Tuticorin - Thoothukudi

The Pearl City

The port city of Tuticorin or Thoothukudi, situated down south in the Gulf of Mannar, is often called the Gateway of Tamil Nadu. The city famous for its pearl fishing also boasts of a beautiful natural harbor. The city has played an important part in the maritime history of Tamil Nadu. Its strategic location has helped it to catapult into a prominent South Indian port. The harbor of Tuticorin is famous for pearl diving and fishing. The city had been under the Portuguese, Dutch and finally under the hands of the British, before it was annexed to the Union of India.

There are many towns of historic and religious significance in the district. Scores of Roman Catholic churches that dot the skyline bear witness to the Portuguese influence in the region. Tuticorin has many sand-kissed beaches luring tourists. The many handicraft centers in the region sell indigenous handcrafted artifacts at a very reasonable price.