South Indian City Guide - Tamilnadu - Velankanni

By Author: Indian Panorama
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Velankanni City Guide

According to the legends, the church marks the significance of miraculous apparitions of Mother Mary, carrying infant Jesus, to a Hindu shepherd boy and a crippled buttermilk vending boy.

However, the most popular legend is associated with the Portuguese sailors who were rescued by Mother Mary from a furious sea storm. Over hundreds of years, the church has been constantly expanded and has become one of the top religious sites in India.

Popularly referred to as the Lourdes of the East, the church has highlights like three chapels, a church museum, Stations of the Cross, Stations of the Rosary and Our Lady’s Tank. The month of September witnesses huge number of visitors around the feast day. Being at the church facing the sea during the dusk offers pleasurable views to the eyes.

Velankanni experiences tropical climate throughout the year. The best time to visit Velankanni is during the months of Oct to Mar. Velankanni is a famous pilgrimage centre in Tamilnadu. People from all over the nation throng here to seek the immense blessing of Lord Mary.

Busses are available from Chennai, Nagapattinam, and Bangalore. The nearest railway station is at Nagapattinam.