Hare Island

About Hare Island

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.

Heir (Hare) Island is one of Carbery’s Hundred Isles that lie scattered throughout Roaringwater Bay. The island is beautifully located, surrounded by a panorama of Sherkin Island, Cape Clear, the Calf Islands, the East and West Skeams, and Mount Gabriel to the North. Visitors should be aware that Heir Island is sometimes referred to as “Hare Island” on roadsigns.

In the Annals of Clonmacnoise, under the year 1087, we find the following entry: “Munstermen brought a greater fleet on the river of Synann, and Loghrye & robbed and took spoyles of the churches upon the islands of the Lough, King of Connaught, seeing, hee caused to be stopped the foordes on the Synann called Adyrchreach and Rathkrae, to the end they should be at liberty to pass the said passages at their Returnes, and were driven to the turne to Athlone where they were overtaken by Donell Mcfflynn O’Melaghlin, King of Meath, to whose protection they wholly committed themselves and yielded all their shippes, barkes, boates and coyttes alsoe to be disposed off at his pleasure, which hee received and sent safe conduct with them until they were left in their native place in Mounster”

In the parliament of 1661 Athlone was represented by a Dublin merchant, Ridgely Hatfield, who was sheriff of Westmeath, and Lt. Arthur St. George, both of whom were ex-commonwealth supporters. In the Cromwellian settlements Hatfield was granted land including Hare Island. It passed from the Hatfield family to a family named Hackett in the eighteenth century. The Hackett family in turn sold the island to the Handcock family, one of the two ruling families of Athlone, who had their seat at Moydrum Castle and a sporting lodge on Hare Island.

Apart from the landlords of the island there was also a peasant population. A family called Duffy, the proprietors of the island today, has had a connection with the island for over 200 years. In common with many of the other islands it is virtually impossible to say when they arrived on the island but educated guess would suggest that it was following seventeenth century land confiscations in Roscommon.

Nearest Visiting places

Srivaikuntam and Alwarthiru-nagari:
Srivaikuntam - Swami KallapiranThese are two Vaishnavaite shrines, which lies on the way to Tiruchendur from Tirunelveli. It is also known as Kailasapuram and has the Nataraja shrine and 8 artistically carved pillars. The most well known among them is the Kallapiran. Vaikuntanatha is the festival deity and the presiding deity of here.The sun rays fall on the main deity as token of worship on the 6th day of the Tamil month Chitthirai (April). The idol of the deity is most gracefully carved with club in hand. The pillars of the mandapam contain the carvings of lions, Yalis and elephants. During the patriotic war of Kattabomman with the British, the temple acted as a fort. There is a mud enclosure of 10 ft high running round with a gate in the middle in the north of the town. The women of this fort never mix with people beyond the wall. The outside world is sealed for them. They are called Kattai pillaimars as they never marry outside their tribe.

Nava Thiruppathis:
Navathiruppathis are the nine holy shrines of Vishnu of the district Thoothukudi. These are Thiruvaikundam, Thiruvaraguna-mangai, Thiruppulingudi, Thirukkulandai, Thirutholaivilli Mangalam, South Thirupperai, Thirukkolur and Alwar Thirunagari. The Sri Aravinda Lochana sanctum in Thiruvaikuntam is also considered as one Thiruppathi. The Nava Thiruppathis are near one another in this district.

Panchalamkurichi:
Kattabomman memorial fort This place is situated 54 kms from Tirunelveli and 3 kms from Ottappidaram. This is the home town of a 17th century freedom fighter named Kattabomman. Kattabomman`s original fort is damaged now and under the custody of Archaeological Survey of India. The Government of Tamil Nadu constructed the Kattabomman memorial fort in Panchalamkurichi in 1974.

Ettaiyapuram:
The national poet Bharathiar was born here. It is situated 71 kms from Tirunelveli. Manimandapam was constructed here for Bharathiyar. A memorial for Bharathiyar can also be seen here.

Manappadu:
It is situated 71 kms from Tirunelveli on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. A 400-year-old Holy Cross Church is seen here. Some fragments of the True Cross from Jerusalem are enshrined here. It is one of the churches connected with St. Francis Xavier.

Nearest Petrol Pump

**DCW Petrol Pump:**SH 176, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu,India

**Indian Oil Petrol Pump:**L.F Road, Arumuganeri, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu,India

**Kayalpatanam Petrol Pump:**L.F Road, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu,India

**Thirupathi Petrol Pump:**SH 44, Ettaiyapuram, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

For accommodation near Hare Island, nearby towns offer budget lodges, guesthouses, and mid-range hotels. Book ahead during peak season (December-March).

