Thoothukudi

Tuticorin is traditionally known for its pearl fishery and shipbuilding. Thoothukudi became the centre of the Indian independence movement in the early 20th century, with such leaders as the poet Subramanya Bharathy, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Venni Kalady, Vellaya Thevan, and V.O. Chidambaram Pillai. In 1906, the freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, with the help of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, launched the first Swadeshi ship S.S. Gaelia from this port town in British India. The major harbour of Tuticorin is well known as a pearl diving and fishing centre. Tuticorin, one of the oldest sea ports in the world, was the seaport of the Pandyan kingdom after Korkai and later was taken over by the Portuguese in 1548, captured by the Dutch in 1658, and ceded to the British in 1825.[1] The lighthouse built in 1842 marked the beginning of the history of Thoothukudi harbour development. Incredible India Tours with Indian Travel agent.Tuticorin was established as a Municipality in 1866 with Roche Victoria as its first chairman. It attained the status of Corporation on August 5 2008 after 142 years. View of the Dutch port Tuticorin, in 1752

Origin of the name
There are three theories as to the origin of the name: Thoorthu (Dig) and Kudi (Drink)- The town had no rivers and the only source of drinking water was from wells. "Thoortha" means land "reclaimed" from sea while"Kudi" also stands for "settlement" or "colony". Hence "Thoortha Kudi" or Thoothukudi could mean a settlement built on land reclaimed from sea. Finally, the Tuticorin name was used by Dutch people who were here.
Today the city is called Tuticorin in English and Thoothukudi in Tamil. Incredible India Tours with Indian Travel agent.

Tourist Spots:
Adichanallur
From an Archaeological point of view, this place has a glorious past and it is located on the banks of river Tamirabarani. It is assumed that, in ancient times, a civilised habitation flourished here. Some monuments i.e., Urns (burnt-clay vessels which were used for burying the dead bodies of the very old people), small mud vessel ¬were found near the river Tamirabarani and they are supportive evidence, for the civilisation. This place is now under the supervision of Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department. Explore Incredible India with Special Holidays.

Ayyanar Sunai
It is 10 Kms from Tiruchendur. A natural water spring in the desert with Ayyanar temple attracts local tourists.

Bharathiyar mani mandapam
In memory of the National poet Subramania bharathiar a memorial was built by Kalki Krishna Moorthy in 1945 and Mahatma Gandhi showered his blessings on the occasion of its opening. In 1981 the centenary year of Bharathiar was celebrated. This was taken over by the Public Relations Department on 11-12-1981. Located at Ettaiyapuram. Explore Incredible India with Special Holidays.

Ettayapuram
34 Kms. from Thoothukudi. This is the birth place of Mahakavi Bharathiyar. A Memorial Umarupulavar Dhansha is also located here. During the reign of pandyas at madurai people from Chandragiri near Chittoor of Andhra Pradesh were brought and posted as "watch keepers (Dhisai Kavalars) of I1asanadu. This was latter was called ettayapuram . Ettayapuram was formed in 1565. All tour and Travel needs for India by Indian travel agent.

Kattabomman memorial fort
It was built in 1974. Family goddess Jackammal is located nearby. The snap shot is of the 5th generation heir of Veerapandya Kattabomman temple. His name is Vee. All tour and Travel needs for India by Indian travel agent.Veemaraja alias Jegaveera Pandya Subbramania Kattabomma Durai. Bommu means the god Sastha Ayyanam Swamy. The earliest freedom struggle against the Britishers was by Kattabomman and his clan. They were charged for reason and were sentenced to death and hanged .

Kayatar
This small town is 24 kms from Tirunelveli on NH7 Madurai road. Now this place is preserved as monument.

Kazhugumalai
It was one of the important centres of the Jains. The bas-relief found here are the contribution of jains and are among the earliest of such works. The Vettuvan Koil (Siva Temple) the rock-cut cave temple is worth visiting.

Kulasekarapattinam
The Muthuraman temple 20 Kms from Tiruchendur is known for the popular 'Dasara' festival where folk dance from all over the state participate in the festival. It is a coastal village with a fine beach.

Korkai port
29 kms from Tiruchendur. Korkai, the ancient Port City (12th Century) of the Pandya Kings of the Sangam period, now identified with the village Korkai (srivaikundam district of thoothukudi District ) has attracted the attention of scholars historians and archaeologists for more than a century. Although Korkai is recognised as an ancient Port City, it’s Precise location is still a point of conjecture. Korkai is now a remote village. An attempt is made now to locate the port based on field exploration , folk beliefs, and coastal geology and geomorphology. All tour and Travel needs for India by Indian travel agent.

Manapadu
18 Kms, from Tiruchendur. It is one the sea-shore at the Bay of Bengal. An ancient Roman Catholic Church is here where the cross is said to have been brought from Jerusalem. This Church is also associated with St. Xavier, the famous missionary from West. Since there are other small Churches here in this place, it is called as "Chinna Jerusalem" (Small Jerusalem).

Ottapidaram V.O.Chidambaranar Illam
Ottapidaram continues, to be a Tourism centre for Freedom fighters, since it is the birth place of the great patriot V.O.Chidambaranar. His house has been converted into a memorial and is preserved by the govt from 12-12-1961. His statue, life history and photo galleries are displayed in his memorial It is 167.12 sqm. Situated at 2/119, V.O.C. Street, Ottapidaram. Tour Incredible India with Indian Travel agent.

Thiruchendur
It is 40 Kms from Thoothukudi. Tiruchendur is Very popular for the seashore temple of Lord Subramanya. The temple tower and the sculptures of the temple are worth seeing. It is also ideal for sea bathing. The temple is one among the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.

Pandiya Madha church
One famous Church named" "Lady Snow" is here. It was built by Portugese in 1711.

Sri vaikundam
(30 km) Name of the presiding deity is Kannapiran.
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Thirupuliangudi
This Divya Desam is located about 2 Km. From Srivaikundam and 1 Km from Natham The 3 Thirupathis are situated on Srivaikuntam - Thoothukudi bus route. Presiding deity is Kasinavenda Perumal.

Vanchi Maniyachi
The original name of the place was Maniyachi which has been renamed as "Vanchi Maniyachi" in memory of the brave freedom fighter Vanchi Nathan, who shot dead the then British Collector of Tirunelveli here. All tour and Travel needs for India by Indian travel agent.