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Explore nearby places

• Nagapattinam
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Velankanni throughout the year

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• Average Climate: 22 °C - 32 °C
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• STD Code: 04365

Velankanni Travel Guide

A small hamlet in Tamil Nadu on the sandy shore of the Bay of Bengal, Velankanni is 350 km far from Chennai and 14 km south of Nagapattinam. Velankanni is an eminent tourist destination and as a great deluge of pilgrims turn up here, like Lourdes in France, it is nicknamed as Lourdes of the East. Numerous tourists come and visit the church of Mother Mary. Delicate handlooms and silk are extensively available in Velankanni. you can also make velankanni tour where you can enjoy in the beach alongg with your family.

Here is the list of top tourist attractions in Velankanni

Some of the famous tourist attractions in Velankanni are the -

Velankanni Church:

The shrine here is dedicated to Our Lady of Health, the Madonna of Velankanni, and is well-known as Sacred Arogya Matha Church. Fully consecrated to Virgin Mary and the Heavenly Mother, this church is nestled on the shores of the Bay of Bengal.

Velankanni festival:

For ten days from 28th August to 10th September every year, a magnanimous festival is celebrated at the Velankanni Church. Pilgrims from different parts of India and even abroad throng to the site, bathe religiously in the sea, have their heads shaved and then walk on their knees or roll up to the shrine as rituals.

Sri Rangam Temple:

The first Vaishnava temple in South India, this temple, located in Trichy, is the premier amongst the 108 Vaishnava divyadesas.

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A Sanctuary of Faith and Heritage

By ranjini vincent, last updated: 22 jan 2021.

Lourdes in France is a well-known pilgrimage site dedicated to the Marian Apparitions. What if I tell you that a tiny town of Velankanni in Tamil Nadu, India resembles this location? The Basilica of Velankanni, also know as the Velankanni shrine attracts millions of visitors from across the world, some drawn by religious beliefs and others by the exquisite architecture. This little town harbors numerous churches, each with a unique significance but bound by a common faith in Mother Mary. It is one of the few Basilicas in the world and a must visit for the experience. A ritual started by my parents, we carry forward the tradition to this day. So what is it that draws us to this beautiful place? For me it is a pilgrimage. A place of peace and serenity to spend time reflecting on the bygones and refocus on the future. For others, it is a stunning heritage landmark that boasts of several churches with the most exquisite gothic-style architecture.

An overview of the several churches in Velankanni

The Velankanni Shrine - Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health

Famously known as The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, this town came into the limelight after the Marian apparitions believed to have taken place here in the 16th century and the saving of Portuguese sailors in the 17th century. The first apparition was of a mother with a child who appeared in front of a local shepherd boy who was delivering milk and second is believed to be to a young boy who was crippled and selling buttermilk. It is also believed that Portuguese sailors, who were in the middle of a storm, invoked the protection of Mother Mary. Soon the sea became calm and the ship landed in Velankanni on 8th September. The history of Velankanni is an interesting fact about Tamil Nadu that visitors should be aware of prior to their visit.

Since then, this day (8th September), the Nativity of Mary, is celebrated with great fervor. The two apparitions and the saving of the Portuguese sailors resulted in a shrine that was built to honor Our Lady of Good Health. Over the years numerous churches were constructed and each structure has a story to tell. Locals in Tamil Nadu refer to it as Velankanni Matha Church (Matha means mother). It is for this reason that they refer to Mother Mary as Velankanni matha. I have been exploring Velankanni for many years. I continue to discover new things every time I visit this holy place and keep adding them to Velankannin city guide as it helps other visitors.

Velankanni Church: Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health

In 1771, the small thatched shrine of Our Lady of Good Health was turned into a beautiful chapel. The chapel houses a beautiful statue of Mother Mary carrying a child (believed to be infant Jesus). This chapel is alongside a water tank, known as Matha Kulam (Our Lady's Tank) from which the shepherd boy is believed to have drunk water. This tank has never run out of water since and is believed to be holy water that devotees consume and carry back home. Several miracles are believed to have taken place on consumption of this holy water.

