Located about 18 km south of
Tiruchendur, Manapad is a famous coastal village in
Tuticorin District. It is believed that St Francis Xavier visited the place in 1452.
Main attraction is an ancient church called Holy Cross Church (1581). According to some devotees, the cross of this church was brought from the Holy Jerusalem. Hence Manapad is also famous as small Jerusalem. Every year from the 1st to 14th of September, the holy cross is publicly displayed during the festival. The festival attracts thousands of people. Manapad also houses many small temples.
The nearest airport is at Madurai.
