Lonavala Travel Guide

Lonavala, the beautiful hill station located in Pune District of state Maharashtra, is a famous tourist destination. This place is usually known for its beautiful valley and green mountains, which makes this place naturally beautiful. The city is located in Shayadri Ranges, which cut the Deccan plateau and Konkan coast. The city has so many caves that is why its name is referred from the Sanskrit word ‘Lonavali’ that stands for group of caves.

In 1871, this place was founded by the British Governor Lord Elphinstone. This place holds many beautiful places which will take your breath away like waterfalls, woody meadows and lush green valleys. This place is also an adobe of many film directors who usually come for shooting at this place.

Other famous spots in this city are Kalri hills, Duke’s Nose, Karla caves and Bhaja caves. Fishing, trekking, camping and lots of fun, Lonavala travel guide provide all the information regarding all this. This place is heaven of many honeymoon resorts which will help you make your trip delightful.

Attractions in Lonavala

The Bhaja Caves Near Lonavala
Lonavala stands for group of caves and one can find lots of caves which were built by the Buddhist nuns in this place. These Bhaja caves store historic events and are beautifully carved out of the mountains which makes them look astonishing. These were built during 200 BC, Bhaja caves are located in Karli hills and they resemble in architecture and designing with other caves in this area. In total there are 22 caves which are built by cutting big rocks and have so many sculptures depicting so many styles. These caves are the perfect examples of Indian art of sculpturing and portray original Indian architecture in their styling.

ungarli Lake Near Lonavala
This Tungarli Lake is an artificial reservoir which was built during the British rule to store rain water. The lake has a Dam and small reservoir of water which stores rain water. This lake is the source of drinking water for the people who reside in this hill station. This lake is also used for irrigation purpose by the local people. Now this place is also serving as the picnic spot of the city and lots of people come here on weekends to refresh. Beautiful natural backdrops, hill top view of the city and a place to hike make this lake famous and hence so many people abide to come here during their visits. It is one of the most visited attractions in Lonavala.

Best Season in Lonavala
Lonavala city is positioned amongst the mountains and forests hence weather of this place remains good throughout the year. Best season to visit Lonavala is during summers as the weather in city remains pleasant this time of year.

Summer Season in Lonavala
Temperature in summer season in Lonavala remains in between 23°C-35°C. People visit hill stations like Lonavala to spend their summer vacations hence it’s the best season to visit Lonavala.

Monsoon Season in Lonavala
Monsoon brings heavy rainfall and humidity in air in Lonavala. Best time to visit Lonavala in monsoon is from July-September.

Winter Season in Lonavala
Winters remains breezy and cold in this region and temperature of this place falls to 11°C in winters and average temperature remains in between 11°C-24°C in winters.



How to Reach

Reach Lonavala By Air
Nearest airport to Lonavala is in Pune city which is located nearly 62 km from town. Many domestic flights come to this city and from airport one can take taxi or bus to reach Lonavala.

Reach Lonavala By Road
Nearest airport to Lonavala is in Pune city which is located nearly 62 km from town. Many domestic flights come to this city and from airport one can take taxi or bus to reach Lonavala.

Reach Lonavala By Train
Lonavala railhead lies in between Mumbai and Pune railway line and hence you can easily reach this place by train. All major trains which run on Mumbai-Pune line come to this city directly.

Shimla Tourism

The tranquil beauty as well as the picturesque view of this magnificent city is something which will give you a thousand reasons to enjoy and cherish your stay at this place. Previously known as Simla, Shimla is also referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’

The mighty hill station is seen as one of the best places to visit and enjoy holidays with family and friends. Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 2,205 m above sea level, this gorgeous city has a number of attractions to lure the attention of the travelers all around the world.

Surrounded by lofty mountains of the Himalaya, this city has created a special place in the heart of a number of people with its dense pine forests and beautiful apple orchards. Shimla derives its name from the Goddess Kali, she descended here in the form named 'Shyamali Devi'. The magnificent city was the summer capital of the British rule. Shimla Travel Guide provides you with the valuable information about this city.

Shimla tourism is fired by many reasons and enjoys many seasons. The hot summer season when the Indian plains begin to boil many young people and even families travel to Shimla on Shimla tour packages and the another huge season for Shimla tourism comes during the post wedding season with thousands of honeymoon couples flock up to see the attractions in Shimla region.

Places to visit in Shimla

Places to visit in Shimla
Situated amidst the dense Glen Forest, the waterfall is located at a distance of 7 km from Shimla and 4 km from Summer Hill. It's crystal clear water cascades down a deep gorge at a height of 86 metres. The surrounding hills and thick green trees of Deodar and Pine gives the place an exotic and beautiful look. One can relax here and enjoy some 'me' time after a hectic travel schedule.

There is an interesting story behind the quirky name of the waterfall. Originally it was known as ‘Chidku Jhaar’ as a waterfall is called as ‘Jhaar’ in the local dialect and ‘Chidku’ means bird. The waterfall is so high that only a bird could reach at the top so it was named as Chidku Jhar. But the British people mispronounced it to ‘Chadwick Falls’. There is another popular folklore telling about a demon who was imprisoned by the local gods behind the rock. Locals believe that the water of the falls comes down from the mouth of the devil.

Rain water is the main source of this fall so the best time to visit is monsoon or after the monsoon. Visitors should note that because it is located inside the forest it’s unsafe to go alone there; going around in groups is what we recommend.

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, Shimla
Located in the centre of Shimla on Mall Road, Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is a popular tourist destination. It is also one of the oldest complexes in the state of Himachal Pradesh as well as in India. The complex is almost 122 years old and it was built in the Gothic Victorian style by the architect Henry Irwin. Inside the complex, one can visit various section such as art gallery, city museum, multi-purpose theatre, old theatre and Amphitheatre as well as a conference hall.

One can see the traditional and contemporary art of India inside the Art Gallery. The City Museum displays various historical artefacts. The Amphitheater conducts cultural performances and in the old theatre and the multi-purpose theatre one can see the classical events. The most popular attraction in this complex is the Victorian theatre where legends like Rudyard Kipling, Prithviraj Kapoor and K.L. Sehgal have performed. Photography buffs can click a unique shot of this Gothic style designed edifice.

Visiting Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entrance Fee:

For Indians: Rs. 10

Foreign Tourists: Rs. 25

Summer Hill

 Summer Hill is located at a distance of 5.1 km from The Ridge. Situated on the Shimla-Kalka Railway line, it lies at an elevation of 2,123 metre above sea level. The rich vegetation and cool surroundings of this forest-covered hill attract a number of tourists every year. Different varieties of flora like oaks, cedar, pines and rhododendrons are found here.

The famous building Manorville Mansion where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his Shimla visits is located on this hill. It is also the location of the Himachal Pradesh University, an important educational centre for higher studies. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of green forests and distant snow-clad Himalayas.

One can reach there by train via the Shimla Kalka Railway, which has Summer Hill as one of the stops. Guest houses and hotels are located nearby and many local people provide in-house accommodations for tourists.

Scandal Point Shimla,
Scandal Point is located along the western end of Shimla where the Mall road joins the Ridge road. A meeting place for locals, tourists and lovers, Scandal Point is a name wrapped in mystery. One legend suggests that the controversial name comes from the scandal caused by the elopement of the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh with the daughter of the British Viceroy.

It is also famous for the statue of the Indian freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai. One can relax here as there are many benches to sit and enjoy the beautiful view of the city. Right next to the Scandal Point is the fabulous stone colonial structure of the General Post Office.

Jakhoo Temple , Shimla
Located at top of the Jakhoo Hill, this temple is a sacred place for the Hindu community of India and is dedicated to the Hindu Monkey God, Hanuman. The hill is situated 2.5 km from the Ridge at a height of 2,455 m above sea level and is Shimla's highest peak. From the hill, visitors can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Shivalik Ranges and the sister town of Sanjauli. The 108 feet tall idol of Lord Hanuman located at the top of the hill is a big attraction for the tourists.

Legends and myths suggest that the monkey Lord Hanuman rested here while on his search for the Sanjivini Booti (a kind of herb). He met sage Yaaku on the hilltop and then moved ahead in his journey. It is also believed that the sage built this temple. Devotees from all over the country come here, especially at the time of Dussehra festival celebrations.

Beware of the monkeys here as they are known to snatch away any free hanging objects from people and are particularly interested in sunglasses. To reach the temple, one can walk or hire a pony from the Ridge.

Open all days.

Free Entry

Tattapani, Shimla
Tattapani village is located in Mandi district at a distance of 51 km from Shimla and 29 km from Naldehra. It is situated on the right bank of river Sutlej at an altitude of 2,230 ft. above the sea level. In local language, ‘Tattapani’ means ‘hot water’. The place is famous for its hot water springs that is spread over an area of one square kilometre. It’s pure water is rich in sulphur content and is believed to have curative power for various kinds of bodily and skin diseases.

