tiruchendur Devasthanam are from ancient times. Although most of the current temple originates from later periods, some marble structures and engravings date back more than a thousand years.
Things to do:
- Visit the beautiful beach and watch the sunset from the Manapadu Holy Cross Church.
- Visit the Valli Cave
- Visit the infamous Thiruchendur Murugan Temple.
Best time to visit:
The place is in its full-fledged scenic beauty from October to March.
#2 Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the nature reserves in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts, with various flora and fauna, is the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR). The biodiversity in this area gradually transitions from dry thorn woodland to dry deciduous, moist deciduous, and, in the higher parts of the reserve, a small area of Western Coast wet evergreen forests.
The “First Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu” and the “17th Tiger Reserve of the Nation” were officially declared for KMTR. This reserve’s forests are rich in endemic species and biodiversity.
Things to do:
- Spot the Tigers
- Appreciate the rich biological diversity and its high endemism.
- Try to spot the rare animals housed there, like Nilgiri Langur and Lion Tailed Macaque.
Best time to visit:
The best time to have the biodiversity view is from October to May.
#3 Panchalankurichi
A little medieval village called Panchalankurichi is located twenty-five kilometers beyond Thoothukudi and 55 km from Tirunelveli. The Great Fighter Kattabomman, commonly referred to as “Veerapandiya Kattabomman,” raised his voice against British rule from this location in the 17th century AD. The Tamil Nadu authorities began construction on the existing Memorial Fort in 1974.
The Memorial Hall has beautiful murals illustrating the heroic deeds of the narrative that give a true sense of the history of the time. Within the fort, complex is the Sri Devi Jakkammal Temple, which also honors the inherited Goddess of Kattabomman. A memorial for British soldiers is also located next to the fort.
Things to do:
- Visit the Kattabomman Memorial Fort, which is often considered an archaeological miracle.
- Find the best kid-friendly activities in Panchalankurichi, including playgrounds, amusement parks, and water resorts.
- Visit the Kattabomman Memorial Fort
Best time to visit:
February is considered the ideal month for traveling, as that is when the humidity is lowest.
#4 Kalugumalai
The hill town of Kalugumalai is located in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats. This town is 64 kilometers from Thoothukudi and can be reached by bus or cab. The hillsides that encircle the city add a special note of magnificence to its natural surroundings. The numerous old temples of religious communities in this area are well known.
The rock-cut Jain cave temple, also called Jaina Abode, is perhaps the most well-known. Vattuvan Koil, an abandoned Pandyan monolith tomb temple from the eighth century, and the Murugan temple are other monuments in the area.
Things to do:
- Give offerings to the deity.
- Attend multiple festivals happening all around the year.
- Visit the infamous Jain temple.
Best time to visit:
It is noted that it attracts most visitors from January to March.
Conclusion
Other famous places include Navakailayam, Srivaikundam, and Meignanapuram church. Hopefully, you’ve settled on some lovely places to look for when you finally visit, as these were some of the most popular tourist places in Thoothukudi.
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