India /Tamil Nadu /Nagapattinam /Vailankanni

Velankanni officially spelled as Vailankanni (Virgin of Velai, the town), also spelled as “Velanganni”. Vailankanni, a small hamlet on the coastal region of Bay of Bengal near to the famous Nagapattinam, is a revered Christian religious destination. This holy city is known for the famous Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health (Velankanni Mother Mary Church). This city was declared as a holy city by the Pope as this city thrives with religious activities and faith in Mother Mary is the way of life in this coastal region. This is a world renowned Marian pilgrimage centre. Legendary stories tell that Mother Mary blessed the place Vailankanni with her appearance while carrying Infant Jesus during the end of the 16th century or in the early periods of 17th century. Like Lourdes in France, thousands of Christian devotees throng to this place all through the year and hence this place is nicknamed as the ‘Lourdes of the East’. Vailankanni is also a famous tourist destination with an amazing beach and many other attractions in and around the village. Huge crowds of devotees throng to this sacred town during the festival season of Arokkaiyamatha festival during August and September.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Pilgrim

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 611111

STD Code: 4365

Info Website: N.A

Best Time to Visit:  Throughout the year

HistoryEdit

Velankanni is one of the most sacred Christian pilgrimage places in India. Velankanni town is located at the sand shores of the Bay of Bengal. It is just at a distance of 12 KM from the famous coast of Coromandel. The town is famous for the shrine Basilica that is dedicated to ‘Lady of Health’. Velankanni has also been declared a holy city by the Pope. This shrine is considered as the divine city and it has been proved for centuries.There is a church museum with diverse exhibits attracting tourists. The structure of the Church is marvelous with many biblical inscriptions on the wall. Sandy long stretch of shores vibrant with sea waves are ideal for spending leisure times. This is a nice place fro relaxation and secluded stay together with religious activities. Vailankanni is also an attractive location for delicate silks and handloom materials. This is a good shopping place with rare collections of marine products and cosmetic items.

Places to VisitAdd

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Nearest airport to Velankanni is at Tiruchirappali at distance of about 165 kms. It is well connected to Chennai airport by regular flights. Taxi services are available from Tiruchirappalli to Velankanni for a fare of about Rs. 2000.

By Train : Vailankanni has its own railway station, but the connectivity is poor. Nearest railhead to Vailankanni is Nagapattinam, which is just 12 kms away from the holy city of Velankanni. Nagapattinam is well rail connected to all major cities in India through Chennai and Tiruchirapalli. Taxi services can be availed from Nagapattinam to Vailankanni for a charge of about Rs. 250.

By Bus : Velankanni is connected by buses to all the major towns and cities in Tamilnadu and also connected to cities in Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Regular bus services are available to Madurai, Kanyakumari, Chennai, Trichy, Pondicherry, Trivandrum and Thanjavur. Deluxe tourist buses operate between Velankanni and many major cities in South Indis.

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Top HotelsAdd

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 1201 to Rs. 2500

Hotel Delux Plaza ; MG Tower, Fatehabad Road, Agra ; Ph – 0562 – 2330110, 2330195 ; Facilities – Taj view rooms, room service, running H/C water, TV, mini bar.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Jardines de Zoraya ;  Jardines de Zoraya, Panaderos Street 32, 18010 Granada ; M –  958 206 266 ; Food Serve :  Food Serve

• Church Canteen ;  Holy Path, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111 ; M –  N.A ; Food Serve :  Indian

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

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Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd

FestivalAdd

Flag- Hoisting Festival ; Venue:  Velankanni ; Period :  29th of August ; Details:  Large concourses of devotees witness the flag hoisting on the 29th of August every year. The flag of our lady is hoisted every day during these nine days of the novena the feast. During this ceremony an intense feeling is aroused leaving behind rapturous eyes and murming lips, proclaiming her praises.

Safety / WarningEdit

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HelplineEdit

• Police : 100
• Fire : 101
• Ambulance : 102

ItineraryEdit

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