Our Lady's Tank, where Mother Mary appeared to the shepherd boy

The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health dates back to the 16th century and was built in the typical gothic style. Later, the architecture underwent changes following the Portuguese invasion. The main Basilica of Velankanni is the place where offerings are made and prayer services were held. Gradually, several expansions took place. The southern side of the church was extended in the year 1928 while the northern side underwent extension in 1933. However, in the year 1974-75, extensions were made keeping in mind the design of the Basilica in Lourdes, France. As it stands now, there is the main Basilica behind which is the Lower Basilica. Prayer services are held in both churches through the day in several languages. There is an additional church above the Lower Basilica where prayer services are held occasionally. All these extensions have been planned and executed seamlessly. One will not realize that these additions were made over a period of time, owing to the uniformity of all the structures. Exquisite, white, and stunning! Several phases of expansion took place owing to the increase in the number of pilgrims and travelers over the years.

Intricate architecture of the Basilica of Our Lady of Vailankanni

Besides the main Basilica and its extensions, there are smaller churches in the vicinity with specific significance. The Naduthitu Church is situated at the beginning of the road leading to the Basilica. This church signifies the place where the lame boy was healed by Mother Mary. Here no masses are offered; only pilgrims offer prayers and spend time in silence.

The Naduthitu Church, a symbol of the many miracles that are believed to have taken place here

Another beautiful place to spend time in silence and reflection is the Adoration Chapel. The approach to this chapel is scenically decorated and adds to the charm and peaceful ambience. Here one can spend hours in silence and experience tranquility and serenity that is surreal.

The Adoration Chapel - A place for reflection

Morning Star Church - a masterpiece of architecture

The latest addition to this conglomerate of churches is the Morning Star Church in Velankanni. This magnificent church is an architectural marvel. Besides the sheer size, the design and detail is unbelievable. The highlight though is the fact that this structure is engineered to stand without the support of a single pillar inside. Imagine that! The interiors are aesthetically done. The huge stained glass windows and the intricately designed doors enhance the beauty of the Church. The altar is exquisite and ornate, one of the largest in the world. Drawing your attention to the roof are the gigantic propeller fans that create a cool ambience. Once you enter the church you get lost in the enormity of every aspect of its construction and decor. This is one of those structures that will leave you awe struck. This is where Velankanni live mass is conducted in Tamil and English.

The Morning Star Church Velankanni: A masterpiece of architectural excellence; 500 ft. long, 150 ft. wide and 40 ft. high

Jesus Statue of Velankanni - the tallest in India

Jesus Statue of Velankanni is another wonder in this tiny town. This enormous statue can be seen from a distance and has placed Velankanni on the world map for its magnificence. The stupendous size is overwhelming and leaves you just standing there feeling tiny and insignificant. One thing that runs common in all the churches is the color, all the structures are predominantly white. This creates an ambience of purity and serenity everywhere.

Jesus Statue of Velankanni, a towering structure that is 200 ft. tall

As a pilgrim, there are several rituals that are followed. One of the common rituals is offering candles as thanksgiving. Wax replicas of various body parts are also offered to Mother Mary seeking recovery and healing from ailments. There is also the option to offer silver images of male, female, baby, house, wedding rings etc. Another famous ritual performed by devotees is tonsure. This is a very Indian culture and is usually done to fulfill vows for health and prosperity. One of the more challenging rituals that devotees undertake is walking on their knees on the sand along the Holy to fulfill their vows. This is usually done along the Holy Path leading to Our Lady's Tank. It is heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time. The path has beautiful depictions all along side. One side has the depictions of The Way of the Cross and the other has The Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. Pilgrims are also seen reciting the rosary while walking along the Holy Path. Annually, on September 8, the feast of Our Lady of Good Health (also known as the Velankanni festival) is celebrated with grandeur. Millions of pilgrims throng the place to participate in this auspicious celebration.

