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Thoothukudi is a beach city in Tamil Nadu, also known as ‘Pearl City’ due to the extensive pearl mining that has been taking place for the past few centuries. This bustling city has a lot to offer its tourists, be it beaches to surf, parks and hangout spots for whole families, temples, and century-old churches to offer prayers and their delectable cuisine. There are a lot of things to do in Thoothukudi, also known as Tuticorin, for a memorable vacation. This is a perfect place for solo travellers as well as family vacations.
14 Things To Do In Thoothukudi
From visiting historical forts to exploring holy shrines, some of the most prominent things to see in Thoothukudi mainly include.
1. Visit The Sri Vaikuntam Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Sri Vaikuntam temple in Thoothukudi is a prominent religious spot for tourists. The temple was built to honour Lord Vishnu and is one of the nine sacred Vishnu temples in India. The architecture of this temple is fascinating, as it has various carvings of Idols and Elphants on it. The huge temple witnesses thousands of pilgrims each day, especially during the festivals of Chithirai and Vaikasi. During festivals, the temple is decorated as people from all over the world visit to pay their respects and seek blessings.
Best Time To Visit: April to May
Entry Fee: Free entry
Timings: 7 AM – 2 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
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2. Visit The Holy Trinity Church
Photo: SS Travel Vlogs / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Holy Trinity Church in Thootukudi is famous for its beautiful architecture and peaceful environment. The building is quite tall, and the exterior is completely white, which looks magnificent in the daytime. If you are looking for a tranquil place to spend some time and reflect, visiting this church should be one of the things to do in Thoothukudi during your visit. You can attend the regular prayer sessions and light candles in the church. During Christmas and New Year, the church is lit with lights and candles, and the melody of Caroles fills your heart with happiness.
Best Time To Visit: All year round
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Opens on Sunday from 7 AM – 8:30 AM and 6 PM – 7:30 PM
3. Visit Tuticorin Port
Photo: V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tuticorin Port is a major attraction for tourists and should be on your list of things to do in Thoothukudi. The artificial port has been renamed as V.O. Chidambaranar. This is one of the oldest and busiest ports in India and is often referred to as the heart of the city as it is an important business centre. Explore Thoothukudi Port, take in the vibrant ambience of the trading port, and watch as large cargo ships unload their cargo or when the loaded ships leave the port. The whole process is quite fascinating, especially for children.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free entry
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Saturday and Sunday closed)
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4. Explore Ottapidaram
Photo: Blink Pause Photography / Unsplash
Ottapidaram is a beautiful small town in Pearl City that cannot miss a spot in your itinerary of things to do in Thoothukudi. This place is of great cultural and historical importance. There are various churches, temples, and mosques to pay respect to if you are looking for spiritual peace. Also, this place is a gold mine for history enthusiasts because this place has a lot of significant historical attractions, like the house of V.O. Chidambaram, who was a renowned freedom fighter. This can prove to be a fun educational vacation for children. Ottapidaram is also known for its picturesque landscape and beaches.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free entry
Timings: 24*7
5. Leisure Time At The Thoothukudi Roach Beach
Photo: Fabian Wiktor / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Thoothukudi Roach Beach is too good to not visit, as you will miss one of the best sunsets. To witness a picturesque view of the beautiful sky and the sun going down, you have to plan an evening at the beach. The scenic view and the landscape are breathtaking. Aldo enjoys the local cuisine of the city, as there are various vendors at the beach. There are numerous water activities at the beach too. If you want to indulge in swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving, you should add this place to your itinerary of things to do in Thoothukudi.
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
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6. Visit Kalugumalai
Photo: Kasiarunachalam / Wikimedia Commons
Kalugumalai is a small town in Thoothukudi district where Lord Mahavir used to preach and worship. Later, it became of great importance to the Jain community. It is of great cultural importance due to its rich historical ties. The name translates to “Hill of Vultures.” There are various temples and sacred spots in this place, which makes it famous among pilgrims. During festivals, the place gets quite crowded as people from all over the world visit to seek blessings at temples. If you are wondering what things to do in Thoothukudi, you can consider this sacred place and have a divine experience.