Tourists can visit a popular Hindu religious place called Shivji Ka Gufa (Shiva’s cave) which is just 4 km away from Tattapani. Adventure lovers can go for white water rafting on Sutlej river. One can also enjoy a bonfire with family or friends at night along the river side. Visitors can get accommodation at various guesthouses, budget hotels and luxury resorts that are located nearby.

Christ Church Shimla
Christ Church is the second oldest church in Northern India. The foundation stone of this church was laid on 9th September 1844. It was consecrated on 10th January 1857 by Bishop Wilson of Calcutta. Built in Neo-Gothic style of architecture, it took nearly thirteen years to construct it. The stained glass windows over the altar and the clock were placed in 1860.

The fresco on the walls was painted from a design made by Mr. Lockwood Kipling (father of the Jungle Book writer Rudyard Kipling). The Pipe Organ of the church is the biggest in the Indian subcontinent and was erected in September 1899. Other impressive features of the Church include paintings that portray scenes from Jesus Christ’s life. As it is located at the most prominent road of Shimla, The Ridge, it has become an important landmark in the city.

Bollywood Connect: The Church can be seen in some of the scenes of popular movies like Black and 3 Idiots.

Viceregal Lodge, Shimla
It is located on the Observatory hill, one of the seven hills of Shimla. One can walk through the lane to the left of the State Museum entrance that leads there in five minutes via Hotel Peterhoff. The building was constructed as a resident place for Lord Dufferin, the then Viceroy of India (1884-1888). The architecture was designed in the famous Jacobethan style depicting the English Renaissance revival and resembles the fictional Hogwarts School of Harry Potter.

Later it came to be known as Rashtrapati Niwas as it served as the summer retreat of the President of India. In the early 60’s the President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan and the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru decided to make it a scholars’ abode. That’s when the research centre IIAS (Institute of Advanced Studies) moved into the lodge in 1965. The research subject comprises Indian culture, religion, humanities and social and natural sciences. The drawing room, ballroom and dining room was converted into a library, the Viceroy’s office became IIAS Director’s office and the conference hall became the seminar room for research scholars.

There is a museum located inside the institution that houses the photographs and the texts from the era of the British colonial rule. One of the famous alumni of this institute is Burmese Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi who stayed here as a research fellow for about two years from 1987-1989.

Bollywood Connect: This magnificent building was shown as Michelle’s (Rani Mukerji) college in the National Award winning movie Black (2005).

Daranghati Sanctuary, Shimla

The sanctuary is located at a distance of 150 kms from Shimla near a small town Rampur Bushahr. Spread over an area of 167.40 square kms, a major portion of the sanctuary comprises dense forest with a great variety of wildlife species. This area was used as a hunting spot by the royal family of Rampur Bushahr. Now it is home to a different species of pheasants like Monal, Koklas, Western Tragopan (a native pheasant) and Kalij. Some of the animals that are found here include Flying Fox, Himalayan Ibex, Leopard, Indian Hare, Blue Sheep, Giant Flying Squirrel, Barking Deer, Brown Bear, Striped Hyena, Asiatic Black Bear, Musk deer and Goral.

When it comes to flora, the place has several species of oak, Himalayan Yew, Cedar trees and trees of almond, cherry, apricot, plum and pear. Different species of coniferous trees such as blue pine, silver fir and spruce are also found here. Trekking and camping can also be done here by taking permission and assistance from the forest officials. The most popular trekking option is along the old silk route from Sarahan to Daranghati, and the other one is from Shimla to Daranghati that passes through Narkanda, Baagi, Sungri, Taklech and Kareri. One can also visit the famous wooden temples that are located around the sanctuary.

The best time to visit this place is from April to June and from October to November. The nearest airport is the Jubbarhatti Airport of Shimla that is 23 km from Shimla and 150 km from Rampur and the nearest railway station is the Shimla Railway Station.

State Museum, Shimla

State Museum is located 2.5 km west of the Scandal Point on the Inverarm Hill. The history of the building dates back to the colonial times when it was the private residence of Lord William Beresford. He was the Military Secretary to the then Viceroy of India, Lord William Bentinck. When he left India, the mansion was inhabited by Sir Edwin Collan and thereafter by Sir Edward Law. After independence, it served as the residence of Indian Government officials. It was transformed into a museum on January 26, 1974 with the sole aim of collecting and preserving the historical, artistic and archaeological items of the Himachal Pradesh State.

The museum boasts of having a grand collection of ancient historical sculptures, coins, paintings and photographs collected from all over the state and the country. It also houses a library which has around 10,000 books, journals and magazines. Sculpture gallery has metal, wooden and stone sculptures. In the painting section, Pahari and Rajasthani Miniature Painting, religious paintings, contemporary paintings and Mughal paintings have been put on display. Other than these rare artifacts, the museum also has a unique collection of Himachali dolls. Art and history lovers must visit the museum while touring Shimla.

Visiting Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Open all days. (Close on Monday & Public Holidays)

Entrance Fee:

For Indians: Rs. 10

Tamilnadu Tourism

Tamil Nadu is the land of the Tamils and it has a history that dates back to several thousand years. It is a land where traditions and culture blend and continue to live in harmony. The state abounds in monuments and temples that are ancient and each has its own story of religious, artistic and cultural accomplishment and specialty waiting to be heard.

Are there answers to be found on its beaches and hill stations as they welcome the traveler? We are sure you will form your own opinions and have your own perceptions as we welcome you to this enchanting and ancient Dravidian land, in the extreme south of peninsular India.

Tamil Nadu has a long coastline that stretches nearly a 1000 kms. The Coromandel Coast, along the Bay of Bengal, boasts of many ideal locations for sun and surf. Golden sands of the beach are dotted with coconut palm and casuarina groves. The sea washes ashore pebbles and shells and the gentle breeze sways the yachts and catamarans into the deeper waters of the sea and the waters form small dunes on the shore. Crabs play hide-and-seek by coming out of one burrow, and taking refuge in another. Sea gulls hover in the sky and then rest on the sails of the fishing boats. There are many more breathtaking sights that will please you and hold you spell bound in Tamil Nadu.

CHENNAI:
Fort St.George, Fort Museum, Government Museum and National Art Gallery (Egmore), Birla Planetarium, Connemare Library, Amir Mahal, Kalakshetra, Theosophical Society, Vivekananda Memorial, Bharathi Memorial, Anna/MGR Samathi (Marina), Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Mylapore), Parthasarathy Temple (Triplicane), Madhya Kailash Temple, Kaligambhal Temple, Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Ashtalakshmi Temple, Maruntheeshwarar Temple, Thiruneermalai Temple, Santhome Cathedral, Little Mount, St Mary's Church, St. Thomas Mount Church, Thousand Lights, Wallajah Big, Periyamedu Mosques, Egmore Buddha Vihar, T.Nagar Gurudhwara, Mylapore Jain Guru Mandhir, Kali Bari, Light House.

Marina Beach, Elliot's Beach, Santhome Beach, Covelong Beach, Children's Park, Snake Park (Adyar), Visweswarayya Tower and Park, Guindy National Park.

COIMBATORE:
Maruthamalai Murugan, Perur Patteeshwar Swamy - Pacchainayagi Amman, Masani Amman, Thirumoorthy, Echanari Vinayakar, Velliangiri Andavar (Panchalingam), Dhiyanalinga Temples, Kottaimedu Mosque, Thirupur Kumaran Memorial.

V.O.C Park, Vaidehi Falls, Siruvani Falls and Dam, Aliyar Dam, Monkey Falls, Cholayar Dam, Kovai Kutralum, Amaravathi Crocodile Farm, Valparai, Topslip, Amaravathi Dam, Anaimalai Sanctuary, Theme Parks: Black Thunder, Jolly World, Kovai Kondattam. 

CUDDALORE:
Ruins of Cuddalore Port, St. David Fort, Chidambaram Natrajar Temple, Thiruvanthipuram Vishnu Temple, Vadalur Vallalar Sathya Gnana Sabhai, Virudhachalam Viudhagireeshwar Temple.

Pichavaram, Devanampatnam Beach.

DHARMAPURI:
Adhiyaman Fort, Dharmapuri Mallikarjuna Swamy, Hanumanth Theertham, Annasagaram Temples, Ariyanatha Swamy Temple.

Hogenakal Falls.

DINDIGUL:
Dindigul Fort, Palani Murugan, Kottai Mariamman, Rajakaliamman temples, Behampur Big Mosque, St. John's Church.

Kodaikanal, Thadikkompu, Sirumalai.

ERODE:
Erode Siva - Vishnu, Pannari Mariamman, Bhavanisagar Sangameshwar, Kodumudi, Chennimalai Murugan, Dharapuram Siva, Kangeyam Muruga Temples, Periyar E.V.R Memorial.

Bhavanisagar, Kodiveri Dam - Falls.

