Velankanni, a pleasant and small holy hamlet in Tamil Nadu, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India because of its Churches and closeness to the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;There are many places to visit in Velankanni for a wonderful experience. Especially renowned for the Church of 'Our Lady of Good Health' aka Mother Mary, Velankanni is a famous Christian pilgrimage centre and is visited by thousands of devotees. Also known as the “Lourdes of the East”, Velankanni is a religious place worth visiting for its rich culture.&nbsp;

Velankanni Church, located on the sandy shores of the Bay of Bengal, is one of the holiest Christian pilgrimage destinations in India. There are many places to visit in and around Velankanni but Velankanni Church is an iconic place among them. Especially renowned for its Roman Catholic shrine, Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni Church attracts a large number of devotees from all over the world. The church, dedicated to Virgin Mary and the Heavenly Mother, displays a melting pot of many cultures, and international and religious harmony. People come to this church to pay their respect to the great lady.Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: One of the most revered pilgrimages for Catholics in India</li><li>Best Time to Visit: October to March</li><li>Duration: 1-2 hours</li></ul>Things to do:&nbsp;<ul><li>Other Places to visit: Velankanni Church Museum and Velankanni Beach</li></ul>

Velankanni Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches located on the Eastern coast of India. The beach has become a Pilgrim hotspot because of its proximity to Velankanni Church. Due to its closeness to the Vellaiyar River, the beach offers boating facilities. Numerous fresh seafood stalls are serving a variety of cuisines. You can also shop for various religious artefacts, a variety of local handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs. It is a must-visit tourist attraction,the best place to visit in Velankanni and the most visited pilgrimage destination in Southern India.&nbsp;Traveller Information:<ul><li>Famous for: Renowned for the Church of Our Lady of Health</li><li>Best Time to Visit: October to March</li><li>Duration: 1-2 hours</li></ul>Things to do:<ul><li>Adventure Activities: Boating</li><li>Other Places to visit: Velankanni Church, handicrafts and Silk and Sikkal</li></ul>

The Museum is a building adjoining the church. Devotees present offerings here as a token of love and gratitude to the holy Mother which are kept in this museum. There are some interesting articles and a cathedral entirely made with coins by a devotee. Hundreds of letters are there and even engravings on the rock. You can get a chance to witness the offerings here.&nbsp;Traveller Information:&nbsp;<ul><li>Famous for: A cathedral made entirely of coins</li><li>Best time to visit: October to March</li><li>Duration: 1-2 hours</li></ul>Things to do:&nbsp;<ul><li>Other places to visit: Velankanni Church, Velankanni Beach and Nagapattinam</li></ul>

Having a major historical significance, Nagapattinam is a town and a famous pilgrim centre with Divya Desam of Velankanni located on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal. There are many Temples and mosques for visitors. 'Nagapattinam' name is derived from Nagur, the land of serpent gods and is ascribed with commendable cultural and historical significance. There are various holy sites and a long stretch of beach as well for exploration.&nbsp;Traveller Information:&nbsp;<ul><li>Famous for: A base for some of the prominent Hindu temples</li><li>Best time to visit: October to March</li><li>Duration: 1 day</li></ul>Things to do:&nbsp;<ul><li>Adventure activities: Boating</li><li>Other places to visit: ﻿Dutch Fort and Archaeological Museum</li></ul>

Located at a distance of 7 km from Velankanni, Sikkal Singaravelar Temple is a beautiful Murugan Temple dedicated to Lord Singaravelan. Situated in a small hamlet called Sikkal, the temple's pillars are decorated with complex and magnificent carvings. Lord Navaneetheswarar (a form of Lord Shiva) with his partner Nedum Kanni Amman (Goddess Parvathi) is also worshipped in this temple.Traveller Information:&nbsp;<ul><li>Famous for: One of the rare traditional Hindu temples</li><li>Best time to visit: January</li></ul>Things to do:&nbsp;<ul><li>Other places to visit: Soundarya Raja Perumal Temple and Nellukadai Mariamman Koil</li></ul>

A hub of pristine churches, Velankanni is a must-visit Pilgrim attraction for those who are looking for a fun-filled as well as spiritual vacation. There are many places to visit in Velankanni for all the travellers. From churches to the beach, Velankanni attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. If you are searching for a religious destination then Velankanni is the perfect place for you.&nbsp;

5 Tourist Places To Visit In Velankanni

India > Tamil Nadu

Muskan Choudhary 3 Mar 2026

Explore in Tamil Nadu

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