One of the beautiful depictions along the Holy Path

My favorite thing to do is spending time outside the church when the crowds have disappeared, in the calm of the night. The feeling of merging with the surroundings and imbibing the beautiful sensations is grounding and I head back to my resort feeling rejuvenated and blessed.

Stunning view of the Velankanni Shrine at night

Another attraction just outside the Main Basilica is The Velankanni Church Museum. This place is dedicated to the miracle that happened in the 16th century (the appearance of Virgin Mary) and has an extensive display of offerings made by individuals who have received favor and blessings from Mother Mary. It also has some of the greatest collection of the exhibits imparting immense knowledge about the churches. Inside the museum, there is a bookstall as well as counters to buy blessed oil, religious souvenirs, and offer masses.

St. Anne's Church

About 14 kms from Velankanni, is a small church known as St. Anne's Church famously known as St. Santhanamatha Church. This is one of the offbeat places to visit in Velankanni. History has it that in the 1930s, the statue of St. Santhanamatha was brought from Sri Lanka to this village of Rangiem near Velankanni. It is believed that the villagers started worshiping her and saw many wonders and miracles take place. Word spread about these miracles and people from near and far started visiting this church to offer their prayers. Over the years, this church was renovated to accommodate the massive flow of devotees. The church exudes the same positivity and calmness as that of the churches in Velankanni.

Saint Anne Catholic Church is also known as St. Santhanamatha Church

Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Nagapattinam

We traveled to Nagapattinam to visit Our Lady of Lourdes Church, which is also known as Nagapattinam Church. It is one of the oldest churches in the area and has a history of 600 years! Although it is a small, old church, the architecture is beautiful and there is such a positive aura in and around the church. This church is visited by a large number of devotees and it is a must visit if one visits Velankanni. We spent some time wandering around and absorbing the beauty and positivity of the place.

Visitors to Velankanni are overwhelmingly pilgrims, but there are also travelers in search of offbeat coastal destinations . This town caters to a broad spectrum of travelers and has a variety of accommodation from luxurious resorts to budget rooms. It is preferred to make advance booking during peak season as there are millions of pilgrims visiting at that time. Food is also available in a similar fashion. From simple south Indian meals to exotic seafood, it is all there for tourists to enjoy and experience. Of special mention are the live seafood counters along the beach which is a must try. Here, there is another interesting dish called Kothu Parotta. The preparation of this dish is performance in itself and keeps customers entertained.

A trip to Velankanni is always memorable, irrespective of how many times you visit. A place that bounced back after being devastated by the tsunami, it speaks volumes about the resilience of the people of this bustling town. Surely, special blessings and grace are upon this land. It is a place we would love to go back to over and over again. Rituals accomplished and blessings acknowledged, we leave this blessed abode heading back home, to move forward, renewed.

The beautiful holy town at night

Frequently Asked Questions :

Why is Velankanni church famous? The history of Velankanni churches dates back to the 16th century. It is believed that Mother Mary had appeared in this small village. It is the most revered pilgrimage in India for Catholics. In which year did Mother Mary appear in Velankanni? It is believed that Mother Mary with an infant child (believed to be Jesus) in her hand appeared in Velankanni during the 16th century. Why do people shave their head in Velankanni? Shaving head is an Indian tradition that devotees perform at pilgrimage places. This is their way to fulfill their wishes for health and safety of their children and family members.

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Ranjini Vincent

An environmentalist at heart and a management person by profession, people and nature is what makes me tick. Travel is a dream that I am pursuing and hope to realise slowly, but steadily. The experiences, the people, the land, all contribute to my personal growth and contentment. Sharing my stories is my way of connecting with people while capturing my memories.

