Thoothukudi: The Pearl City of Tamil Nadu

Thoothukudi also called Tuticorin a beautiful port city in Tamil Nadu, nestled beside the Coromandel Coast in the Bay of Bengal. Popularly known as the "pearl city" over the years, Tuticorin is one of India's massive sites of pearl shipping. As the city is surrounded by the coast of the Bay of Bengal, the locals commonly occupation the land for mining, agriculture industries, fishing, sea-borne trading, tourism, and salt pans. The annual festival of 'Our Lady of Snows Basilica' is famous in Tuticorin and attracts many visitors during the celebrations.

Tuticorin is the perfect place for people looking for a tranquil holiday experience. The city has many cultural sites and lush green landscapes, which make it a heaven for nature lovers.

Hidden Gems of Tuticorin

There are very few wildlife sanctuaries that house a tiger; Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary is among them. You can witness various animal species here, including the Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, langur, Nilgiri tahr, elephant, and whatnot. For all those fascinated by wildlife, this is the perfect gateway to live your curiosity to its fullest. Another interesting place to visit in the city is the Tuticorin Port; it is probably the busiest site in the city. All exports and imports of the city take place at this port, and many tourists come here to see how the port functions. Situated near the famed port in Thoothukudi is Hare Island, a nice place to enjoy family time and take beautiful pictures around the seashore. You can also enjoy a long walk on the coast and do yoga and meditation for calmness and peace. Roche Park is a delightful destination just a few kilometres from the city, where you have a nice day outing with friends and family.

Tuticorin also has a few famous religious places in town, and Kazhugumalai has to be on top. Dating back to the 8th Century, this place is known for its Jain cave temples. You can also explore the Sankara Rameswarar Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site where you can take a holy dip that is believed to cleanse all your sins.

Best Markets in Tuticorin

Thoothukudi macaroons are popular with locals and tourists; they are sweet, nutty, chewy treats that you can get only in South India. Wine biscuits are amongst the famous shopping items to buy in Tuticorin. Visitors can also shop for beautiful pearl jewellery for their friends and themselves. This town is also famous for gold and silver jewellery; you can try a few of them as well. Famous shopping complexes in the city include DSF Mall, which is located at Victoria Extension Road, Mangal Mall, and Velu Building Shopping Centre.

Must-Try Cuisines in Town

Due to the city's coastal location, seafood is greatly loved by the locals. Try famous fish dishes from local vendors like fish curry and fish fry to get the best flavours. Meen Kulambu, Tuticorin Macaroon, Prawn dishes, and Crab curries are some must-try items in Tuticorin. Sangamithra Multi-Cuisine Restaurant, SDR Restaurant and Cafe, and Aasife Biriyani are the few best places to dine with family and friends.

Best time to visit Tuticorin

The winter months of December through February are the best times of year to visit the district. Tourists may take advantage of the time with temperatures comfortably ranging from 20°C to 32°C. The coastal area of Tuticorin, which is situated on the Gulf of Mannar, experiences a hot, semi-arid environment with scorching summer days and frequent, intense rainfall during the northeast monsoon. The hottest months are March through May, when the weather is consistently hot and dry, which could make visitors uncomfortable. There is a lot of rain in the city from June through September.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Airports serve Tuticorin?

Tuticorin Airport is a domestic airport that serves the coastal city of Thoothukudi and its neighbouring districts. It is approximately 16 km from the city centre on National Highway 7A. According to the stats, it is the fifth busiest airport in Tamil Nadu after Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, and Madurai airports.

How to commute from TCR to different parts of the city?

Tuticorin Airport is relatively close to the city centre, with the closest bus stop within walking distance; the most convenient ways to commute from the airport to different parts of the city are by taxi, prearranged airport transfers, or local buses. Depending on your destination and luggage, you may also take an autorickshaw.

How many airlines serve Tuticorin?

Currently, IndiGo is the only airline that operates from Tuticorin Airport.

How many destinations does TCR connect to?

As only one airline is functional from the Tuticorin Airport, the only destinations Tuticorin is connected to by air are Bengaluru and Chennai.

Which are the most popular air routes originating from Tuticorin?

With an average of 25 weekly flights from Tuticorin Airport, more than 78% of all weekly departures are on passage to Chennai (MAA). Tuticorin Airport does not currently have any foreign flights.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Tuticorin?

The cheapest time to fly to Tuticorin is in May. This is peak summertime, and the city experiences high temperatures and massive humidity levels. The price of hotels and flights drops drastically due to the low number of visitors.

Things to do In Thoothukudi

Popular city Magnets of Thoothukudi.