Virapandianpatnam


Virapandianpattanam or Virapandianpatnam, a village on the south-eastern coast of Indian peninsular near Thiruchendur, Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu. Many people of this village were converted to Roman Catholicism by St. Francis Xavier by 1544.

Village Center

The focal point of the village is a Roman Catholic church which was built in 1886. Surrounding the church is the village cemetery, a grotto for Mother Mary, the Priest's quarters, a high school and a nursery. Sprinkled around the village are different chapels for various saints. The church has daily masses, one at 5:15am and 6:30am. Most masses are broadcast over the church speakers and most in the village can hear it from their homes. The Church recently got a face lift with new paint and pews throughout the church. The literacy is 98%. It is one of the oldest churches in South India.

Economy

Although many of the villagers are now into various other businesses and occupations, fishing and fish related business are the main source of income among the people who currently reside in this village.

Infrastructure

The nearest airport is Thoothukudi Vagaikulam Airport which is about an hour drive from Virapandianpattanam. Most major cities in Tamil Nadu can be accessed via bus. The easiest way to access Patnam is to take the train from Chennai to Thoothukudi and either take a taxi or a bus. One other easy way is to take a bus from Chennai. There are many private luxurious buses from Chennai that can take one in relative comfort in about 9 hours.

Educational institutions

Colleges

1. Aditanar College of Arts & Science

Schools

1. St. Thomas Higher Secondary School.

2. St. Thomas Anglo Indian Metriculation School.

3. St. Joseph's Convent School.

4. St. Mary's Primary School

Technical Institutes

1. ITI - Industrial Training Institute.