Virapandianpatnam

Virapandianpattanam or Virapandianpatnam is a village on the southeastern coast of the Indian peninsula, near Thiruchendur, Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu. Many people were converted to Roman Catholicism there by St. Francis Xavier by 1544.

Virapandianpatnam Virayampathy
village
Virapandianpatnam Location in Tamil Nadu, India Virapandianpatnam Virapandianpatnam (India)
Coordinates: 8°31′12″N 78°7′5″E
Country	India
State	Tamil Nadu
District	Thoothukudi District
Government
• Body	Virapandianpattnam Panchayath
Languages
• Official	Tamil
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	628216
Telephone code	04639
Vehicle registration	TN 92
Nearest city	Thoothukudi
Lok Sabha constituency	Thoothukudi
Vidhan Sabha constituency	Tiruchendur
Civic agency	Virapandianpattnam Panchayath

Village Center

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

Economy

Although many of the villagers are involved in various other businesses and occupations, fishing and fish-related businesses are the village's main sources of income.

Infrastructure

The nearest airport is Thoothukudi Vagaikulam Airport, about a one-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, then take either a taxi or bus. Another other easy way is to take a bus from Chennai. Many luxurious private buses from Chennai can take one to Patnam 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.

External links

• http://www.pattanam.com