Velankanni Tour Packages
Velankanni, on the Bay of Bengal coast, is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, one of the most visited Christian shrines in Asia and often called the Lourdes of the East.
Velankanni at a glance
- LocationTamil Nadu, India
- Time zoneIndian Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
- Driving sideLeft
- Calling code+91
- CurrencyIndian rupee (INR)
- LanguagesTamil
- Ideal stay1–2 days
- Getting thereTiruchirappalli Airport (TRZ), about 150 km
Best time to visit: November to February
Top Velankanni travel packages
A few of our Velankanni itineraries in different travel styles. Every one is private and can be changed to suit you.
Essential tips for travelling to Velankanni
UPI and cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels; keep some cash for small shops, rural areas, hill towns and tips.
Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.
Drink bottled or filtered water; it is cheap and easy to find.
112 (all emergencies)
Languages spoken: Tamil.
Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli and Thoothukudi have airports. Trains link every major town, and a car with driver is the easiest way to string temples together.
Most large temples ask men to remove shirts in the inner sanctum and everyone to remove footwear; carry socks for hot stone floors.
Temple inner shrines usually close for a few hours in the early afternoon, so plan visits for the morning or evening.
Book rooms early if you are travelling for the feast; hotels near the basilica fill months ahead.
General guidance. Local rules and services change; we confirm details for your dates.
Where is Velankanni?
Who should visit Velankanni?
Plan your Velankanni trip
Everything you need to know about Velankanni
Velankanni, on the Bay of Bengal coast, is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, one of the most visited Christian shrines in Asia and often called the Lourdes of the East. Pilgrims of all faiths come to pray, light candles and walk to the shrine, and the annual feast in late August and early September draws huge crowds.
Highlights include Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Our Lady's Tank, Morning Star Church and Nagore Dargah. Local food worth trying: Seafood thali, Idiyappam with coconut milk and Kothu parotta. Plan 1–2 days here; it suits pilgrims, families. Our Velankanni itineraries run from 3 to 5 days and every one can be changed to suit you.
When to go
November to February. Pleasant coastal weather; the feast season in late August is crowded and hot, and October to December brings the northeast monsoon.
How to reach Velankanni
- By air: Tiruchirappalli Airport (TRZ), about 150 km
- By rail: Velankanni railway station, with direct trains from Chennai
- By road: About 7 hours from Chennai along the coast
View all Velankanni packages
Private, customisable itineraries with prices quoted for your dates, hotel category and group size.
5D / 4NChennai · Velankanni · NagoreChennai St Thomas & Velankanni Pilgrimage
San Thome Basilica over the tomb of St Thomas, Little Mount and St Thomas Mount in Chennai, then Mass at Velankanni and a visit to the Nagore Dargah nearby.
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3D / 2NVelankanniVelankanni Pilgrimage
Two nights at Velankanni for Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Our Lady's Tank and Morning Star Church, with an evening by the sea.
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4D / 3NThanjavur · VelankanniVelankanni, Nagore & Thanjavur
The Brihadeeswara temple at Thanjavur, then Velankanni's basilica and the Nagore Dargah, three faiths along the Kaveri delta coast.
View itinerary →3 itineraries
More places in Tamil Nadu
Top things to see in Velankanni
VelankanniSite of the first reported apparition
VelankanniSufi shrine 12 km away, revered by all faiths
Tamil NaduWide beach next to the basilica
Cultural experiences in Velankanni
Heritage and landmarks
VelankanniWhite Gothic-style basilica facing the sea
VelankanniChurch on the site of the second apparition
VelankanniSufi shrine 12 km away, revered by all faiths
VelankanniWide beach next to the basilica
On the menuFood to try
- Seafood thali
- Idiyappam with coconut milk
- Kothu parotta
Outdoor activities in Velankanni
Many activities are seasonal. Best time for Velankanni: November to February. We check operating seasons for your dates.
Velankanni travel tips
Visa and entry
Indian citizens do not need a visa; carry a government photo ID such as Aadhaar or a passport for hotels and flights.
Health and safety
Travel insurance is a good idea, especially for adventure activities. Carry prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
Currency and tipping
The currency is the Indian rupee (INR). Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.
Best time to visit
November to February. Pleasant coastal weather; the feast season in late August is crowded and hot, and October to December brings the northeast monsoon.
Getting around
Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli and Thoothukudi have airports. Trains link every major town, and a car with driver is the easiest way to string temples together.
Local etiquette
- Dress modestly at temples, churches and mosques, and remove footwear where asked.
- Ask before photographing people, and follow photography rules at religious sites and museums.
What to pack
Pack a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and swimwear, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for religious sites, a compact umbrella or rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
Phone and internet
Mobile data is good in towns and cities.
Budget
We don't publish fixed prices because the season, hotel category, flights and group size change the cost. Your written quote lists exactly what is included, so you can compare like for like.
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