Best places to visit in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu

Thoothukudi is a port city in southern Tamil Nadu. It is located about 200 km from Chennai and 170 kilometres from Tirunelveli. The city is home to several monuments, including the Siva Temple, the Ayyappa Temple, and the Mariamman Temple.

Thoothukudi is one of the famous tourist places in Tamil Nadu. The place is full of amazing tourist destinations. One doesn’t need to worry about accommodation, as there are many good hotels and restaurants strewn across the city.

How to reach Thoothukudi?

By Train: The nearest railway station is Mangalapuram, about 10 km south of Thoothukudi. The train station is located on the main Chennai-Bangalore line.

By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), located at a distance of about 60 km from Thoothukudi. The second nearest airport is the Madurai International Airport (MAA). It is about 100 km from Thoothukudi and can be reached by a direct bus service operated by TNSTC.

By Road: Three major highways run through Thoothukudi, including National Highway 44, which connects Madurai with Vellore. The other two are the National Highway 47, which connects Madurai with Pondicherry, and the Golden Quadrilateral Highway, which connects Chennai with Bangalore via Kanyakumari.

If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful weekend away from the city, Coimbatore is the best place to visit in Tamilnadu.

Best Thoothukudi tourist places a travel junkie will love

If you are planning to visit Thoothukudi and do not have an idea about the travel spots, check out the Thoothukudi tourist places list below.

Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary

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This wildlife sanctuary is located on the shores of the sea, with beautiful beaches and several mangrove trees. It has also been declared an eco-sensitive zone because of its rich biodiversity. The sanctuary provides a haven for several species of birds, such as cranes, waterfowl, flamingos, and peacocks. You can also see leopards, monkeys, and snakes in the area.

It is a protected area in Tamil Nadu and one of the three wildlife sanctuaries in the state. It is located about 91 km from Thoothukudi and can be reached by car or bus.

Timings: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Entry fees: Rs 15

 

Kalugumalai

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Kalugumalai is a hill station located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Located at a distance of 64 km from Thoothukudi, this town can be reached via bus or taxi. The town’s physical landscape is made particularly beautiful by the hills that surround it. 

The famous rock-cut temple, Kalugasalamoorthy Temple, has beautiful paintings on its walls and pillars. The town operated as a trade route in ancient times. In addition, Kalugumalai is well-known for serving as the setting for the 1895 riots.

Thiruchendur Murugan Temple

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The Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is very famous among people from Chennai and other parts of South India who visit this place during festival times, such as Pongal and Thiruvonam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga and is one of the most revered temples in Thoothukudi.

 The temple conducts a multitude of festivals across the year where devotees can give offerings to the deity. Despite being about 40 km away from the city, the temple is worth the trip. The temple can be reached via bus, auto, or taxi.

Timings: 5:00 am – 12:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Entry: free

Our Lady Of Snows Basilica

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This Catholic Church is located in the city of Thoothukudi. It is famous for its architectural beauty and features a huge dome, which is said to be the largest in Asia. The church was built during the Dutch rule. The artwork on the walls of this church depicts scenes from the Bible as well as other religious themes. You will find plenty of options to reach the church as it is located just 5 km from the city centre of Thoothukudi.

Ettaiyapuram Palace

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One of Thoothukudi’s most well-known tourist destinations is Ettaiyapuram Palace, which is around 35 kilometres from the city centre. This palace has been declared a protected heritage site by ASI. It is also recognised for being the birthplace of the well-known poet Mahakavi Subramania Bharathiar. The significance of Tamil Nadu’s culture and history can be seen in this palace. 

 

Sri Vaikuntam Temple

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This temple is situated in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. The architecture of this temple is interesting, and it was built during the Chola period in the 12th century A.D., which makes it one of the oldest temples in India. There are many legends surrounding this temple, which makes it even more fascinating to visit it. 

This temple hosts the magnificent Garuda Sevai festival throughout Vaikasi (May–June). The festival idols are transported here on a Garuda vahana from the Navatirupathi temples.

Timings: 7:30 am – 12:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Manapad

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A coastal village in south India, Manapad is 60 kilometres from Thoothukudi and 18 kilometres from Tiruchendur. Unlike most tourist spots, Manapad does not suffer from commercialisation and is not overrun by urbanisation. There are many scenic landscapes to see at Manapad, one of the prime tourist spots in Thoothukudi. 

The town is nestled in the middle of a clear blue sea and naturally formed dunes. Manapad is a location enriched with history and gifted with scenic beauty and landscapes and a popular spot for leisure activities and water sports. Taxi services are available from Thoothukudi to get you to Manapad.

Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple

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Thoothkudi city has several historical monuments, one of them being the Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, which is renowned for its beauty and architectural splendour. The temple is famous for its sculptures of gods and goddesses, and it is one of the most visited places in South India.  Taxis and buses can be used to get there from the city centre, which is 29 km away.

Tuticorin Roach Beach

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Another popular tourist spot in Thoothukudi is Tuticorin Beach, which is located approximately 3 km from the city centre and offers beautiful views of the Arabian Sea. It also has an amusement park where you can enjoy rides like roller coasters. You can visit the beach at the evening to view the mesmerising sunset.

Holy Trinity Church

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There is nothing more serene or peaceful than visiting this church in Thoothukudi. Meetings are held at the church, and the church is beautifully lit with candles during Christmas. The Holy Trinity Church is located in Tuticorin and is a historical site. It was built by the Portuguese in 1602 and had the tallest bell tower in India. The church has stunning and interesting architecture. The church can be accessed from any part of the city by bus or auto rickshaw.

Tuticorin Port

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The Tuticorin Port, now known as VO Chidambaranar Port, is one of India’s major ports, attracting many travellers all year round. It is located on the coast of Thoothukudi and is Tamil Nadu’s second all-weather port and third international port overall. 

St. James Church

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Another famous place to visit in Thoothukudi is St. James Church. This church should be on your list if you wish for solace and tranquillity on your vacation. The church, which was constructed during the colonial era, is still in excellent shape. You can reach this place by taking any bus or auto rickshaw from the city centre. Depending on traffic conditions during peak hours, it will take about 45 minutes or so. 

Timings: 7:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Kattabomman Memorial Fort

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This is one of the most visited tourist places in Thoothukudi. It is located in the heart of Thoothukudi city and can be easily accessed by public transport services or private vehicles. The fort was built by King Kattabomman during his reign over this region, and it was used as a fortress after he lost power over it. 

It has been renovated and restored many times but still retains its strength and glory today. There are local buses and taxis available on this route to reach Ettayapuram palace, which is located 22 km from the city centre.

Ottapidaram

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Ottapidaram is a beautiful town situated on the eastern side of Tamil Nadu. It has historical and religious significance in India. The name “Ottapidaram” means “the land of peacocks”. There is a beautiful view of the sea from this place. 

Ottapidaram is a small village located about 20 km from Thoothukudi and just 5 km from Manapad. You can visit this place by hiring a taxi or hiring a car.  The city is famous for its temple, called Sri Vaikuntam, which houses one of the oldest Shiva temples in South India.

Hare Island

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The Hare Island lies adjacent to the V. O. Chidambaranar Port Trust in Thoothukudi, India. The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park includes Hare Island. The largest island in the Gulf of Mannar is Hare Island, measuring 1.29 square kilometres in area. 

Thoothukudi’s old bus stop is approximately nine kilometres from Hare Island, which is near the port. For holiday seekers and domestic tourists, it’s a pleasant picnic spot.

 

Pachalamkurichi Fort

Panchalankurichi is a small village located 25 km from Thoothukudi. The Panchalankurichi Fort was ruled by the 18th-century warrior Veerapandiya Kattabomman. The existing Memorial Fort was constructed in 1974 by the government of Tamil Nadu and has become a famous tourist attraction.

 

Srinivasa Perumal temple

The Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple or Sri Mayakoothar Perumal Temple is a famous temple, located around 40 km from the city.

 

Our Lady of Assumption Church

Our Lady of Assumption Church is located in Keezhavaippar in Tuticorin. It is one of the first churches built by the Portuguese.

 

Sri Kailasanathar Temple

The Sri Kailasanathar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the popular tourist places near Tuticorin. The temple is located nearly 30 km from Tirunelveli and 39 km from Thoothukudi. The timings are 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM.

 

FAQs

What should you buy in Thoothukudi?

There are many things to shop for in Thoothukudi, including macaroons, wine biscuits, parottas, and jewellery.

What is the famous food of Thoothukudi?

Food items such as Poricha Parotta, Chilli Karupatti, Karupatti Mithai, Macaroons, and Kovilpatti Kadalai Mithai can be enjoyed in Thoothukudi.

What is the best way to get to Thoothukudi?

There are train and flight connections between Thoothukudi and other cities. Thoothukudi's airport and railway stations are Tuticorin Airport and Thoothukudi Junction, respectively.

How famous is Thoothukudi?

The pearl fishery has been a centre for pearl fishing for more than 2000 years in Thoothukudi, which is part of the Pearl Fishery Coast.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com