Velankanni in 3 Days on a Shoestring Budget

  1. Day 1: Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health
    Located in the heart of Velankanni
    Start your trip with a visit to the renowned Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, known as the Lourdes of the East. The holy shrine is an important pilgrimage destination for Christians in India. Take a walk to the nearby Velankanni Beach to relax and unwind.
  2. Day 2: Nagapattinam
    1 hour (23 km) from Velankanni

    Explore Nagapattinam, a port town with a rich cultural and religious history. Start your day by visiting the Shri Kayahorana Swami Neelayathatchi Amman Temple, followed by a stroll through the Velankanni Church Nagapattinam Campus. Afterward, visit the Dutch Fort and Museum, which features artifacts and displays related to the town's colonial history. Shop at the town's local bazaar to take back souvenirs.

  3. Day 3: Vedaranyam
    1 hour 30 minutes (45 km) from Velankanni

    End your trip with a visit to Vedaranyam, which is situated at the tip of India's East Coast Road. Begin your day by visiting the Vedaranyeswarar Temple, followed by a cultural walk through Poompuhar, an ancient Chola Port that is famous for its handicrafts. End the day with a relaxing visit to the Muthupettai Mangrove Forest Reserve to witness the beauty of the backwaters of South India.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health (1 - 2 hours, free)
  • Velankanni Beach (1 - 2 hours, free)
  • Shri Kayahorana Swami Neelayathatchi Amman Temple (1 - 2 hours, free)
  • Velankanni Church Nagapattinam Campus (1 - 2 hours, free)
  • Dutch Fort and Museum (1 - 2 hours, INR 25)
  • Local Bazaar Shopping (1 - 2 hours, varies)
  • Vedaranyeswarar Temple (1 - 2 hours, free)
  • Poompuhar Cultural Walk (1 - 2 hours, free)
  • Muthupettai Mangrove Forest Reserve (1 - 2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 25

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the famous Sri Rangam Temple which is situated at 2 hours (84 km) from Velankanni. To make the trip more convenient, hire a cab or use public transport. If you have less time, consider skipping Nagapattinam and head straight to Vedaranyam. Remember to carry water bottles and sunscreen as it can get very hot in Velankanni.

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