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States › Tamil Nadu › Velankanni

Velankanni Travel Guide

Velankanni with its gorgeous beach, pristine churches, and euphoric markets has a wide zone for travellers to enjoy. This gorgeous beach destination in South India is located some 327 km south of Chennai and 152 km east of Tiruchirappalli. The must visit place - Velankanni is a small pilgrim attraction in Nagapattinam district. One can't afford to miss this part of Tamil Nadu, literally! The beautiful town of Velankanni is bestowed with few tourist attractions like Church of Mother Mary and Velankanni Beach. The Velankanni Beach is located just a short distance from the Church of Mother Mary which makes Velankanni one of the few destinations in Tamil Nadu that proffer the experience of both spirituality and gaiety at the same time. In addition, the beach in Velankanni is one of the largest and most-visited beaches in Tamil Nadu. Once done with playing in the azure water of the sea, one can explore the succulent taste of seafood from shops located across the shore.

Moreover, on a vacation in Tamil Nadu, one can't also afford to miss out on exploring the tranquility and calmness of Church of Mother Mary. With that, Velankanni is an ideal holiday destination in Tamil Nadu for those who are looking for a fun-filled as well as spiritual vacation together in one place. Apart from these places, shopping is one thing that lures many tourists to this place. On the way from the Church to Beach, there lie numerous shops where you can buy some souvenirs and gifts for your family and friends. Our Velankanni travel guide is overflowing with information on best places to visit and things to do, which is quite essential for every traveller looking to plan a Velankanni vacation. At Tour My India, you can also get customized tour packages that ensure a holiday unlike any other.

Best Time to Visit Velankanni

Winter is the best season to visit Velankanni. However, the other seasons also receives a heavy footfall of tourists. During the winter season, the weather remains favourable to tourism since it is easy for tourists to explore the town as compared to other seasons.

In the month of May, the summer season commences in Velankanni which continues lasts till May. The season experiences a hot and humid temperature which ranges between 26°C and 40°C. Due to this, it becomes difficult for travellers to explore the town to its full.

Monsoon in Velankanni is subjected to heavy rainfall which eventually creates inconvenience in sightseeing. The season starts in the month of June and lasts till September.

December is the month in which the winter season in Velankanni marks its onset. In the winter season, the weather remains pleasant and varies in between 20°C and 31°C which eventually becomes the ideal time to visit the Velankanni. The season ends in February.

Top Tourist Attractions and Things to Do around Velankanni

Velankanni is a paradise with many jewels and gems. This beaut destination in Tamil Nadu is utterly serene, natural, and distant from the hullaballoo of the city life. The place is ideal for a pilgrimage tour as well as a beach holiday, making it a must visit when planning a tour to Tamil Nadu.

Church of Mother Mary

Velankanni Church and Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health are some more names of the Church of Mother Mary is famous. Erected in the year 1962 by Pope John XXIII, this popular shrine in Velankanni is devoted to Our Lady of Health. Read more

Velankanni Beach

Probably, one of best family beaches in Tamil Nadu is Velankanni Beach. It is perfect for those looking for a relaxing time. One can spot numerous people swimming in the sea water while some can also be spotted at the seafood shops located on the shore.

Velankanni Festival

Every year, from 28 August to 8 September, a festival celebrated at Velankanni Church. As rituals, pilgrims take bath in the sea water, shave their head, and walk on their knees or roll up to the shrine. These 10 days are considered as highly auspicious days in Velankanni.

The town of Velankanni is extensively famous for handlooms and silk items. The lane that directs one from Velankanni Church to the beach is crammed with many shops. You can buy souvenirs for your home and gifts for your dear ones.

Where to Stay in Velankanni?

On a tour to Velankanni, one will not find any difficulty in finding accommodation of his type. From luxury to standard to budget, the town is crammed with hotels of all categories. A larger chunk of hotels is located in the proximity to the beach and church giving tourists a wonderful view of these two main attractions of Velankanni.

How to Reach Velankanni?

Velankanni is a small town located in the district of Nagapattinam in the state of Tamil Nadu. Being one of the popular tourist spots in Tamil Nadu, Velankanni is well-connected by all three means of transport.

For those who prefer airways as their prime means of travelling to Velankanni, Tiruchirappalli serves as the nearest airhead (155 km). The town through airways is easily accessible from all the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata through daily flights. Taxi/cab services are also available from the airport which you can hire in order to reach Velankanni.