KANCHIPURAM:

Kanchipuram temples (Kamakshi Ekambareshwar, Kailashnath, Varadharaja Perumal, Ulaghalantha Perumal, Kumarakkottam, Jain Temples), Mamallapuram (world renowned shore/cave temples), Tirukkalukkundram Vedagireeshwar temple, Madurantakam Ramar, Sriperumbudur Adhikeshava, Mangadu Kamakshiamman, Vallakkottai Murugan, Tiruvandanthai Lakshmi Varaha Perumal, Melmaruvathur Adhi Parasakthi, Singaperumal, Nanganallur Anjeneya, Uttiramerur Sundaravaradha Perumal, Thirupparuthikundram Jain Temples, Dakshina Chitra Cultural Centre, Sakunthala Jagannathan Folklore Museum.

Vedantangal Bird Sanctuary, Muttukadh (Boat House), Mudaliarkuppam Lake, Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur, Theme Parks (Kishkintha, VGP, MGM, Mayajal) 

KANYAKUMARI:

Kanyakumari Kumari Amman Temple, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Gandhi Memorial, Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple, Swamithoppu Vaikundharpathy, Nagerkoil Nagaraja, Kumarakoil Murugan, Mandaikkadu Bhagawathy, Keralapuram Vinayaga Temples (colour changing Ganapathy!), Kottar St. Xavier Church, Thiruvattar Temple, Palliyadi Old Palli, Takkalai Gnanamamedhai Dargah, Avvaiyar Temple, Chidharal Jain Temples, Vattakkotai fort, Udayagiri fort, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Kanyakumari Government Art Gallery, Thalakkulam Veluthampi Thalavai memorial. 

Cape Comorin Beach , Murugankundram, Chotthaivizhai, Sankuthurai, Muttam Beaches , Marutthuvamalai, Ulakkai Falls , Pechiparai Dam, thengapatnam, Bay Watch. 

KARUR:

Pugazhimalai, Karur Mariamman, Pasupatheeshwar, Thanthoni Kalyana Venkataramaswamy, Uppidamangalam Adiyarku Eliar, Mettumahanpuram Mahalakshmi Amman, Velayudhampalayam Hill Temples. 

KRISHNAGIRI:

Rayakkottai, Hosur Fort, Kaveripatnam Poongavanathamman Temple, Thali Venugopalaswamy Temple, Thorappally Rajaji Memorial, Papparappatty Subramania Siva Memorial.

Hosur, Thali, Nedungal Dams. 

MADURAI:

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, Vandiyur Mariamman Temple Theppakkulam, Kochchadi Ayyanar, Koodal Azhagar, Pazhamudhircholai Murugan, Thiruvadhavur, Madappuram Badhrakali Amman Temples, Goripalayam Dargah, Narimedu C.S.I. Chruch.

Rajaji Park ,Adhisayam Theme Park. 

NAGAPPATINAM:
Port, City Entrance, Tarangampadi, Poompuhar, Vedaranyeshwar, Tirukadavur Abirami Amman, Sirkazhi, Vaithiswarankoil, Sikkal Temples, Velanganni Matha Church and Museum, Nagur Dargah, Thillayadi Valliammai Memorial.

Kodikkarai (Pt. Calimere) Bird Sanctuary.

NAMAKKAL:
Namakkal Fort, Narasimha - Anjeneya, Tiruchengodu Hill Arthanareeshwar, Kailashnath Temples.

Kolli Hills, Akash Ganga Falls.

PERAMBALUR:
Maligai Medu, Jayamkondacholapuram, Ranjankudi Fort, Sathanur (Tree Fossil), Gangaikonda cholapuram, Perambalur Madanagopalaswamy, Siruvachur Madhurakaliamman, Periaswamy Hill, Thirumazhapadi Siva Temples, Elakurichi Church.

Periaswamy Temple, Karaivetty Bird Sanctuary, Pachchaimalai, Mayiluththu, Yanaikkatty Falls. 

PUDUKKOTTAI:
Pudukkottail, Sittannavasal, Kudumiyanmalai, Nartamalai, Tirumayam Fort, remains of Aranthagi Fort, Koharneeshwar Rock-Cut, Viralimalai Murugan Temples, Avur Churches, Kumaramalai Murugan Temple, Kattubhava Pallivasal Mosque, Vendhanpatti Meenakshi Chokkeshwar Temple, Thirukoharnam Museum.

RAMANATHAPURAM:
Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Ramalinga Vilas Palace, Nampunayagi Amman, Uppur Veyulugantha Amman, Satchi Hanumar, Panchamukha Hanumar, Uthirakosamangai Nataraj, Thiruppullai Temples, Ervadi Dargah, Oriyur Church, Rameshwaram Marine Museum, Mandapam Aquarium.

Dhanushkodi Bird Sanctuary, Kanchirankulam/Chithirankudi Marine Bird Sanctuary, Sethukkarai, Kanthamadhana Parvatham, Adam's Bridge, Valinokkam Beach, Gurusadai Island, Thondi, Pampan Bridge.

SALEM:
Sanghagiri Fort, Arahalur, Sughavanaeshwar, Chervaroy Hill, Ariyanur 108 Linga, Tharamangalam Kailashnathar, Mettur Ayyanar Temples, Sanghagiri St. Anthony's Church, Jumma Masjid.

Yercaud, Kulliyaru Falls, Bear Cave, Mettur Dam, Poimankaradu, Pelur, Dreamland theme park.

SIVAGANGA:
Sankarapathy Fort, Piranmalai, Thanithangal rock cut cave, Kundrakudi rock cut cave, Kanadhukathan Palace, Chettinad houses, Kalaiyarkoil Kaleeshwar, Pillayarpatti Karpaga Vinayagar, Thirupachethi Maragadhalinga, Kandadevi, Edaikattur Navagraha (Siddha), and Madha Church, Kottaiyur Mariamman, Madappuram Kaliamman, Nattarasankottai Kannudainayathi amman Temples, Hanumanthakudi Dargah, Marudhupandiyar Memorial, Deivam Wonderland.

Vettankudi Bird Sanctuary.

THENI:
Allinagaram Veerappa Ayyanar, Suruli Velappar, Kailashnathar Cave, Kuchchanur Saneeshwar Temples, Abubakkar Mastahn Dargah.

Velli Hills, Kumbakkarai Falls, Suruli Falls, Meghamalai Falls, Theerthathuty Natural Spring, Vaigai Dam, Kambam Valley, Shothupparai Dam, Periyar Dam, Bodi Medu, Tiger Falls, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

THANJAVUR:
Port, City Entrance,

Thanjavur Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library, Thanjavur Brahadeeshwar, Manora Victory Tower, Suryanar, Kumbakonam, Dharasuram Iravatheeswar, Thiruvalanjuzhi, Thirunageswaram, Natchiyarkoil, Swamimalai Murugan Temples. Poondy Matha Church, Thanjavur Double Masthan Dargah, Kallanai.

THE NILGIRIS:

Udagamandalam Lake, Botanical Gardens, Rose Gardens, Doda Betta Peak, Wenlock Downs, Kalhatty Falls, Glenmorgan, Coonoor, Pykara, Avalanche Lake, Mukurhti Peak and National Park, Upper Bhavani, Kothagiri, Hanging Bridge, Bhagasura Hill Fort, Cherampadi, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Theppakkadu Elephant Camp.

TIRUCHCHIRAPPALLI:

Rock Fort, Main Guard Gate Fort, Uraiyur, Gunaseelam Prasanna Venkateshwar, Utchi Pillayar, Thayumanavar, Srirangam Ranganathar, Jambhugeswar, Gunaseelam Uthamarkoil, Vayalur Murugan, Samayapuram Mariamman, Erumpheeshwar Temples, Nat har vali Dargah, Nadhirshag Dargah, St.Lourde's Church, Oomaiyan Fort.

Mukkombu Dam, Pachchaimalai, Puliancholai.

TIRUNELVELI:

Sri Gandhimathiamman - Sri Nellaiappar, Salai Kumaraswamy, Kurukkutthurai Murugan, Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy, Sankaranarayanar, Kutthalanathar, Tenkasi Viswanathar, Thirumalaippuram rock cut, Cheranmdevi Milaghu Pillayar, Sri Vaikundam, Papanasam, Nanguneri Vanamamalai, Vuvari Swambhunathar Temples and Ship-shaped Church, Palayamkootai Oosikkopura Church, Pottalpudur Muhaideen Andavar Dargah, Atthankarai Pallivasal, Pulithevan Memorial.

Kuttalam (Courtallam), Manimutthar Dam, Agasthiar Falls, Maancholai, Kumbaruthi Falls, Ambasamudhram.

Kalakkadu (Lion-tailed Monkey), Vallanadu (Spot Deer, Birds), Kunthakulam (Birds), Mundanthurai (Tiger), Munradaippu (Birds).

TIRUVALLUR:

Tiruvallur, Periyapalayam Bhavani Amman, Tiruvalangadu Siva, Thiruverkadu Devi Karumariamman, Tiruttani Murugan Temples.

Pulicut Lake and Bird Watch, Cholavaram, Poondi, Puzhal reservoirs.

