Hare Island, Thoothukudi

Hare Island, Thoothukudi

Hare Island is an island which lies adjoining the Tuticorin port. It is a very good picnic spot for holiday seekers and the domestic tourist. Many tourists visit here during the Pongal holidays when special buses are operated for the benefit of the tourists. Hare Island is also called as Pandyan Theevu among tourist and locals both.

It is located at a mere distance of about 6 Km in the east of Thoothukudi and is the closest island of the city. Due to its proximity to the city, Hare Island attracts numerous visitors over the weekends all the time. The Pandyan Theevu is of Two parts, north (Thoothukudi Taluk) and south (Srivaikundam Taluk). The local name of the northern part is Hare Island or Muyal Theevu.

It forms part of Thoothukudi revenue village (i.e) village no.28 as per the survey records. The survey number of the island is 394 of Thoothukudi Taluk and the southern part is 394 of Srivaikundam Taluk. It was first surveyed, mapped and included in the land records in 1911 by the Deputy Director of Survey of the Government of Madras Presidency.

Hare Island forms a part of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. With an area of 1.29 square kilometres, Hare Island is the largest island in the Gulf of Mannar. Hare Island is no longer an island as it is connected by road. This island is located near the port. Both locals and tourists from outside visit this island for leisure. 

Festival of Pongal is the best time to visit this island, as numerous buses are operated at that time to reach here and a huge number of people visit the island at the same time. It is no doubt the best picnic spot of entire Thoothukudi.