If you love to explore local culture, then Uttan is the perfect weekend getaway within city limits that you can explore. Photos Courtesy: Nascimento Pinto
Visit the Lighthouse
The lighthouse is one of the glowing beacons in the Uttan village with its bright red colour as it overlooks the sea. Open between 4 to 5:30 pm in the evening. Visitors can buy a pass for Rs 10 if they want to click pictures anywhere on the premises. Called the Uttan Point Lighthouse, it was constructed in 1958 during the office of Shri SK Lahiri, who was the director general of lighthouses and lightships, New Dehli at the time. It was constructed by CK Patel and Co., based out of 62, Raviwar Peth, Poona - 2.
Walk through the fishing village
You can also walk through the village that includes both Kolis and East Indians among other communities. During the summer, you can spot the Kolis busy drying different kinds of fish not only at the highest points in the village but also along the roads. Soak in the distinct smell of fish to truly experience the essence of the village.
Spend time at Our Lady of Velankanni Church
For those who don't wish to walk, they can take a rickshaw ride that should cost you anywhere between Rs 100 - Rs 150. This will especially be beneficial when you have to travel to 'Our Lady of Velankanni Church' that is a beautiful church built a little over two decades ago near the Velankanni beach at Bhate Bunder. Also called, Bhate Bunder church and beach, it is a perfect spot not only for the devout but also for people who love the beach. It is ideal to go in the morning and avoid going during the day in the summer as it is very hot. However, with the monsoons almost here, it is perfect weather any time of the day. It is important to remember to not litter the place.
Visit Our Lady of the Sea Church
Apart from Velankanni Church, Uttan also has one of its oldest churches, Our Lady of the Sea Church, that is situated in the village and open to people of all faith to pray.
Eat local food
Last but not the least, tourists who come to live in the hotels and resorts in Uttan Village can also eat local food either by ordering from locals like Sunita Farro on 7568620111. They can also ride or drive down the Uttan to Dongri road and look for a roadside stall on the right side run by Nixon Kinny and his family. Indulge in local East Indian food as they not only cook non-vegetarian options in seafood like crab, prawns and golden anchovies but also other kinds of specials that are reasonable and delicious as an average meal for two people would come up to Rs 600.
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