Thoothukudi is a port town situated in the Gulf of Mannar about 125KM. North of Cape Commorin and 650KM South of Madras-Map No.1 shows the location of Thoothukudi in Tamilnadu. Thoothukudi and its environs form part of the coastal belt which forms a continuous stretch of the flat country relieved here and there by small rockout crops. The regions, surrounding Thoothukudi is liberally dotted with rain fed tanks. Red soils found on the southern side of the Thoothukudi Town is composed of quartz and variable quantities of fine red dry dust. The port is an all weather one. The bay formed by the Hare Island, Devils point and the main land gives ample protection to the alighters from monosoonic weather. The port hinterland of Thoothukudi extend to the districts of Madurai, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Ramnad and also southern parts of Tiruchirappalli and encompasses an area of about 41,600 Sq.Km. and a population of over 10 million. This hinterland is a fast growing industrial belt of South India. Thoothukudi is ranks 6 th town in Tamilnadu by size of population (2,16,033 as per 2001 Census) with an extent of 13.47 sq.km. It is served by three main roads which radiate to Madurai, Tiruchendur and Tirunelveli. It is also the terminal of the broad gauge railway line which connect Thoothukudi with the Southern Railway broad gauge system.
Transportation Linkages :
The town is well connected by the National Highways Roads with Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari and Rameswaram city. The town is also linked with Mannar sea.
Temperature :
The maximum temperature during summer is 39 o C and during winter it is 32 o C. The minimum from 30 o C to 32 o C. The weather is uniformly salubrious.
Rain Fall :
The town gets minimum rain fall during the South West Monsoon period.
Nature of Soil :
The major group of soils that are found in the town are sandy variety.