Wondering how to travel to Velankanni from Pune or Mumbai? Whether you're planning a spiritual pilgrimage or a peaceful coastal retreat, Velankanni — also known as the Lourdes of the East — is a divine destination worth the journey. Located in Tamil Nadu, this holy town is famous for the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health and attracts lakhs of devotees each year.
In this blog, we'll guide you through the best travel options to Velankanni — by train and by flight — depending on your budget, convenience, and travel preferences.
🚆 Option 1: Train to Velankanni – Economical & Spiritual Journey
From Mumbai:
One of the most affordable and traditional ways to reach Velankanni is by train. If you’re departing from Mumbai, you can take the Velankanni Express which operates weekly.
- Train: Velankanni Express (LTT – Velankanni)
- Boarding Point: Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Mumbai
- Duration: Approx. 32–36 hours
- Stops: Travels via Chennai Egmore
- Booking Platform: IRCTC
Tip: This train gets full quickly, especially during the Velankanni festival season in September. Book in advance!
From Pune:
There is no direct train from Pune to Velankanni. However, you can break the journey via Chennai:
- Step 1: Pune → Chennai (e.g., Pune–Chennai Express)
- Step 2: Chennai → Velankanni (by local train or bus)
Total Duration: 35–38 hours approx.
While longer, this route offers the scenic charm of Southern India and is a favorite among group pilgrims.
✈️ Option 2: Flight to Velankanni – Fastest & Most Comfortable
If you're short on time and prefer convenience, flying is your best bet.
- Step 1: Fly from Pune or Mumbai to the nearest airport:
Primary Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) – 160 km from Velankanni
Alternative: Chennai International Airport (MAA) – 320 km away
Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and SpiceJet operate regular flights from both cities.
Flight Duration: ~1.5 to 2 hours
- Step 2: Travel from the airport to Velankanni
From Tiruchirappalli: Taxi or TNSTC bus – ~3.5 hours drive
From Chennai: Overnight bus or train – ~8 hours
Note: If your goal is to reach quickly and comfortably, flying into Trichy (TRZ) is highly recommended.
🛑 Final Thoughts – What’s the Best Way to Reach Velankanni?
If you're traveling with family or elderly people and want a smooth experience, flying into Tiruchirappalli and hiring a cab to Velankanni is the most efficient choice. However, if you're on a budget and don’t mind a longer journey, the train ride is a spiritual adventure of its own, with chants, prayers, and camaraderie among pilgrims.
No matter how you choose to travel, the experience of visiting Velankanni is bound to be unforgettable.
