page_title: Thoothukudi
section_title: Entertainment and leisure
hierarchical_section_title: Thoothukudi / Entertainment and leisure
caption_attribution_description: English: A Typical Macroon made in Tuticorin
context_page_description: Thoothukudi, also known by its former name Tuticorin, is a port city, a municipal corporation and an industrial city in Thoothukudi district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The city lies in the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal. Thoothukudi is the capital and headquarters of Thoothukudi district. It is located about 590 kilometres southwest of Chennai, 190 kilometres northeast of Thiruvananthapuram and 580 kilometres southesst of Bengaluru. According to Confederation of Indian Industry, Thoothukudi has the second highest Human Development Index in Tamil Nadu next to Chennai. Thoothukudi City serves as the headquarters of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Limited. Major educational establishments in the city include Government Thoothukudi Medical College, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Maritime Academy, V.O. Chidambaram College, Kamaraj College, Anna University and Government Polytechnic College. V. O. Chidambaranar Port Trust is one of the fastest growing Major Ports in India. Thoothukudi is an "Emerging Energy and Industrial hub of South India".
  Thoothukudi is known as "Pearl City" due to the pearl fishing carried out in the town.
context_section_description: Thoothukudi has All India Radio Station which Carries AIR External Services for South Asia in English, Sinhala and Tamil (1053 kHz). FM Radio Stations in Thoothukudi City include Suryan FM (93.5 MHz), Hello FM (106.4 MHz). Thoothukudi is the landing point for the first undersea cable of BSNL connecting Thoothukudi with Colombo.
  The city has Tharuvai Multi Purpose Stadium which is maintained by Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. Thoothukudi Gymkhana Club has two Synthetic Turf Tennis courts, Thoothukudi is the only other place after Chennai in Tamil Nadu to have this modern facility. Thoothukudi is known for its bakery items especially Macaroon. It is a light, baked confection including recipes like Almond, Coconut and Nut (fruit). Thoothukudi macaroon is slightly different from European macaroon since it contains Cashew as a main ingredient.
  The Shiva temple in the centre of the town and the Our Lady of Snows Basilica are the major religious attractions in the city. The Church attracts lot of visitors around the country and is one of catholic pilgrimage centres in India dedicated to Virgin Mary.
  Muthu Nagar New Beach (located opposite Caldwell Higher Secondary School), Roche Park (located on the southern corner of the city), Harbour Beach park (located about 10 km south of the city), Nehru Park (located in the northern side of the city), Rajaji Park (near the Government hospital), Bharat Ratna Puratchi Thalaivar M.G.R. Park (near Thoothukudi Corporation Burial Ground), M.G.R Park (near Nila Sea Foods) and Pearl City Beach are the primary attractions of the city. Pearl City Beach was developed and inaugurated in 2013. There are numerous islands located close to the city namely Hare Island (accessible by road), Nalla Thanni Island which attracts lot of visitors during weekends and festival seasons.
  The creek opposite to Roche Park has an eco park with Kayaking facilities that operates everyday from 6 AM to 6 PM. There are a variety of water sports activities in Pearl City beach which includes Jet skiing,  water scooters,  wind surfing,  paddle surfing,  bump rides,  banana boat ride,  fishing,  snorkelling and scuba diving.
  The church festival celebrated yearly during August and the Shiva temple festivals like Adi Amavasai, Sasti and Chittirai chariot festivals are the major festivals of the land.
caption: Thoothukudi Macroons
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