Tuticorin
is also known as Thoothukudi and is the Pearl District of Tamilnadu.
Plan your travel to this port city in the months between January and
March. This is the period when the city has relatively pleasant weather
and you could enjoy some the tourist spots within the district. There
are quite a few historical sites and temples along with a sanctuary,
where you could plan your trips when in Tuticorin. Some of them are as
under: Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a unique marine biosphere reserve, located in the Tuticorin and Ramanathapuram districts of Tamilnadu. Rich in marine life, the Gulf of Mannar is spread over an area of about 10,500-sq-kms with 21 islands and continuous stretches of coral reef.
Ettaiyapuram Palace
As a famous tourist spot, the palace is located in the town of Ettaiyapuram in Tuticorin district. The palace became a post for drawing taxes from the local chiefs under the reign of the Pandyas at Madurai.
Kattabomman Memorial Fort
Tuticorin is also home to Kattabomman Memorial Fort built up by the Government of Tamilnadu in 1974. Under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India, the fort has a temple nearby, dedicated to Sri Devi Jakkammal, the hereditary Goddess of Kattabomman.
Kalakadu Wildlife Sanctuary
Sprawling in an area of 223 sq kms in Tirunelveli district, the sanctuary is a popular hunt for botanists and ornithologists as it is home to a great variety of flora and fauna. Tourists can expect of some great fun amidst the gallery of varied species of animals and dense forests.
Panchalankurichi
Just about 18 kms from Tuticorin, this is a small hamlet with a great historical significance as the great warrior Katta Bomman known as "Veerapandiya Kattabomman" put up resistance against the British regime in the 17th Century AD here.
The Basilica of a Lady of Snows
Built in the honor of Mother Mary, the church came up some 400 years ago. Acknowledging its antiquity and popularity, Pope John Paul II raised this Church to the status of "Basilica" in 1982 in memory of its fourth centenary celebrations.
Tiruchendur Temple
This temple is one of the six Aarupadai veedu shrines of Murugan, which is dedicated to Lord Subramanya. A spectacular sight for tourists, the temple presents a mystical aura with the sea at the backdrop.
Tuticorin Port
Around 20 kms east of Tuticorin Old Bus stand is Tuticorin Port. Strategically built very close to the major International sea routes, Tuticorin Port handles a variety of international and domestic cargoes. The sight of the cargoes loading and unloading is indeed worth a treat amidst the sea expanse.