TIRUVANNAMALAI:

Ramanashram, Seshadhiri Swamigal Ashram, Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram, Tiruvannamalai Arunachaleswar Temple, Rajgiri, Melchitthamur, Vazhuthavur Fort, Manahapatty rock cut, Thalavanur rock cut, Thirumalaikundru Jain, Arunachaleswar, Panaimalai Thalagireeshwar temples, Thennangore Radhakrishna Temple, Cross-shaped St. Lourd Church, Padavedu Amman Temple, Arani Vempuli Amman Temple, Big Mosque.

Sattanur Dam

THIRUVARUR:

Thiruvarur Thiyagarajar, Mannargudi Rajagopalaswamy, Thirukkannapuram Vishnu, Thillaivilaham Kothandaramar, Alangudi Siva, Yengan Muruga, Kuththanur Saraswathy Temples, Jambhavan Odai Dargah.

Kamalalayam Reservoir, Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary, Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary

TUTICORIN:

Tiruchchendur Murugan, Kazhughumalai Murugan, Kulasekarapatnam Muthumariamman temples, Manapadu Church, Panimayamatha Chruch, Panchalamkuruchi Kattabhomman Fort, Kayathar Kattabomman Memorial, Ettaiyapuram, Bharathi Memorial, Ottapidaram V.O.C Memorial.

Ayyanarkoil natural springs.

VELLORE:

Vellore Fort, Muthumandapam, Vallimalai Cave, Thirumalai Jain Temples, Melpadi Pallipadai, Mahendravadi

Cave Temples, Thakkolam, Arcot Nawab's Palace, Panchapandavar Hills, Jalagandeshwar, Rathnagiri Murugan, Sholinghur Yoga Narasimha-Anjeneya, Pallikondan Ranganathar, Chenpakkam Selva Vinayaga, Kangeyanallur Murugan Temples, Melvisharam Mosque.

Yelagiri Hills, Kavanur Astronomical Centre, Kadampur Hills, Kanchanagiri, Kaveripakkam Lake, Nilavur Village, Javadhu Hills, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Amirthi Zoological Park.

VILUPPURAM:

Gingee Fort, Tirukkovilur Kapilar Hillock, Sadhakkutthullah Khan Mosque, Trivikramar, Thumpur Nagamman (1,450 years old), Patchaiamman, Melmalayanur Angala Parameswari, Kuvakkam Kuthandavar, Ennayiram Narasimha Swamy Temples, Melnariyappanur Chruch, 24 Theerthankara Caves, Mel Malayanur Temple, Thiruvakkarai Stone Trees.

Marakkanam Beach, Kalvarayan Hills, Annamangalam Chunai, Auroville.

VIRUDHUNAGAR:
Tiruchuli Ramanshram, Sundara Mandhiram (house where Ramana Maharishi was born), Bhuminatha Swamy, Srivilliputhur Andal Vadapathrasai, Erukkankudi Mariamman Temples, St. Xavier's Chrurch, Guhanparai Temple, Kamarajar Memorial.

Senbagathoppu Sanctuary(flying squirrel), Ayyanar Falls, Pilavakkal Dam, Kullurchanthai reservior, Vembakottai reservior

Vailankanni Shrine- Velankanni Church

has an extended Basilica, which has two floors where one can find the statue of Jesus Christ. The Gothic style of architecture is a unique feature of the Church. The church itself is an imposing building with inspiring architecture. While the buildings have been painted white roof of the church is made by the tiles with striking red in contrast to the colour of the walls. The environment around the shrine is spick and span. Radiating rays of hope and piety.

There is also a shrine of "our lady of sorrow” where in the sorrowing Mother is depicted carrying infant Jesus in her hand. The museum is situated opposite to the Basilica has a very rich variety of exhibits. The precious offerings made by the devotees are on display here. Biblical incidents are depicted on both sidewalls Timings 6.30am to 8.00pm. Festivals are celebrated here with all pomp and gaiety every year on August 29th the feast of our lady commences with the hoisting. Of the flag the 10th day ends on the 8th September after the dismounting of the flag.

The pilgrims who come here also follow the Hindu tradition of tonsuring their heads as an offering and also perform ear-boring ceremony, This is a religious centre where Hindus, Muslims and Christian from all over the India congregate in large numbers and worship in harmony.

Vailankanni is fondly known as the ‘Lourdes of the East’ because like Lourdes in France, millions of pilgrims visit the Shrine throughout the year, praying to Our Lady for various needs and thanking her for the favors received through her intercession.

Tradition recounts that Mother Mary appeared with the Infant Jesus in this small hamlet at the end of the 16th or in the early 17th century. Ever since, Vailankanni is the most important destination and almost the synthesis of all Marian Sanctuaries for the pilgrims of the world. The crowds of pilgrims come here regardless of creeds and languages.

Our Lady of Vailankanni devotions down through the centuries have proved the Shrine to be of divine origin and has assumed international character. Mary, the focus of unity at Vailankanni, is a clear proof of international, multicultural, and religious harmony.

About Vailankanni
Human beings are happy when they enjoy good health. But God has created man with a body and soul. While the body is mortal, the soul, which has been created in the image and likeness of God, is immortal. The soul of man is enriched by God’s grace, which enables him to lead a holy life. His intimacy with his creator, by a life of grace, caused him to enjoy peace and inner joy.
There are, however, dangers to ruin the happiness and well being of humans in all these three spheres of life-his physical, spiritual and social.

Mary our Mother of good health shows her deep concern for all her children who suffer from every kind of ailment and obtains healing for them from her Divine Son. Mary sets right such shattered relationships when her children approach her for help with absolute trust in her powerful intercession.
Ever since our Blessed Mother set foot on the sacred soil of Vailankanni some 400 years ago, she has been pouring out her tender Motherly care and compassion on all her children who are tossed about on the sea of suffering and who come to her shrine at Vailankanni seeking her help. Innumerable are the favours obtained by her devotees, who approach her, irrespective of their caste or creed. That is why she is revered in Vailankanni as the Mother of Good Health.

Vailankanni Location
Vailankanni, a hamlet on the sandy shores of the Bay of Bengal, is located 350 kilometers south of Chennai (Madras) and 12kilometers south of Nagappatinam. Nagapattinam, a town on the coast of Bay of Bengal, was referred by early writers and the Portuguese as “the city of Coramandel’ (Imperial Gazetteer of India, XIX, 3). Vellayar river, a minor branch of the river Cauvery, runs on the south of the village and flows into the sea.

Readers may be startled to learn that Vailankanni was once a port and there is evidence to prove this. Historical notes reveal that people in this area traded with Rome and Greece, the ancient commercial centers of the western world. In the course of time, Nagapattinam expanded and this tiny commercial center (Vailankanni) gradually lost its importance. The canal that had been dug once for navigation between Nagapattinam and Vedaranyam still lies to the west of Vailankanni.

The phenomenal growth of the shrine


Renovation of the Altar:

In January 1961, a beautiful central altar, delicately executed in spotless white marble, was erected replacing the former one made of cement concrete. The marble altar adds splendour to the Shrine. The rare porcelain plates and paintings adjoining the old altar of the chapel have been carefully retained in their original state.

The Emergence of the Extension Basilica:The original Shrine Basilica was unable to accommodate the ever growing number of pilgrims. Hence the necessity arose to expand the Shrine. An extension behind the original Shrine Basilica (160ft by 55ft) was constructed on August 18th, 1974. Later, an upper floor was added to the Extension Basilica. The Extension Basilica is almost a replica of the world famous Marian Shrine at Lourdes in France.

Progressive Growth Of the Shrine
From 1963 onwards the Shrine witnessed a rapid progress in its growth, largely due to the Zealous and dynamic priests appointed as Parish Priests or Rectors of the Shrine. In 1963 Very Rev. Fr. Maria Susai took charge of the Parish of Vailankanni. He was the first Tamil priest to do so. This indefatigable priest toiled ceaselessly to develop the Shrine of Our Lady in many fields.

Accordingly, he began constructing hundreds of rooms for the convenience of pilgrims. He put up a new building for the ‘Museum of Offering’. Extension of the Shrine Basilica was constructed. He setting up of a straight path from the Extension Basilica to Our Lady’s Tank. The stations of the Cross along the way to the Tank were also erected by him. He had been bringing out the movie ‘Annai Vailankanni’. Indian Overseas Bank was opened during his period. His selfless service to the Shrine terminated on April 13th 1980 when God called him to his eternal reward. He was laid to rest on the right wing outside the Shrine Basilica.

Rev. Fr. Maria Susai was succeeded by Very Rev. Msgr. Thomas Vaz. He brought about significant improvements in the administration of the Shrine. He erected the clock tower at Our Lady’ Tank and properly constructed the tank. Incidentally, many healing also take place by applying the oil, blessed at the Shrine, on sick. This oil is popularly known as ‘Our Lady’s Oil’. He also plastered the concrete covering over the roof of the Shrine. He paid special attention to the conduct of prayers at the Shrine. As his services were required in Thanjavur, he was transferred and Very Rev. Fr. S.L. Gabriel succeeded him as parish priest of the Shrine.