Best Time To Visit: All year round
Entry Fee: Free entry
Timings: 24*7
7. Visit The Kattamboman Memorial Fort
Photo: Rajkumar vs / Wikimedia Commons
For all history aficionados, this memorial fort should be a part of things to do in Thoothukudi due to its cultural importance. It was built to pay tribute to renowned independence fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomma Karuthayya Nayakkar, who lost his life fighting for the country. The majestic structure was built back in 1974 with beautiful architecture. The surrounding landscape and natural view enhance your entire experience and take you back in time. This is a perfect spot for a family outing and to know more about the tales of bravery and heroism of our freedom fighters.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free entry
Timings: 8 AM – 1 PM and 3 PM – 6 PM
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8. Explore The Thiruchendur Murugan Temple
Photo: Aravind Sivaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is one of the most esteemed temples of Thoothukudi This holy site draws millions of worshippers annually who come to honour Lord Murugan. He is one of the most worshipped gods of Tamil Nadu. Visiting the place during the Skanda festival is one of the best things to do in Thoothukdi. The temple stands out from others as it houses Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in all forms. To have a divine experience, plan a visit to this temple and attend the aarti to feel the connection with God.
Best Time To Visit: All year round
Entry Fee: ₹ 20
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 9 PM
9. Day Trip To Mannapad
Photo: Ragul sambath / Unsplash
Regarding things to do in Thoothukudi, spending a day in Mannapad should be considered because this charming location is not worth missing out on. For any traveller seeking a remote, undiscovered location, Mannapad is the best option. There are various recreational activities you can indulge in with your family, like swimming and snorkelling. You get to witness the rich history and culture of Tamil Nadu in this place. The main attraction of this place is its location, as it is surrounded by artificial dunes and sea from three sides.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: Free entry
Timings: 24*7
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10. Visit Our Lady Of Snows Shrine Basilica
Photo: Mamichaelraj / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do in Thoothukudi is to visit Our Lady of Snows Shrine, which was built to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was a source of inspiration and peace for the Catholic community. You can attend the holy mass and prayer meetings to witness the transformational powers of faith created by the shrine’s grandeur. If you wish to connect with the divine power and learn about the history of the shrine and its Gothic-style architecture, then you should not think further about what to do in Thoothukudi.
Best Time To Visit: November-February
Entry Fee: Free entry
Timings: 4 AM – 8 PM
11. Offer Prayers At The St James Church
Photo: Debby Hudson / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
St James Church is a small yet beautiful church in Thoothukudi. Built during the colonial rule, the church signifies the region’s colonial past, maritime legacy, and Christian heritage. The church is a fine example of British colonial architecture, featuring red-brick walls, Gothic-style arched windows with coloured glass panels, a simple yet elegant altar and pulpit, and a peaceful churchyard. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture lover or a spiritual seeker, exploring St James Church is a must.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM & 2 PM – 6 PM
12. Admire The Grandeur Of Ettaiyapuram Palace
Photo: Paramatamil / Wikimedia Commons
Ettaiyapuram Palace, one of Thoothukudi’s famous places, encapsulates rich history and grandeur. The old-world charm of this jewel and its extensive history make it a major tourist attraction of the region. Today, even if the palace has worn out, it still garners a lot of tourists from all across the world. The Ettayapuram Palace, sprawling over 18 acres, was once a symbol of regal opulence. Its numerous compartments and blocks housed artefacts like palanquins and a five-foot idol of Lord Saraswati.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
13. Soak In The Scenic Beauty Of Tiruchendur Beach
Photo: Aravind Sivaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Blessed with turquoise-blue water, pristine golden sands, and lush green vegetation, Tiruchendur Beach is a coastal paradise nestled in Thoothukudi. The beach offers a blend of serene natural beauty and sacred traditions. The proximity of the beach to the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple makes this beach a must-visit for travellers seeking a spiritual retreat in the lap of nature. The beach is relatively quiet from the other commercialised beaches and promises moments of relaxation and reflection against a picturesque backdrop.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 24*7
14. Relish A Coastal Retreat At Thoothukudi Harbour Beach
Photo: Ramkumar / Wikimedia Commons
Thoothukudi Harbour Beach is not a postcard-perfect beach but a major tourist destination in Thoothukudi. It offers a glimpse of the raw and authentic local culture of the region. Here, you can spot massive cargo ships moving across the horizon, fishermen setting sail, and the quintessential Harbour Lighthouse. You can also enjoy a long walk along the shore, taking in the scenic vistas of the surroundings and try some delicacies from the local shops. Whether you’re a traveller looking for something offbeat or a local seeking a moment of calm, this beach is the perfect place for you.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 24*7
The blend of cultural heritage, spirituality, and sceneries blesses Thoothukudi or Tuticorin, and it is the ultimate destination for a refreshing retreat. From the busy port to the silent shores of Roach Beach, the divine atmosphere in Vaikuntam and Murugan temples in Thoothukudi promises a memorable vacation. A visit here with TripXL would enrich you through its history, spirituality, and natural beauty, making it one of the must-visit places in Tamil Nadu.
Cover Photo: Mari Ganesh Kumar / Unsplash
