Thoothukudi is head quarters of the Thoothukudi district and it is famed for pearl fishing, production of salt, fishing and other related business. Thoothukudi is in the extreme south of Tamil Nadu, was called Tuticorin earlier. The added attraction to this port city is because it has a natural harbour. Besides all this, it has importance because it is from this place that the freedom fighter V.O.Chidambaram Pillai set sail his ship to protest against British supremacy over India. There are stretches of sunny and sandy beaches that are restful and calm. There are several towns that have historical and religious significance that are around Thoothukudi. They are Thiruchendur, Manapad, Kazhugumalai, Ottapaitapitram. Panchalankuruchi, Ettayapuram, Kayalpattinam, Navathiruppathi, Kulasekarapattinam, Puliyampatti, Pannavilai Deviaseyalpuram and Korkai. The town has a centre for folk art and there are handicraft centres.