Here, it must be mentioned that His Grace Most. Rev. Dr. Packiam Arokiaswamy took charge of the Diocese of Thanjavur as its second bishop on 26th November,1986 and hence became, the guardian of the Shrine since that day. Very Rev. Fr. S.L. Gabriel has had a large share in the development of the Shrine. He has introduced new convents at the Shrine. He has brought in the convents of the Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Sisters of St. Louis Gonzague for spiritual needs of the pilgrims. His introduction of the convent of the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Theresa’s convent) is worthy of note.

Vailankanni Tank

Some of the outstanding constructions undertaken by him were:
1. The Chapel at Our Lady’s Tank.
2. Our Lady of Health Hospital.
3. The extension of the Museum.
4. An open air auditorium.
5. Holy Family Community Hall.
6. The New Tonsure Hall.
7. The Laying of granite stones in the area around the Basilica.
8. Construction of St. John’s Cottage, St. Luke’s Cottage, the extension of Little Flower Cottage, St. Assisi Cottage, the first floor of St. Joseph’s Lodge, St. Thomas’ Quarters’ Annexure, St. Xavier’s Tourist Halls and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Halls for the accommodation of pilgrims.

Other Noteworthy Developments:Our Lady’s Higher Secondary School, an important institution for the education. He also established a new colony known as “Antoniarpuram” have been put up for the benefit of the staff.
In November 1990 Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel was appointed as Bishop of Tiruchirapalli. He was succeeded by Very Rev. Fr. M.M. Sammanasu. Immediately, on taking charge he showed a genuine concern for the spiritual and temporal needs of the pilgrims. During his term, topmost priority was given to Liturgical celebrations. He introduced the Eucharistic procession around the Shrine on the First Friday of every month. He also built Magizhchi Madha Lodge and Infant Jesus Lodge. Two Community Halls both at Keelaiyur and Thirumangudi were constructed by him. ‘Booking Office for Rooms’ was put up in 1992 in front of the Town Bus Station. Perhaps the magnum opus (great work) of him is the erection of a Retreat House at the Shrine. It was located on the way to Our Lady’s Tank about half a kilometer from the Extension Basilica.

Encouraged and supported by the Bishop, he started the Institute for Marian Studies in 1996. After completing a fruitful ministry in the Shrine, Very Rev. Fr. Sammanasu was transferred in 1997, and he was succeeded by Very Rev. Fr. Arul Irudayam who took charge of the Shrine Basilica as its parish priest and Rector on 5th June 1997.

After the retirement of His Grace Packiam Arokiaswamy in September 1997, Most Rev. Dr. M. Devadass Ambrose took charge of the Diocese of Thanjavur as its currently reigning bishop on September 24, 1997. He has now become the guardian of the Shrine.

Fr. Arul Irudayam has played an important role in the development of the Shrine. The Adoration and Reconciliation Chapel at the Shrine was built as a memorial of the historic event. It was blessed by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. M. Devadass Ambrose, the bishop of Thanjavur and opened by the special envoy of the pope, Archbishop Javier Lozano Barragan on February 9, 2003. The apparition of Our Blessed Mother to the lame buttermilk vendor had no such commemorative chapel. Hence, a beautiful chapel parallel to the Adoration chapel has been built at Nadu thittu, the place where Our Blessed Mother is believed to have appeared to the lame boy. He has extended St. Joseph’s Lodge by putting up an additional building. Also a pilgrims’ quarters with all conveniences has been constructed to accommodate pilgrim sisters. One of the remarkable achievements of Fr. Arul Irudayam is the construction of Christ the king’s Mahal. A special Higher Secondary School for the disabled children and a High School for the benefit of children who are deaf, have been established. A home has been built for the Sisters of Jesus who care for the disabled and deaf children.

On 23rd June 2003 Rev. Fr. Arul Irudhayam was transferred and he was succeeded by Very Rev. Fr. P. Xavier as Rector of the Shrine and Rev.Fr. F. Antonisamy as the parish priest.

Significant developments in the spiritual realm have taken place at the past two years. They are, the establishment of a Counselling Centre, On March 17, 2004, the Bishop of Thanjavur Most Rev. Dr. M. Devadass Ambrose blessed and opened the Counseling Centre at the Shrine. It is situated behind the Reconciliation Chapel and close to the Adoration Chapel. Over the years the Shrine has been progressively providing for the Spiritual and Temporal needs of the pilgrims. However, the need for a Prayer Centre was conspicuous by its absence. This exigency was taken care of when Very Rev. Fr. P. Xavier, the Rector of the Shrine and Rev. Fr. F. Antonisamy, the Parish Priest with the encouragement of the Bishop of Thanjavur started a small Centre for prayer, On July 27, 2003. This prayer centre is known as the ‘Spring of Prayer’ (‘Jeba Ootu’ in Tamil). The Exhibition on the History of Salvation which is situated on the southern side of the main Shrine presents the history of God’s dialogue with human beings. The Exhibition on the History of Salvation is both fascinating and instructive.

Shrine History
Vailankanni Parish: Vailankanni was a part of the parish of Nagapattinam, but as pilgrims began to pour into Vailankanni, it was raised to the status of an independent parish in 1771, and Fr. Antonio de Rozario the last parish priest of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Nagapattinam, was appointed the first Parish priest of Vailankanni. Nagapattinam had always been under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Bishop of the Diocese of Mylapore. During that period the Diocese of Mylapore was administered under the Portuguese ‘Padroado’ (patronage). Under the Padroado system, the king of Portugal in Europe met all the expenses incurred by the Diocese of Mylapore, which remained under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Roman Pontiffs.

Until 1847 the priests of St. Franciscan Missionaries who had looked after the province of Goa and Mylapore also looked after Nagapattinam and Vailankanni. The Franciscan origin and ownership of the Shrine was also perpetuated, by giving the place of honor to two Franciscan saints, St. Anthony of Lisbon and St. Francis of Assisi, on either side of the miraculous image of ‘Our Lady’, on the High Altar until 1961. Besides the last parish priest, Miguel Francisco Fernandez, who was of the Franciscan order, controlled the parish of Vailankanni till 1889. In 1890 the parish was handed over to diocesan priests.

Thereafter, the diocesan priests of the Diocese of Mylapore were in charge of Vailankanni. In 1952, when the new Diocese of Thanjavur came into being, and Vailankanni became a part of the new diocese, the priests of Thanjavur Diocese became the custodians of the Shrine. The administration of the new Diocese was temporarily placed under the apostolic administration of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Louis Mathias, S.D.B., who was then the Archbishop of the new Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore.

On March 19, 1953, His Excellency the Rev. Dr. R. Arokiasamy Sundaram, DD., L. C. L., M. A., a priest of Mylapore Archdiocese was appointed as the first Bishop of the new Diocese of Thanjavur. He assumed charge of his Diocese on March 24, 1953.

Vailankanni being situated in the Thanjavur District came under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Thanjavur. The Rev. Dr. R. Arokiasamy Sundaram showed keen interest in the development of Vailankanni Shrine and granted special spiritual privileges. ‘Our Lady of Health Vailankanni’ became the second patroness of our newly erected Diocese.

Elevation of the Shrine to the status of a Basilica
The greatest houour that can be conferred to a Church is to elevate it to the status of a Basilica. The word ‘Basilica’ is derived from the Greek word ‘Basilike’ and it originally signified a Royal Hall. In course of time this word has come to mean a large and beautiful hall. In ancient times kings from all over the world in general, and from Rome in particular, constructed large hall for administrative purposes. The first hall bearing the name of Basilica existed in Athens.

Jesus Christ being the King of Kings, and His Churches being His audience halls, the larger Christian Churches in Rome came to be called Basilicas.

Today, a Basilica is a consecrated Church usually built with the front facing the East, and generally constructed in one of the classical styles of architecture. It is oblong in shape with a broad nave ending in an apse. It is now stipulated that a church, in order to be called a Basilica, should contain some work of art, or it should contain some work of art, or it should house the body of a saint or a celebrated image much venerated in the land, or be a pre-eminent place of pilgrimage.

His Excellency, Dr. R.A. Sundaram D.D., L.C.L., M.A., the first Bishop of the diocese of Thanjavur, earnestly petitioned Pope John XXIII to raise the Shrine of Vailankanni to the Status of a Basilica and also requested His Holiness to enrich it with all the privileges attached to a Basilica for the spiritual benefit of the pilgrims. In 1962, when Bishop Sundaram went to Rome to attend the second session of the Second Vatican Council, he reiterated his request to the Holy Father personally to raise the Shrine of Our Lady of Vailankanni to the lofty status of a Minor Basilica. After examining the request carefully, His Holiness Pope John XXIII, of saintly memory, issued orders raising the Shrine to the exalted status of a Minor Basilica. Thus the Shrine of Vailankanni became the Shrine Basilica of Vailankanni in November 1962 and was linked to the St. Mary’s Major Basilica in Rome.

