Tuticorin is the gateway of tamilnadu as mumbai which is the gateway of india. It is a major seaport in india. It is also called pearl city as pearl fishing is major occupation and the oyseters yield a fine quality of pearl. It is mojor industrial centre too. Spic fertilizer plant, heavy water plant, a thermal power station, chemical factories etc. are all located here. It is  also a major salt producing centre in tamilnadu. It was made in to a new district from tirunelveli and is the district headquarters. It is 48 kms from tirunelveli.