Help Line/Phone Number

Tuticorin South Police Station:Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu,India

Tharuvaikulam Police StationThoothukudi, Tamil Nadu,India

Arumuganeri Police Station:Arumuganeri, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu,India

Government Hospital:Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu,India

AVM Hospital:Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu,India

Arul raj Heart hospital:Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu,India

Fatima Hospital:Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu,India

Location info

• **Address:**Hare Island,Thoothukudi,Tamil Nadu,India

• **District:**Thoothukudi

• **Nearest City:**Thoothukudi

• Best time to visit: November to February

Climate & weather

• Summer Temp: 36°C Max 32°C Min
  Winter Temp: 23°C Max 10°C Min

History of Hare Island

In the Annals of the Four Masters it states that in 894 AD: “An army was led by the Connaughtmen into Westmeath, Inis Aingin was profaned and a man was mortally wounded in the middle of it, and the shrine of Ciaran there, and a synod of seniors, with Cairbre Crom, Bishop of Cluain-Mic-Nois. A victory was gained on the same day over the Connaughtmen, at Ath-Luain [Athlone], by [the men of] Westmeath, and a slaughter of heads left behind with them”.

Things to do at Hare Island

Activities: Art classes, bird watching, diving, walking, cycling, sailing and sailing courses.
Did you know?: Houses on the island fit in with the traditional cottage design that dates back to the 1920s and which has been uniquely preserved to this day.
Highlights: Sandy beaches; angling and boat trips around neighbouring islands; cookery classes.

Things to visit & highlights

Flora and Fauna:
Today the island remains in private ownership. It is a haven for wild-life and a wonderfully natural habitat – with its predominantly oak woodland and exceptionally rich ground flora. Examples of rare and unusual plant-life found on the island include the narrow leafed helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia), betony (Stachys officinalis) and the water germander (Teucrium scordium). The bird-life recorded in the vicinity of Hare Island includes the Manx shearwater, common scoter, red breasted merganser, woodcock, garden warbler and blackcap. The island boasts a healthy population of butterflies including the Brimstone a large yellow butterfly which is abundant along the Shannon where its larvae can be found on buckthorn, but it is absent from much of the country. during field-trips to the area in 1976-77.

How to reach Hare Island

**Nearest Railway Station:**Thoothukudi is well connected by broad Gauge Rail. Tuticorin City railway Station is declared as a Model station and several infrastructure developments are in process.

• **Nearest Airport:**VagaiKulam is the nearest airport to Thoothukudi.

• **Road Transport:**The city is well connected by National Highways with Madurai and Tirunelveli.

Best time to visit Hare Island

November to March when the sea is calm and weather is pleasant. Early morning departures are recommended. Avoid monsoon months (June–September) when boat services are suspended due to rough seas.

Timings & opening hours

Accessible during daylight hours, typically 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Boat services operate on fixed schedules depending on weather and sea conditions. Confirm boat timings before visiting.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee may apply if maintained by the forest department or tourism authority. Boat fare to the island: INR 100–500 per person depending on distance. Private boat hire may cost more.

Duration needed

Half-day to full-day visit depending on the island’s size and attractions. Allow 30–60 minutes each way for boat travel. A relaxed visit including exploration and lunch typically takes 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Wear a life jacket during the boat ride — always provided by operators. Check weather conditions before departure — avoid travel in rough seas. Follow boat operator safety instructions. Carry seasickness medication if prone. Inform someone about your island visit schedule.

Things to carry

Water bottle, snacks, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, towel, change of clothes, basic first aid kit. Seasickness medication if needed. Plastic bags for wet items.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: nearest regional airport on the mainland. Nearest railway station: on the mainland. The harbour town is accessible by road from all parts of Tamil Nadu.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Near Hare Island, local restaurants serve authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine including idli, dosa, vada, sambar, and rice-based meals.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Hare Island? November to March when the sea is calm and boat services operate smoothly. Avoid the monsoon months (June–September).

How do I reach Hare Island? The island is accessed by boat from the nearest coastal town. Tourism department and private boats operate during fair weather.

Are there facilities available on the island? Facilities on the island vary. Some islands have basic amenities, while others are largely untouched. Carry essentials including water and food.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Tamilnadu
• Category: Islands

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.