Tuticorin alias Thoothukudi is the main city and  head quarters in Tuticorin district situated 51km east of Thirunelveli . It is a major industrial and commercial centre and also a harbour. The port here is the busiest in Tamil Nadu after Madras, the chief export being cotton and rice. Once the city was well known for its pearls and was called as Pearl city. Industries like SPIC fertilizer, Sterlite, Thermal, TAC, a heavy water plant, etc. are located here. It is a major pearl fishing and salt production centre.
Ariyakulam bird sanctuary is on the way to Tuticorin. Variety of birds gathered here in large numbers for procreation from the month of March to June.