Thoothukudi town is known as the “ Pearl City” due to the pearl fishing in the region. The Thoothukudi region was ruled by the Pandyas from 7th to the 9th century and was ruled by the Cholas from the 9th century to the 12th century. The port at Thoothukudi flourished with business. The Portugese in the sixteenth century  and the Dutch traders in the 17th century  colonized the region. The British captured the region from the Dutch in 1782. 

The district has beautiful coastal towns with sacred temples, churches and mosques. The remains of ancient civilization are found in Adhichanallur. Many freedom fighters such as Veerapandya Kattabomman, V.O Chidambaram Pillai,  Subramaniya Bharathi, Vanchinathan, are from this district. The district is also the home of G.U.Pope, Caldwell and Veeramamunivar who have contributed to the growth of Tamil language and literature. 

Ettayapuram. Kazhugumalai, Tiruchendur, Panimaya Madha Church, Kayalpattinam, Korkai, Panchalamkurichi, Nava Thirupathi, Navakailayam are some of the interesting tourist places in the district. 

Marine trading, fishing, tourism and agriculture are the main industries in the district. Many thousands of species of flora and fauna are found in this region.