Nagapattinam Junction is the nearest railway station from Velankanni which is located just at a distance of 12 km. From there, buses and taxis to Velankanni are available. Railway is one of the best ways to reach Velankanni.

The coastal town of Velankanni is also easily reachable by road networks from other major southern cities like Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Chennai, Madurai, and Pondicherry. Buses, both local and private, ply on a regular basis from these cities.

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Planning and Enjoying a Family Trip to Velankanni on a Budget

traveller Raina

Family trip to Velankanni can be a heartwarming experience. Spending time with loved ones at a destination as serene and religious as Velankanni feels good.

Located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Velankanni is a popular Roman Catholic pilgrim centre. The region is visited by many devout believers each year. Keeping the sanctity in mind, we too planned a family trip to Velankanni. 

Velankanni doesn’t just cater to travelers who want to explore their spiritual side but also to backpackers, solo travelers and normal tourists. Besides the holy shrine dedicated to Mother Mary, the place also comprises a few beaches and other travel-friendly spots.

I highly insist you venture out and take a family trip to Velankanni soon. This place is an offbeat location so you have even more reasons to visit it.

A Family Trip to Velankanni

Belonging to a middle-class family, the budget has always been a concern for my family when it comes to travel. As a child, I wasn’t much concerned about the budget spent on trips. But growing up, I too felt the need for budget travel. Hence, I did learn some travel hacks that helped me travel on a budget without cutting down on the fun.

I’ll share all the lessons learnt in my current blog but first, let me provide you with a few essential details about Velankanni. These will prove extremely useful for first-time travelers.

Important Travel Information about Velankanni

Planning a family trip to velankanni.

The first thing to bear in mind while you’re taking a family trip to Velankanni is the mode of transport. In our case,  the first option to go down the drain was the air travel option i.e. flight. Not only was boarding a flight expensive but also had various hassles associated with it.

As a family, we preferred travelling via train . That way we would reach Nagappattinam – the closest railway station to Velankanni. Also, it was the most budget-friendly option. Not to forget the comfort.

Since it was rainy season we took normal sleeper class tickets. They cost us quite less.

Budget transport tips

The shrine at Velankanni. Picture by Raina Lopes

Travelling Via Train – The Chuk Chuk Ride

While travelling by train, always take care of a few things. Sure, make your journey travel-friendly but prioritize your health too. It’s very important to eat food that is fresh and hygienic when you travel.

If possible (and travelling for a short distance), carry homemade food and a lot of clean water bottles. If carrying home-cooked food is not possible, at least ensure the hygiene of the food that you choose to consume. Never carry or eat something that will drive your bowels crazy.

Although there are washrooms on trains and are cleaned regularly, there can still be some hygiene issues. Hence try having light food.  If you’re carrying your own food items, don’t carry meals that comprise onion or those that easily rot. This may cause unnecessary wastage of food and extra expenditure.

On our family trip to Velankanni, we got fried rice back. But it surely was a mistake since they started to smell and finally got stale within a few hours. After that throughout our journey, we enjoyed the classic masala dosa ,  Idli chutney  and coffee that was served within the train itself.

On reaching Chennai, the first sips we took were that of filter coffee.

On our way ahead, when our train was passing through Guntakal and Cuddapah in Andhra Pradesh we purchased some Hyderabadi beads jewellery. Unnecessary shopping is something we girls need to cut out while traveling. We didn’t go for buying anything other than the neck pieces because those can be bought at a much cheaper price in our hometowns too.

Budget travel tips

Travelling by train is more fun than you can imagine. Picture credits: Antriksh

Reaching Nagapattinam

Reaching Nagapattinam station, we again took public transport to reach the Velankanni Shrine rather than booking a cab. We had already made an accommodation reservation in a small lodge called ‘Grace’.

Lodges are clean, hygienic and comparatively cheaper as compared to some grand Hotels. They provide much better facilities like WiFi and warm water for a bath. At least, this is what my family trip to Velankanni experience has taught me.