Shrine Miracles
Apparitions Of Our LadyWithout a shadow of a doubt it is the choice of Our Blessed Mother to make her apparitions in Vailankanni, that has transformed this place into a Marian Shrine of international repute, is popularly known as the ‘Lourdes of the East’.

It is an indisputable fact that God has always been eager to intervene in human history, especially during turbulent times, in a motherly way and so He comes to us through Mary. Mary is not only the Mother of Jesus, she is the Mother of all us, and it is the distinctive mark of a mother to be solicitous for the wellbeing of her children. Even in her glory in heaven, she is still profoundly concerned about the welfare of her children, and that is why she leaves her eternal throne to come down to man to alert him to the dangers to which he is rushing headlong.

1. Our Lady’s Vision to a Shepherd Boy:
Approximately 400 years ago, there was a small pond and on its bank was a huge banyan tree. A shepherd boy from Vailankanni used to carry milk everyday to a rich man in Nagapattinam which is ten kilometers away. On an unusually hot summer day, the boy, after quenching his thirst with the water from the pond, rested for a while in the shade of the banyan tree which stood beside the pond. Soon the boy fell into a deep slumber.

Suddenly he was startled by the vision of a Lady of celestial beauty holding a lovely child in her arms. The boy could not take his eyes off the Lady of unmatched beauty, so spell bound was he by this heavenly vision. The Lady greeted him with a motherly smile and condescended to ask him for some milk for her child. He joyfully gave her some milk for her child and seeing a bewitching smile spread over the face of the heavenly baby, the boy experienced deep satisfaction.
When he reached the home of the rich man he begged to be excused for his unusual delay and for the shortage of milk. But, when the lid of the milk pot was lifted, lo and behold!, the pot was brimming over with milk. The boy narrated to the rich man about the apparition he had of a Lady of uncommon beauty with a cherubic child and how he had given a portion of the milk he was carrying, to the child at the Lady’s request. He said that he had the unique pleasure of seeing that supernatural Lady feed the baby with the milk he had given. The master was fascinated by the extraordinary phenomenon witnessed by the boy and he hastened to the spot where the Lady had appeared with her child. With great reverence, the gentleman prostrated himself on the holy ground where the Lady had appeared to the boy.
The story of the apparition of the Lady and Child and the miraculous brimming over of the milk, spread like wild fire throughout the neighbourhood. The Christians in Nagapattinam were convinced that the vision was that of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus. Their hearts overflowed with joy at the thought of Our Blessed Mother deigning to choose such an unobtrusive place as Vailankanni to make her apparition. From that day onwards the tank has come to be known as ‘Matha Kulam’ (Our Lady’s Tank). Innumerable miracles are taking place even today by applying it on diseased persons. A chapel now stands at the place where Mary appeared to the shepherd boy.

2. Apparition of Our Lady to the Buttermilk Vendor:
A few years after her apparition to the Shepherd boy, Vailankanni was privileged to be blessed with another apparition of the Blessed Mother, and this time, to a poor lame boy of the village. At the close of the 16th century, there was a poor widow in the village of Vailankanni with a son who was congenitally lame. In order to eke out their existence the lame boy would sell buttermilk at a place known as ‘Nadu Thittu’. It was a slightly elevated spot where there was a huge banyan tree with outstretched branches. The widow would carry the lame boy and leave at Nadu Thittu with a pot of buttermilk. The boy sold the butter milk to weary way-farers who would take shelter from the sweltering heat under the tree. On an extremely hot day the boy was waiting for his customers, but as no one turned up, he was a little disappointed.

But his disappointment turned into joy when, in the twinkling of an eye, he saw a Lady of stunning beauty standing before him, holding a baby of dazzling beauty in her arms. The Mother and Child were attired in impeccable white garments. The Lady looked at the boy with a charming smile and asked him for a cup of buttermilk for the child. Without a moment’s hesitation the lad gave her a cup of buttermilk as he considered it a great honour and privilege to render a little hospitality to his seemingly ethereal visitors. With a sense of deep satisfaction the boy saw the Lady feeding her child with the buttermilk he had offered her. The Lady then cast a benevolent look at the lame boy and turned towards her Divine Child in her arms as if entreating him to heal the crippled lad. The Mother’s silent request was instantaneously answered. Without the boy realizing it, a miracle had been wrought on him, but he kept on gazing at his distinguished visitors as though entranced. The Lady gratefully acknowledged the youth’s generosity and requested another favour of him. The lad was to go to Nagapattinam and apprise a certain rich Catholic gentleman of the Lady’s appearance to him and to inform him of her desire to have a chapel built at Vailankanni in her honour. While he was eager to carry out the mission entrusted to him, his physical impairment rendered him incapable of carrying out the mission. The boy told the Lady so. But the Lady bade him get up and walk as he was no longer a cripple. Immediately, the lad leaped to his feet. His joy knew no bounds when he realized he could walk. He ran as fast as his leg could carry him, all the 10 kilometers to Nagapattinam. On the way he would pause a while to make sure that the miracle that had taken place in him was not a figment of his mind but a reality.
On reaching Nagapattinam the boy, narrated to the gentleman of the apparition. He informed the gentleman that she had sent him as her emissary to ask him to build a chapel in her honour in Vailankanni. The gentleman had little doubt in believing the lad as he himself had a similar vision of Our Lady in his sleep the previous night, bidding him build a chapel in her honour. With the willing cooperation of the people of that locality whose enthusiasm had been kindled by the miraculous healing of the widow’s crippled son, the Catholic gentleman of Nagapattinam soon put up a small thatched chapel at Vailankanni. An altar was erected in the chapel and a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Vailankanni holding the Infant Jesus in her arms, was placed on the altar. That marked the humble beginning of the Shrine of Our Lady of Vailankanni. So many cures were taking place to those who prayed at the miraculous Mother with her Divine Infant came to be known as Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni (Vailankanni Arokia Matha). A chapel has been recently built at Nadu Thittu where Our Lady appeared to the lame butter milk vendor.

3. The Portuguese Ship caught in a Storm:
The 16th century in particular was known for the attempts made by European merchants to establish trading centres in India. The Portuguese were devout Catholics with a special devotion to Our Blessed Mother Mary, the ‘Star of the Sea’. In the 17th century a Portuguese merchant vessel was sailing to Colombo. While it was cruising towards the west to reach the Bay of Bengal, it was caught in a violent storm. The gale grew furious and the waves rose high and lashed violently at the ship and the fate of the vessel, with everyone on board was all but sealed. The helpless sailors instinctively fell on their knees and with all the fervour, their sinking souls could muster, besought Mary’s help. They vowed to build a church in her honour wherever she helped them land safely. Their earnest petition was instantly heard, for all on a sudden, there was a miraculous lull in the winds; the waves subsided and the sea became calm. Soon the battered ship was pushed to safety to the shores of Vailankanni. On landing, the first thing the sailors did was to fall on their knees and thank God and the Blessed Virgin Mary for having saved their lives. They set about immediately to remodel the thatched chapel.
Remarkably, all these extraordinary events took place on September 8, the feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.


 How To Get There
Air: Nearest Airport is Tiruchirappali (4 Hrs By Bus)
Next nearest Airport is Chennai (9 Hrs By Train)
Rail: Nearest railway station is Nagapattinam (11 kms) Others are
Trichy, Chennai and Thanjavur (89kms)
Road: Buses are available from Chidambaram, Chennai, Madurai,
Pondicherry (4 Hrs), Trichy (141kms) and Thanjavur.
Buses frequently run from Nagapattinam (every 15 minutes).
Bus Timings
SETC – State Express Transport Corporation
( Formerly Thiruvalluvar Transport Corporation )
864 Bangalore 17:30 (s)
864 Bangalore 18:30 (s)
771 Thiruvananthapuram 18:00 (s)
770 Ernakulam 18:30 (s)
724 Coimbatore 20:00
560 Marthandam 19:30 (s)
324 Madras 8:00, 8:15 (s), 9:30,10:30, 20:00, 20:30 (s), 21:30, 22:00
(s) – Super Deluxe
Where there is no indication, the service operated is Semi Deluxe.
Buses to and from Nagapattinam and other nearby localities are operated round the clock between 21:00 and 5:00 the buses are available on an hourly basis only.
Train Timings
Vailankanni Railway Reservation Booking Office
Working Hours : 9.00 to 12.00 & 14:00 to 17:00
Trains operating from Nagapatinam
671 Nagore – Thanjavur Passenger Nagapattinam (D) 6:40 Thanjavur (A) 9:30
677 Nagore – Trichy Passenger Nagapattinam (D) 13:55 Trichy (A) 19:20
675 Nagore – Thanjavur Passenger Nagapattinam (D) 18:05 Thanjavur (A) 21:00
Trains operating to Nagapattinam
672 Trichy – Nagore Passenger Trichy (D) 4:20 Nagapattinam (A) 9:30
678 Thanjavur – Nagore Passenger Thanjavur (D) 10:00 Nagapattinam (A) 15:20
676 Thanjavur – Nagore Passenger Thanjavur (D) 18:15 Nagapattinam (A) 20:37
Southern Railway : Enquiry & status at Nagapattinam Tel. No. : 04365 – 42131
Best Time To Get There During Velankanni festival conducted every year:
August 29 to December 8


