Here’s a carefully planned 2‑Day Travel Itinerary for Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), followed by a comprehensive table of all major attractions with popularity, average visit duration, and entry fees.
Day 1: Coastal & Cultural Highlights
08:00 – 09:00 Morning beach experience at Tuticorin Beach — enjoy sunrise, fishermen’s activities, and morning calm.
09:00 – 10:30 Our Lady of Snows Basilica — early visit to this Portuguese-style basilica with rich history and ambiance
10:45 – 12:15 Roche Park or harbour-side stroll — take in coastal greenery and local life
12:15 – 13:30 Lunch at a local eatery (seafood or South Indian cuisine)
13:45 – 15:00 VOC Port area + Golden Jubilee Tower viewpoint — admire ship activity and panoramic coastal views
15:15 – 16:00 Holy Trinity Church (CSI) or St. John’s Cathedral — serene colonial-era architecture
16:15 – 17:30 Manapad Beach or jetty viewpoint — calm sea views and scenic cliffs
17:45 – 19:00 Evening food walk — sample beach snacks like kothu parotta and dry‑fish kebabs
19:15 – 20:30 Dinner near town center
Day 2: Nature, Spiritual & Heritage
07:00 – 11:00 Excursion to Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary (≈80 km away) — enjoy wildlife trails and biodiversity
11:30 – 12:30 Lunch en route
13:15 – 15:30 Thiruchendur Murugan Temple — one of the ancient “Six Abodes of Murugan,” located by the sea
16:00 – 17:30 Hare Island boat ride — short trip to a coral‑fringed island near the port
17:45 – 18:45 Pearl City Beach — unwind and reflect on local pearl-fishing heritage
19:00 – 20:30 Dinner and leisurely final evening in town
Attractions Table
| Rank | Place | Avg Time | Entry Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thiruchendur Murugan Temple | 2 hrs | Free |
| 2 | Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary | 4 hrs | ~₹100–₹300 (est., sanctuary fee) |
| 3 | Our Lady of Snows Basilica | 1.5 hrs | Free |
| 4 | Hare Island | 1.5 hrs | Boat: ₹100–₹300 per ride |
| 5 | VOC Port / Golden Jubilee Tower | 1 hr | Free |
| 6 | Tuticorin Beach | 1–1.5 hrs | Free |
| 7 | Roche Park / Harbour Park | 0.75 hrs | Free |
| 8 | Manapad Beach / Jetty Viewpoints | 1 hr | Free |
| 9 | CSI Holy Trinity Church / St John’s Cathedral | 0.5 – 1 hr | Free |
| 10 | Pearl City Beach | 0.5 hr | Free |
| 11 | Kattabomman Memorial Fort | 1 hr | ₹2 adults, ₹1 child |
| 12 | Pathrakaliamman Temple (Puthiamputhur) | 1 hr | Free |
Tips & Notes
- Best seasons: November–February for pleasant weather, especially during port and wildlife visits.
- Transport: Use local taxis or self-drive rentals. Sanctuary and temple day trips benefit from early starts.
- Clothing: Modest attire for religious sites; bring sunscreen and hats for beach/wildlife days.
- Booking: Organize boat rides for Hare Island and port from local harbours; check timings and group boat schedules.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Bring water, light snacks, and comfortable walking shoes for the morning visit.
This itinerary blends coastal vistas, cultural and spiritual exploration, wildlife adventure, and local experiences—perfect for covering the highlights without rush.