Once settled and freshened up, we attended the procession, and morning mass and visited all the churches and chapels. Also, took lovely photographs. Taking Photographs inside the church was prohibited and hence we respected the rules by not breaking them.

Lastly, we bought some sweets and Prasad for our dear ones. We also visited Velankanni Beach and had lots of fun.

Budget stay tips

The site where it is believed that Mother Mary appeared to a small orphan boy selling buttermilk. Picture credits: Raina Lopes

What All to Eat on Your Family Trip to Velankanni?

Velankanni offers some decent food choices. It seems as if Mother Mary has blessed this place and all those who believe in her.

The folks in general here are understanding and will help you in providing all the things you need. Every nook and corner of Velankanni is lined with food in the form of refreshment stalls and restaurants.

There are cheap and small restaurants which provide amazing food, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. One of the best things I saw was roasted and spicy fried fish and chicken lollipops decorated in a huge thali at the stalls.

We enjoyed our early morning coffee in a nearby stall with some A ppams. The Idli, Sambhar and Rasam over here have a unique taste.

Budget eating tips

The route from Chennai to Velankanni is full of budget food options. Picture credits: Raina Lopes

Top Things to Do on Your Family Trip to Velankanni

There is so much you can do in Velankanni as a family. But here are the top three things that I highly suggest –

Recommended Off Beat Travel Destinations in South India

I hope anybody reading my blog finds it useful especially if you’re planning a family trip to Velankanni. After extensive travelling and sightseeing in and around Velankanni, finally came the time to go back. As a family, we enjoyed it a lot and even felt more connected. We surely made the best of our time with a proper budget and cosy stay and learnt many lessons to plan our next trip.

Happy wayfaring.

THIS POST IS AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF BUDGET WAYFARERS. ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ASSOCIATION INDULGING IN PLAGIARISM WILL BE DEALT WITH STRICTLY . IF YOU WANT TO USE INFORMATION FROM THE ARTICLE ABOVE, KINDLY QUOTE THE SOURCE.

Places To Visit In Velankanni

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• Church & Cathedral (2)
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1. Velankanni Church

0 km from city center 1 out of 6 Places To Visit in Velankanni

Located on the sandy shores of Bay of Bengal, Velankanni Church is considered as one of the holiest Christian pilgrimage destination in India. Declared as the holy city by the Pope, it draws devotees in large number from all over the world.

2. Velankanni Beach

1 km from city center 2 out of 6 Places To Visit in Velankanni

Vellankani Beach is one of the most scenic beaches on the Eastern coast of India. The Church of Our Lady of Health is located very close to the beach which makes it a pilgrim hotspot. Vellankani has a history of religion and culture. It was a trading port for Rome and Greece only to lose its importance to its neighbor Nagapattinam later. It is one of the most visited pilgrim destinations in Southern India.

3. Velankanni Church Museum

1 km from city center 3 out of 6 Places To Visit in Velankanni

The museum is a building adjacent the Church. This museum was built to house the offerings which the devotees presented to the mother as a token of gratitude for the bountiful blessings they received.

4. Nagapattinam

9 km from city center 4 out of 6 Places To Visit in Velankanni

The district came into existence in the year 1991 with its headquarter in Nagapattinam city. Its long stretch of beach runs along the Bay of Bengal for 188km.

Top Hotels In Velankanni

₽ 1,942 onwards

₽ 775 onwards

₽ 3,196 onwards

₽ 2,497 onwards

₽ 1,663 onwards

7 km from city center 5 out of 6 Places To Visit in Velankanni

A beautiful Muragan Temple dedicated to Lord Singaravelan is housed in a large complex. The pillars of this temple are adorned with intricate and exquisite carvings.

6. Handicrafts and silk

0 km from city center 6 out of 6 Places To Visit in Velankanni

Velankanni beach is an unexpected shopper's den. It is one of those few beaches where silk and handicrafts are sold to a large number of pilgrims who come to visit Velankanni Mata.

Places To Visit In Nearby Places

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