Velankanni
The Velankanni is one of the pilgrim centers, situated in Nagapattinam District in TamilNadu. This place is well-known for the Church of the Mother Mary, which lies on the Coast of the Bay of Bengal.
History
The Velankanni is a popular pilgrimmage center, which is also known as the Lourdes of the East. In the early 17th century or late 16th century, Mother Mary gave her appearance with her infant Jesus in Velankanni. Since then, this place became famous. This place is also known for the silk and the wonderful handlooms. This place is chosen as one of the heritage cities for the HRIDAY ( Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana Scheme of the Indian Government).
Things to see
The Church of Mother Mary(Velankanni Church), and the Church museum are the best things to see here.
The Church museum is seen as the blessings of the Mother Mary, to the pilgrims who come here. Here in the museum, they display the silver, gold and other kinds of metals which they received,from the pilgrims. These offerings made by the pilgrims show the gratitude towards the Mother Mary. This museum is open from 6.30A.M to 8.00P.M every day.
Arockiyamatha festival
The Arockiyamatha festival is the 10 day festival, that starts on 29th August in Velankanni, by celebrating the Feast of Our Lady. During this festival, the devotees from many parts of India and foreign countries, assemble in Velankanni. They take baths in the sea, tonsure their head and walk with their knees as a part of the ritual.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit this place is from August month to September month.
Other nearby tourist places
The Nagapattinam and the Srirangam are the nearest places to visit.
Climatic conditions
In Velankanni, the January is the coldest month. If you like to visit this place in the cold season, then choose the January month to make a trip. This place is hottest from April month to May month.
Facts in Velankanni visit
- If you travel through the train from the Chennai, it takes lesser time of 4-5hours.
- You can stay in Velankanni for 3-4 days, to spend happily.
- In Velankanni, the utensils are available for the rent, to prepare your own food.
- When you attend the festival from 29th August to 8th September, after the feast time is over, then there will be crowds. Then you can come out safely from the crowd.
Transport facilities
You can reach the Velankanni through the bus or train. This place is at a distance of 12Km from Nagapattinam and 350Km from Chennai. This place is well-connected to the other places through the road transport. The buses are available from all the parts of the TamilNadu. From Chennai, you can pick the bus or cab to reach the Velankanni. The nearest Railway station to reach the Velankanni is the Nagapattinam station. From there, you can pick a road transport to reach the Church. If you are a flight traveler, then the nearest Airport to reach Velanakanni is the Trichy Airport. From Trichy, you can pick a road transport to reach Velankanni.
Location: Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
Timings: 6.30 A.M to 7.00 P.M – Open in all the days
(But timings may occur in different occasions)
Best time for Visit: August to September month
Total area – The total area covered by the Velankanni is 5.5Km2.