Shrine Mass Timings
Daily Services
Every Morning :
05.40 a.m. Morning Prayer in the Main Shrine
06.00 a.m. Mass in Tamil in the Main Shrine
07.00 a.m. Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica
08.00 a.m. Mass in Telugu in the upper Basilica
09.00 a.m. Mass in Malayalam in the Lower Basilica
10.00 a.m. Mass in English in the Lower Basilica
11.00 a.m Mass in Hindi in the Upper Basilica
12.00 noon Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica

Every Evening :06.00 p.m. Rosary, Litany and Novena Prayer in Tamil followed by Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica
(Kindly note the additional and change of timings of Masses and Services on Sundays and Saturdays)
Weekly Services

All Saturdays :
07.00 a.m. Mass in Tamil at Our Lady’s Tank
05.45 p.m. Car Procession of Our Lady of Health around the Shrine, Benediction and Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica

Sunday Morning :
07.30 a.m. Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica

Sunday Evening :05.00 p.m. Mass in Tamil for the Parishioners of Vailankanni in the Lower Basilica
06.00 p.m. Rosary, Litany, Novena Prayer, Benediction and Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica.
Monthly Services

First Friday :
06.00 p.m. Mass in Tamil, Eucharistic Procession around the Shrine, Sermon and Benediction from the front view of the Upper Basilica.

First Saturday :
05.30 p.m. Car Procession of Our Lady of Health through the beach road Blessing of the Sick with the Blessed Sacrament, Benediction and Mass in Tamil in the Lower Basilica
09.00 p.m. A Three-Hour Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament in the Main Shrine

Second Saturday :
09.00 a.m. A Fasting Prayer Service from 09.00 a.m. to 04.00 p.m. in the Vailankanni Madha Retreat House

Third Saturday :
07.00 a.m. Intercessory Prayer after the end of the Mass in Our Lady’s Tank

Fourth Saturday :
06.30 a.m. Mass in Tamil in the Naduthittu Church
08.00 p.m. Children’s Good News Gathering in front of the Fathers’ House

Annual Feast of Our Lady of Health :
The Annual Feast of Our Lady of Health is celebrated from 29th August to 8th September.
Contacts:
Address :  Very Rev. Fr. A. Michael
Rector,Shrine Basilica
Vailankanni 611 111
Nagapattinam District
Tamilnadu, INDIA

Contact Numbers :  +91-4365 : 263 530 (Father’s personal)
+91-4365 : 263 625 (Father’s Fax)
+91-4365 : 263 423 (Shrine Number)
+91-4365 : 263 584 (Shrine Number)
+91-4365 : 264 890 (Shrine Number)
Email :  info@vailankannishrine.org

Novena Prayer To Our Lady
Oh Most Holy Virgin! You were chosen by the Most Adorable Trinity from all eternity to be the most pure Mother of Jesus. Permit me, your humble and devoted servant, to remind you of the joy received in the instant of the Most Sacred Incarnation of our Divine Lord and during the nine months you carried Him in your chaste womb. I wish most sincerely that I could renew, or even increase that joy, by the fervour of my Prayers.

Oh! Tender Mother of the afflicted! Grant me under my present necessities that special protection You have promised to those who devoutly commemorate this ineffable joy. Relying on the infinite mercies of your Divine Son, trusting in the promise which He has made that those who ask should receive, and penetrated with confidence in your powerful prayers, I most humbly entreat you intercede for me. I beg you to obtain for me the favours which I petition for in this novena, if it be the Holy Will of God to grant them; to ask for me whatever graces I most stand in need of.I desire by this novena, which I now offer in your honour, to prove the lively confidence I have in your intercession. Accept it, I beseech you, in honour of that supernatural love and joy, with which your Immaculate Heart was replenished during the abode of your divine Son in your womb; in veneration of which, I offer you the sentiments of my heartand then say the following prayer:-Oh! Mother of God! accept these salutations in union with the respect and veneration with which the Angel Gabriel first hailed you, “Full of Grace” I wish most sincerely that they may become so many gems in the crown of your incidental glory, which will increase in brightness to the end of the world.

I beseech you, Oh! comfortress of the afflicted, by the joy you received, when the word was made flesh, to obtain for me the favours and graces, which I have now implored through your powerful intercession. For this end I offer you all the good works which have even been performed in your honour. I most humbly entreat you for the love of the amiable Heart of Jesus, with which yours was ever so inflammed, to hear my humble prayers and to obtain my requests.
- Amen.

This Novena prayer will be helpful to those helpless people when everything fails, and who wants speedy and visible answers to their agony.

Source: vailankannichurch.org, vailankannishrine.org,hurchnewssite.com,velankannichurch.com

India Trip Cheap Tourism Packages

India has numerous locations waiting to be explored. The months of August and September follow the busy touristy summer months and just before the beginning of the peak season starting from Dussehera / Durga Puja & Diwali. This is the time that some of tourist destinations in India are less crowded and more affordable. Now is a great time to explore these top places in India minus the crowd. There are plenty pleasant options of Cheap India Trip Packages available to soothe your souls.

Hill Stations: Being an off season time, now is the time for you to go. With less crowds, available rooms and cheap fares you can enjoy a pleasant holiday. Shimla & Nainital are best options for a cheap holiday. Shimla the “Queen of Hills” is a popular tourist hub all season and this season when the crowds are less you can have a good time. Nainital; India Lake City is absolutely amazing this season. Free from crowds you can enjoy a delightful time.

Goa: The beach state is drenched in an otherworldly charm this season. The beaches may not be accessible but there are plenty other options for an enjoyable holiday. River rafting, trekking to Dudhsagar Falls and the exploration are some of the best to try out.

Kerala: When you think of rejuvenating after monsoons, no place is better than Kerala. God’s Own country is an absolute delight to travel to this season. Ayurveda massages will work wonders this season and being away from crowds will enlighten your body, mind and soul providing a pleasant holiday.

Udaipur: Rajasthan’s breathtaking Lake City; Udaipur is amazing to travel to this season. The palaces, the lakes and the majestic splendor can enjoyed at peace. You just have to be there now.

Enjoy Holidays with Goa Tour Packages

A Goa tour gives you a vacation of your desires. If you are a nature lover there are plenty natural delights, if you are a sea lover there are numerous choices of beaches depending on your mood, culture, of celebrations while nightclubs & discotheques ensure a event a chance to the fun-lovers.

The fantastic beauty and numerous excitements that this wonderful Indian state is blessed with unmatchable. Located on the country’s western coast, Goa is entirely amazing and permanently wonderful and is something that never fails to beguile its visitors. Providing a perfect combination of natural exuberance, jovial societies and mesmeric exoticness, Goa holidays are definitely needed.

When in Goa, the first thing every guest would love to do is soaking the sun, snad and sea on the beaches. Anjuna, Calangute and Baga are some popular seashores in Goa, where one can have a fun time beside the sea and on the warm sand. Landscapes of swaying hands, stimulating rich waters and charming mountains in background is simply a cure for nature-loving eyes, while seaside activities like scuba dive diving snorkeling, scuba dive diving snorkeling and windsurfing keep the excitement fans active throughout the day. Near Christmas and New Year Eve, the condition changes wonderful with unbelievable celebration all around. Along with that, A Goa vacation presents you with interesting purchasing and delightful dishes of the condition.

There are excellent shopping malls, vibrant open markets and numerous street-side providers, offering a range of goods at eye-catching rates. The dining places here provide mouth-watering special treats which will go down in your memory books. The dance clubs, the  discotheques, bars and pubs guaranteed a wonderful time. If you’re thinking of a Goa vacation, you’re recommended to book your suitable Goa Tour Packages etc well beforehand.

Best Tourist Places To Visit in India

India, the nation of unity within diversity is well known for tradition, democracy. India has got many things to visit beginning with tourism; there are many scenic locations and monuments, holy locations, beaches in India. India is the combination of numerous cultures. Culture as well as Heritage are the biggest property in the past and present for India. The united states offers the visitors with intriguing and breathtaking tourist destinations. There are lots of best places to visits in India.

Would you like a memorable trip in India, after that why late, just seriously and spend some of your energy in knowing the best places to go to in India. Each place in India has numerous unique things, no matter whatever place you visit.

Here proceed the few best locations in India.

