Discuss the major sea ports of southern India with their characteristics.

The major seaports of southern India are discussed below:

(i) Kochi Port: It is the extreme south-western port. It is located at the entrance of a lagoon with a natural harbour.

(ii) Tuticorin Port (Tamil Nadu): It has a natural harbour and rich hinterland. It has a flourishing trade handling of a large variety of cargoes to even our neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, etc. and the coastal regions of India.

(iii) Chennai Port: It is one of the oldest artificial ports of lndia. It is the second port next to Mumbai in terms of the volume of trade and cargo.

(iv) Vishakhapatnam Port: It is the deepest landlocked and well-protected port.