Travel Guide - Vailankanni

Vailankanni

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. 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.

Getting There

The town of Velankanni is well connected to other surrounding towns through many means of transport like rail, road and air. Velankanni is a tourist hotspot, and also a major religious destination, as a lot of pilgrims flock to Velankanni to visit the church. There are multitudes of ways through which you can get into Velankanni, and opting for a specific mode will depend on your preferences.

Buses to Velankanni are regularly available from the city of Chennai. You can opt for deluxe buses or semi deluxe buses, and even non air conditioned and air conditioned buses for your travel. The fares will vary based on the class of travel availed. Bus fares will normally range around Rs 200 to 500 based on the class of travel you opt for. Buses will also be available from Namakkal, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Pondicherry, Chidambaram, Tindivanam and Bangalore.

Velankanni can also be easily reached through trains, as there is a main railway station in the town of Nagapattinam that lies quite nearby (around 12 km). You’ll get frequent trains to Trichy and Chennai. You can travel from Nagapattinam to Velankanni through taxis. Taxis from Nagapattinam to Velankanni will charge around Rs 250 and traveling through train can be an easier option.

When To Go

Vailankanni, being in the coastal belt, has a humid climate all through the year.

• Summers (March to May) are hot with the temperature hovering around 28 °C to 38 °C. But evenings are pleasant with the cool sea breeze. Tourists mostly avoid hot summer days in April and May months.
• Monsoons (June to September) offer temperate climate accompanied with mild to medium rain falls. The place looks pretty good in monsoons. The beach looks empty on rainy days.
• Winters (December to February) are pleasant with moderate climate. During winters the temperature is in a range of 21°C to 30°C.

Best Season to visit Vailankanni is October to March.

• April and may are hot and dry, but is good for visit the Vailankanni church.
• June to September is humid but pleasant with moderate temperature and suitable for short trips.
• October to March is perfectly ideal for tourist visits and visits to the church.

Attractions

Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health

    popular Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, known popularly as Vailankanni Church or Velankanni Church, is one of the world renowned Christian pilgrim destinations in south India. It is a Marian pilgrimage location witnessing huge inflow of pilgrims all through the year. This is a mammoth structure with many biblical inscriptions and painting on the walls.

This church was built by some Portuguese sailors in the early 17th century as their gratitude towards Mother Mary, the Lady of Health. Legends tell that Mother Mary appeared with infant Jesus on this shore of Bay of Bengal. Arokyamatha (Lady of Health) festival during August-September attracts thousands to this church. A museum displaying various exhibits and precious offerings made by the devotes is a good attraction nearby.

Distances

Mahabalipuram 300 km 5h Rameswaram 322 km 7h, 30m Chennai 345 km 5h, 50m Bangalore 350 km 7h

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