Kerala- God’s own Country

Nationwide Geographic Traveler declared Kerala among the ten ‘Paradises found’, for its varied location and calamitous greenery. Nothing can beat natural beauty of Kerala; it is also referred to as Gods personal country. Kerala is one of the most popular visitor places in India.
What makes this particular tourist place very interesting is the fact that its natural beauty, lush plants, amazing white sand beaches, scrumptious sea foods, back seas, magical festivals and social monuments Ayurvedic medicines and ayurvedic wellness resorts with world-class health care methods are one of the greatest assets associated with Kerala. Kerala is also known as the India’s cleanest condition.
Backwaters, a chain of lagoons are the essential part of Kerala’s tourism, it provides a calming experience. The ever popular houseboats get around this place which gives you the panoramic and awesome views as well as revitalizes your mind and body. Kerala is the best spot for honeymoon, holidays, culture, custom, health care, ayurveda, meditation and yoga exercise
The places that shouldn’t miss within Kerala include Kumarakom (bird sanctuary), biggest fresh water lake- Astamudi Lake, an Kannur-Valiyaparambu in which the scenic beauty can be skilled. A trip to Kerala will definetly leaves the actual everlasting memories. Without such as Kerala the trip to India would be completely incomplete.

Goa- God’s heaven on Earth

When it comes to geographical area, Goa is the tiniest state in India but this cause has not stopped Goa from to be the best places to visit in India. The actual Dazzling beauty of Goa that includes fairly beaches, delicious seafood, aquatic sports, nightlife, artistic churches draws in more than 2 million visitors yearly.
Goa is tagged as ‘God’s paradise on Earth’; it has lots of actions, depending on your choice and flavor you can gratify in. You will find popular beaches like Anjuna Seaside and Baga Beach where you can whilst away your time or go to some of the awesome churches. With regard to adrenaline pumping activities you can enjoy different water sports like windsurfing, paragliding, aircraft skiing and many more. If you want to give a delicious lunch or dinner for your day time then try out for some delicious seafood (Goan fish curry) and also the well-known Fenny (Goan Liquor).
As soon as thinking about Goa, first of all , strikes into our minds may be the amazing and astonishing seashores that added a taste to Goa, Goa has a tremendous combination of national and international ethnicities, never ending parties, golden glass beads due to which it seems like a different nation which makes a reason for Goa becoming one of the best places to visit in India.

Rajasthan- The Land of Royalty

Rajasthan is well known for its breathtaking locations and forts along with regal hospitality and splendor. If you wish to add an ancient place to your vacation to India then Rajasthan is the best location. Rajasthan is also known as the land associated with royals. The monuments as well as Forts will stand to inform the tale of bygone period very well.
It is the best visitor place which will be the amazing destination in India for both nationwide and international tourists. Locations of Jaipur, desert forts associated with Jodhpur, Udaipur lakes, Jaisalmer and Bikaner are the locations that one shouldn’t miss in Rajasthan.
The actual Jaipur palace (Palace on tires) has a world-class interiors, stylish wine beverages, splendid meals, and customized services. The picturesque look at the palace, with contemporary etiquettes, and lavishing interiors will surely leaves/makes/puts a person in the Royal Maharaja feel.
Rajasthan will surely be a shopper’s stop which has a numerous semi- precious stones, textiles in adornments, different paints and reflection work, and many handicrafts which include wooden furniture, blue ceramic and carpets. Music as well as culture lovers will surely adore the unique classical music as well as dance of Rajasthan.
The visit to Rajasthan also gives you the experience of the actual bygone era. The unique tradition, textiles and many more things help to make Rajasthan as a must visit location.

Mumbai- The city of Dreams

Mumbai is among the most sophisticated cities within India. The word mumbai makes us think about a lot of things like fashion, glamour, Films, Stock Market, Finance, and the scrumptious bhel puri and pav bhaji. It seems to be just like a glamour world. Mumbai dazzles with the ancient monuments, bollywood movies, shopping avenues furistic sky line and lots more. We can encounter many impressive old ancient monuments like chatrapati shivaji terminus, skyscrapers that master the mumbai skyline and the beautiful Taj Mahal Hotel- an architectural Masterpice.
Tasting the road food makes it worth within Mumbai, it boasts of few of the amazing foods like Pav bhaji, bhelpuri, panipuri, and vada pao, therefore the food lovers can have plenty of fun with these elegant meals. One can find the best street meals in Khau Galli of Mumbai.
The visit to Mumbai should not miss The Entrance of India, marine drive, Juhu seaside, the famous Ajanta ellora caves, Elephanta Island destinations, Haji ali dargh (mosque). Colaba Cause way, Flora Water fountain and Church gate, as well as the stalls near Jyotiba Phule Market tend to be few of the hangout places for shoppers. Mumbai is the City of Dreams, exactly where everything seems to be possible; this will make Mumbai as one of the best places to visit within India.

Indian Wild Life

India is amongst the top twelve countries in the world in terms of wildlife and forests depicting 'Mega Diversity '. Remote mountains icy plateaus, moist evergreen foothills, rainforests and dry scrub, deserts, saline flatlands, mangrove swamps, lush mountain forests, grassy meadows, shaded pools of water; tall feathery bamboo all collectively supports an amazing variety of wildlife. Since centuries ago animals have been worshipped in India for instance elephants are seen as Lord Ganesha and monkeys as Hanumana.

A very large number national parks and sanctuaries have now been established in India to provide natural habitat to animals. "TIGER" is National Animal & "PEACOCK" is National Bird Of India. This is only place in the world where one can see the majestic beauty of Tiger in a single visit of Bandhavgarh, Kanha or Ranthambore National Park. Tiger is now become a Prime animal of India.

Corbett national park -India’s oldest national park and Periyar Reserve hosts the home of the Asian Elephants. The Kaziranga in Assam is the homeland of one horned Rhino. Gir forest of Gujrat is now the only place in entire Asia for Asiatic Lion. The world’s heritage Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a smattering of wetland attracts some of the greatest congregations of migratory waterfowl.

Its flora comprises 15000 flowering plants that are 6% of the world’s total. India’s faunal diversity is also high, with its 1178 bird species representing 14% of the world’s total. Similarly there are Over 500 species of mammals, 30,000 insects and over 400 varieties of reptiles. In short this sub-continent is a paradise for those who love to observe the grace and beauty of the flora and fauna and for those who want to capture it on film.

With an amazing variety of flora and fauna it is unfortunate to know that around 250 animals are endangered and in need of immediate protection. A few of them like Cheetah have already been extinct and many more are there in the queue surviving woefully on its last legs for instance Tiger, Golden Langur a few varieties of deers and monkeys and certainly some of the birds.

There had been several efforts made by the Indian Government to protect and perverse this rich wildlife and splendid nature. One of the success stories is that of the “Project Tiger” the most spectacular one and the one, which has saved many forests under its wide umbrella. Project Tiger succeeded mainly through the strong, evocative symbol of the tiger itself, in rallying public opinion not in India but worldwide.

The major cause of vanishing animals in India is poaching as well as shrinking forest cover. The cause is deforestation, because of population as well as industrialization growth. Inspite of, many efforts made to stop poaching there had been no radical reforms taking place, mainly because the laws are not effectively enforced.

In 1972 India declared a number of animals and birds as completely protected and started “project tiger", declaring 11 sanctuaries, reserved forests and national parks for tigers exclusively in the Indian subcontinent. Measures to preserve wildlife taken since independence have been fruitful to some extent. Now we have over 200 sanctuaries, national parks and reserve forests spread all over the country. Some of these are as big as 780 sq. km and the smaller ones around 26 sq.km in area. The majority of these are well connected by road and rail and some even by air. Furnished rooms, dormitories, rest house of the Forest Department and private hotels with all amenities are available. In most of the sanctuaries and national parks, roads are good. In some places there are watchtowers near water holes. Common animals found in abundance.

India has a great wildlife but it is not properly exposed. The major reason is that photography in India is not as easy as in the vast open grasslands of Africa. Lighting’s condition is generally poor. Most of the animals are very shy & alert. The forests are very dense with thick undergrowth thereby making the forests a bit inaccessible. But it is very true that India has a very large scope for wildlife photography if it is explored properly.

Wildlife Parks In India

Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandipur National Park
Corbett National Park
Dudhwa National Park
Desert National Park
Eravikulam National Park
Gir National Park
Kanha National Park
Kaziranga National Park
Mudumalai National Park
Ranthambhore National Park
BR Hills Wildlife Sactuary
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary
Panna National Park
Periyar National Park
Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary
Corbett National Park
Hemis National Park
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Great Himalayan National Park
Sundarbans National Park 
Nagarahole National Park
Namdapha National Park,

Bird Sanctuary in India:

Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary Andhra Pradesh

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary 

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary,Tamil Nadu 

Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary

Khijadia Bird Sanctuary

Porbandar Bird Sanctury Porbandar, Gujarat 

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, North Goa

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala 

Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary, Orissa

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary ,Gujarat

Nawab Ganj Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh

Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary Aurangabad 

 Karnala Bird Sanctuary Raigad ,Maharashtra

Kolleru Bird Sanctuary ,Andhra Pradesh

Manjira Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh

Nandurmadhmeshwar Bird Sanctury Nashik, Maharashtra 

Nelapatta Bird Sanctuary Andhra Pradesh  

Indian Wild Life Resorts:

Kanha Wildlife Resorts 

Bandhavgarh Wildlife Resorts

Ranthambore Wildlife Resorts

Bharatpur Wildlife Resorts

Pench Wildlife Resorts

Corbett Wildlife Resorts