It’s a name that is an integral part of the prayers of believers all over South India. It’s a shrine of faith that has been for years the guiding light of many people. It’s also a destination that is visited by millions of people annually, both for pilgrimage and leisure. Velankanni is one of the most famous Christian pilgrim destinations in India, as well as a beach town that is loved by many visitors who come over and over again. 

Beaches, churches, markets – there’s every reason to say that this part of Tamil Nadu is indeed enchanting. Located at a distance of 12 kms from Nagapattinam, Velankanni is primarily famous these days for the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health church. The church, which is a holy place of worship for Christians all over the world, is the light that fills this town. However, history has it that Velankanni was once an important port town in the past. The town used to have direct trade relations with empires as far as Rome and Greece. The destination was a centre of various commercial activities as well. Today, Velankanni gets much of its revenue from the thriving tourism sector and of course the pilgrims who come in large numbers to visit the church. 

Chosen as one of the heritage cities for the Heritage City Development And Augmentation Yojana scheme of the Government of India, Velankanni is all set to further enhance its potential as a destination of history and culture.