Velankanni Beach

Vellankani Beach is one of the most pious and scenic beaches on the Eastern coast of the Indian subcontinent. It is the perfect buzz-filled holiday spot with bustling crowds and swaying palm trees. The beach is one of the most popular destinations in the region. The Church of Our Lady of Health is located very close to the beach which makes it a pilgrim hotspot. Vellankani has a history of religion and culture. It was a trading port for Rome and Greece only to lose its importance to its neighbor Nagapattinam later. It is one of the most visited pilgrim destinations in Southern India.

The beach is very close to the Vellaiyar River where boating services are available depending on the level of the water. This river joins directly into the Bay of Bengal, making it a unique boating experience. The picturesque landscape of Velankani is a crowd favorite. The beach draws both locals and international tourists alike. The scintillating waters, golden sand shores, and palm trees will lure you into clicking a picture or two.

The wind on the beach is filled with a sense of religion and spirituality. The beach also celebrates the bountiful catch of the ocean, and numerous fresh seafood stalls serve a variety of delicacies. You can either savor fried and fast snacks on the go or sit down with your family and friends for a proper meal made out of the freshest ingredients.

The long shores of the Valankanni beach are perfect for barefoot walks with your loved ones or just with yourself. Watching the sunset across the coast is a blissful sight. The place also hosts the needs and wants of the various pilgrims that visit. They have a variety of shops that sell various religious artifacts and souvenirs. You can also shop for a variety of local handicrafts and textiles. Velankanni Beach is the ultimate beach destination and a unique experience on its own.

Pilgrimage at Vellankanni

Velankanni has one of the country's largest Catholic pilgrimage centers, the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health. The pilgrim is devoted to Our Lady of Good Health and is popularly known as the 'Lourdes of the East throughout the world.

The origins of the church can be traced back to the 16th century when the church was first built in Roman-Gothic style. During the Portugal invasion, changes were made to the structure by their architects. The church has had a few expansions due to the growing influx of pilgrims.

The founding of the church is attributed to three miracles which are: the apparition of Jesus and Mary to a sleeping shepherd boy, the curing of a lame buttermilk vendor, and the survival of Portuguese soldiers who were assaulted by the violent sea. The church building was raised to the status of a basilica by Pope John, the 23rd in 1962.

It is reported that over 20 million pilgrims flock to the region from all over the world annually. The church celebrates an 11-day festival from 29th August to 8th September. During this period a total of 3 million pilgrims are believed to attend the festival.