Travel to Velankanni
Velankanni Tourism
Velankanni, also named as Vailankanni, is a panchayat area in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is an important religious hub for the Catholics in India.
The town is also known as Velanganni which stands for the Virgin of Velai. At one point of time the place served as a major harbor which facilitated business with the Greeks and Romans. The significance of this business hub receded because of Nagapattinam which was a bigger port. A prominent religious hub for the Catholics in the country, Velankanni is famous for the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health. This cathedral is devoted to the mother of Jesus Christ, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary.
Shopping
Silk sarees and handloom items are popular buys in the town of Velankanni. You will get plenty of these items in the nearby villages as well. Travelers can visit the Velankanni Beach for buying handicraft items. Handicraft items are available at affordable rates there.
Places to see in and around Velankanni
- Velankanni Church- Also dubbed as the "Lourdes of the East" the Shrine of Our Lady of Velankanni is one of the major pilgrimage hubs in India. Our Lady of Good Health or Velankanni Cathedral is a landmark in the area and it was constructed during the end of the 16th century CE. The Gothic design is a distinctive aspect of this cathedral.
- Poondi- Also known as Alamelupuram Poondi it is a small hamlet lying in the Thiruvaiyaru taluk in the state of Tamil Nadu.
- Poompuhar- This place is located in the Sirkali Taluk of Nagapattinam. Another name of Poompuhar is Kaveripoompattinam. It is known for its historical significance. The rulers of the Chola Kingdom used this historic township in the state of Tamil Nadu in the form of a harbor capital.
- Kodiakkarai- Kodiakkarai is located at a distance of 55 km from Velankanni. Another name of this wildlife reserve is Point Calimere. This favorite traveler destination is located close to the Palk Strait.
- Sri Rangam Temple- Sri Rangam Temple is situated in Trichy or Tiruchirapalli. This temple is the oldest Vaishnava mandir to be set up in southern India. This place of worship is eminent among the 108 Vaishnava divyadesas. During the Vaishnava campaign the Vaishnavite Acharyas settled their center of operation in this place.
- Nagapattinam- Closely located to Velanganni Nagapattinam is one of the well-known ports in India. Nagapattinam houses a number of imposing temples and a rambling golden seashore. A towering lighthouse and a mini museum are also there.
- Church Museum- Your trip to Velankanni will remain incomplete if you dont visit the Velankanni Church museum. It is one of the causes why so many people visit Velankanni. The museum is conveniently located in front of the Basilica. It houses different types of objects and articles put on display with events from the holy bible portrayed on both sidewalls.
- Nagore- Nagore lying at a distance of approximately 18 km from the town is a community forming the district of Nagapattinam. The principal tourist draw of this place is the Nagore Sharif or the Nagore Dargah.
- Tranquebar- Tranquebar is also known as Tharangambadi. The place is located at a distance of 35 km towards the north of Nagapattinam on the seashores of the Bay of Bengal. Tranquebar is famous for its Danish Architecture. The Archeological Department of Tamil Nadu currently looks after the famous citadel. There is an archaeological museum as well which is open everyday other than Friday.
- Masilamani Nathar Temple- Maravarma Kulasekara Pandiyan constructed this temple in 1305 AD and it is famous for its splendid architecture.
- Danish Governor Bungalow- This bungalow is located in Tranquebar. The Danish Governor used this cottage as his dwelling in 1784.
- Sikkal- Sikkal is a major city in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for a gorgeous Muragan Temple and Lord Singaravelan is the principal deity of the temple.
- Velankanni Beach- This beach is one of the top tourist draws in the area and it forms a part of the Nagapattinam District. The seashore is famously referred to as the Lourdes of the East.
Best Time to visit
October to March
Nearest Airport
The closest airport is located at Tiruchirapalli and the distance from the town is approximately 165 km.
Nearest Railway Station
Nagapattinam, around 11 km away
Languages Spoken
Tamil, English