Velankanni shrine

Velankanni is a coastal hamlet near Nagapattinam on the Bay of Bengal. This place is famous not for its temples but for the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health or as it's more popularly known, the Velankanni Mother Mary Church. Christians revere this place and it was declared by none other than the Pope as a holy city for Christians. Numerous religious activities take place here in this small hamlet and the reverence towards and faith in Mother Mary is unsurpassable.

It is a world-famous Marian pilgrimage destination. Legend has it that Mother Mary made an appearance in this town sometime towards the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century. It is called the 'Lourdes of the East' because of the huge influx of pilgrims. Although Nagapattinam is the shortest distance by car, taking a car rental in Chennai to come to Velankani is also very much feasible.

Velankani also boasts of a lovely beach with a long stretch of sandy shore and makes for a good spot for some relaxation. Lovely silks and handloom materials are good shopping souvenirs and one can always get a good bargain. Opt for a car hire in Chennai and make your way to this little hamlet for some leisure as well as religious activity.