About Velankanni
Velankanni, a small hamlet in Tamil Nadu, is a well-known pilgrim center. Velankanni is especially renowned for the Church of Mother Mary, the prime attraction on tours to Velankanni. Since hordes of pilgrims throng Velankanni round the year, like Lourdes in France, Velankanni is nicknamed as Lourdes of the East. Nestled on the sandy shore of the Bay of Bengal, Velankanni is also known for its delicate handlooms and silk. For a tour to Velankanni, the best time to visit is in the months of August - September.
Tourist Attractions
Following are some of the popular tourist attractions in and around Velankanni, which you can explore while on a tour to Velankanni –
- Velankanni Church:
Devoted to Our Lady of Health, the Madonna of Velankanni, the shrine at this church is distinguished as Sacred Arogya Matha Church. Fully consecrated to Virgin Mary and the Heavenly Mother, this church has an expanded Basilica. There is also a shrine of Our Lady of Sorrow, where the grief-stricken Mother is portrayed carrying Infant Jesus in her arms.
- Church Museum:
A visit to the Velankanni Church is the chief reason for coming for a tour to Velankanni, which includes sighting the museum situated opposite the Basilica. This museum has various exhibits, with biblical incidents depicted on both sidewalls.
- Nagapattinam:
Positioned near Velankanni, Nagapattinam is one of the famed harbors of India. It is home to some impressive temples, a mini museum, a lofty lighthouse and the sprawling golden beach.
- Sri Rangam Temple:
This temple positioned in nearby Trichy is the premier amongst the 108 Vaishnava divyadesas as also the first Vaishnava temple in South India.
- Arokkaiyamatha festival:
To commemorate the Feast of Our Lady, this 10-day grand festival commencing on 29th of August is celebrated at the Velankanni Church every year. Pilgrims from all over India and even abroad visit the site, bathe religiously in the sea, and tonsuring their heads walk on their knees or roll up to the shrine as rituals.
How To Reach Velankanni
Come on a tour to Velankanni, using the following means of transport -
- By air:
The nearest airport is at Tiruchirappalli (165 km).
- By rail:
The closest railway station is at Nagapattinam, which links you to all major cities in South India.
- By road:
Velankanni is conveniently reached by buses that are available from all parts of Tamil Nadu.
MTTV - 1024
Lady of Good Health Tour
Duration: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Distination: Trichy – Vailankanni – Trichy
Day -1: Arrive Trichy - Vailankanni
Arrive Trichi airport & transfer to Veilankanni Hotel. Check in Hotel. Overnight at hotel
Day -2: Vailankanni
After breakfast at hotel, proceed for visit the church of Our Lady of Good Health. Lunch in hotel then visit Sri Rangam Temple, Nagapattinam, Church Museum Overnight at Hotel.
Day -3: Vailankanni - Trichy
After breakfast, morning free at your own activities or prayer. Afternoon arrive toward Trichy . On arrival, check in to the hotel. Overnight at in hotel.
Day -4: Trichy - Departure
Breakfast in hotel then you will be timely transfer to Trichy airport to catch flight for onward destination.
MTTV - 1025
Vailankani Tou Package
Duration: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Distination: Trichy – Vailankanni – Chennai
Day -1: Arrive Trichy - Vailankanni
Arrive Trichi airport & transfer to Veilankanni Hotel. Check in Hotel. Overnight at hotel
Day -2: Vailankanni
After breakfast at hotel proceed for visit the church of Our Lady of Good Health. Lunch and drive to Chennai. On arrival Chennai check in to the hotel. Overnight at Chennai
Day -3: Chennai
After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Chennai visiting Fort St. George, Marina Beach, St. Thomas Cathedral overnight Chennai.
Overnight in at hotel.
Day -4: Chennai - Departure.
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport to catch flight for onward destination.
MTTV - 1026
Vailankani Pilgrimage Tour Package
Duration: 4 Nights / 5 Days
Distination: Chennai – Pondicherry – Velankanni - Trichy
Day 01 : Arrive Chennai
Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel, afternoon enjoy a tour of Chennai visiting Fort St. George, Marina Beach, St. Thomas Cathedral overnight Chennai.
Day 02 : Chennai - Pondicherry
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry enroute visit Mahabalipuram check into your hotel after noon visit the Aurobindo Ashram.
Day 03 : Pondicherry - Vailankanni
After breakfast drive Vailankanni. Check into your hotel, afternoon visit the shrine of Our Lady of Good Health at Vailankanni, is renowned for miraculous healing. Visit the inspiring Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health. In the evening you may wish to recite the Rosary as Our lady is carried in procession around her Basilica overnight Vailankanni.
Day 04 : Vailankanni - Trichy
After breakfast drive to Trichy enroute visiting Tanjore Big Temple and Palace on arrival in Trichy check into your hotel evening visit Srirangam Temple and Rock Fort Temple and shopping in bazaar area overnight Trichy.
Day 05 : Trichy - Departure
Transfer to Trichy airport board your flight.
