Annai Velankanni Church Besant Nagar Chennai
A serene Catholic church in Besant Nagar, Chennai, dedicated to Our Lady of Health, offering a peaceful spiritual retreat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Annai Velankanni Church Besant Nagar Chennai
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Catholic church in Besant Nagar, Chennai, dedicated to Our Lady of Health, offering a peaceful spiritual retreat.
"A beautiful and peaceful place of worship, perfect for reflection and prayer."
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Consider using ride-sharing services or public transport.
🙏 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly to show respect. Avoid shorts or revealing clothing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Altar
Inside the church
A serene and beautifully adorned space, perfect for quiet reflection and prayer.
The Grotto of Our Lady
Church grounds
A peaceful outdoor area dedicated to Mother Mary, often a spot for contemplation.
Festive Illuminations
Exterior of the church
During festivals and special occasions, the church is beautifully lit, creating a magical ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Dress Code & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Consider using ride-sharing services or public transport.
🙏 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly to show respect. Avoid shorts or revealing clothing.
📸 Photography Rules
Check for any restrictions on photography inside the main prayer hall.
⏰ Check Service Times
Inquire about daily mass and prayer service timings to plan your visit accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Consider using ride-sharing services or public transport.
🙏 Respectful Attire
Dress modestly to show respect. Avoid shorts or revealing clothing.
📸 Photography Rules
Check for any restrictions on photography inside the main prayer hall.
⏰ Check Service Times
Inquire about daily mass and prayer service timings to plan your visit accordingly.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walks
Enjoy a peaceful walk around the church grounds and the nearby Elliot's Beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Annai Velankanni Church for its serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture, making it a peaceful place for prayer and reflection. Its location in the vibrant Besant Nagar area adds to its appeal, allowing for combined visits with nearby attractions like Elliot's Beach. Some visitors note that parking can be challenging during peak times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is easily accessible by road. You can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus to Besant Nagar. Several bus routes serve the area. If driving, be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak hours and festivals.
The nearest metro station is Thirumayilai (Green Line). From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or bus to reach the church in Besant Nagar.
Limited parking is available, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during special events. It's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transportation.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are readily available in Chennai and can be a convenient way to reach Annai Velankanni Church.
Annai Velankanni Church is approximately 15-20 km from Chennai International Airport, depending on traffic. It typically takes about 45-60 minutes by taxi or ride-sharing service.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Annai Velankanni Church is free. It is a place of worship open to all.
The church is generally open from 5 AM to 9 PM every day, but it's always a good idea to confirm timings, especially around major holidays or events.
For regular visits, no tickets are required. However, for major festivals or special processions, it's advisable to check the church's official announcements for any specific arrangements or timings.
Yes, the church holds regular mass and prayer services. It's best to check the church's notice board or inquire at the premises for the most up-to-date schedule.
Absolutely! Visiting during festivals can be a vibrant experience, but expect larger crowds. The church is beautifully decorated and hosts special events.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Visitors are expected to dress modestly. Avoid revealing clothing such as shorts, sleeveless tops, or short skirts. Covering your shoulders and knees is recommended.
Photography might be restricted inside the main prayer hall to maintain the sanctity of the place. It's best to observe and follow any signage or ask for clarification.
Key attractions include the main altar, the serene grotto of Our Lady, and the peaceful ambiance of the church grounds. During festivals, the illuminations are also a highlight.
While specific accessibility details might vary, many religious institutions strive to be inclusive. It's advisable to contact the church directly for precise information regarding ramps or accessible facilities.
It is a popular Catholic church dedicated to Our Lady of Health, a revered figure in Christianity. It's a place of pilgrimage and spiritual solace for many.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The church itself does not typically have food stalls. However, Besant Nagar is a vibrant area with numerous restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors offering a variety of cuisines.
You can find a wide range of options, from South Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes to international cuisines. Cafes and bakeries are also popular in the Besant Nagar area.
Yes, Besant Nagar offers many budget-friendly eateries, including local South Indian restaurants and street food stalls, especially along the main roads and near Elliot's Beach.
Absolutely! Chennai is known for its excellent vegetarian cuisine, and Besant Nagar has many dedicated vegetarian restaurants and cafes.
Generally, eating is not permitted inside the main prayer hall or sacred areas of the church. Please use designated areas outside or nearby restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The church's architecture, especially its facade and the grotto area, offers great photo opportunities. The festive illuminations during special occasions are also very photogenic.
While personal photography is usually allowed, professional equipment like tripods or extensive video recording might require prior permission. Always check for signage.
Early mornings or late evenings can offer softer light and fewer crowds. During festivals, the evening illuminations create a magical atmosphere for night photography.
It's best to avoid photographing religious ceremonies unless explicitly permitted. Be discreet and respectful if you choose to capture any part of a service.
Yes, Elliot's Beach (Besant Nagar Beach) and the Broken Bridge are very close by and offer excellent photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🙏 Devotees and Pilgrims
📸 Photographers and Sightseers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Annai Velankanni
The church is known for its regular prayer services, masses, and special processions, particularly during the feast of Our Lady of Velankanni. These events often involve large gatherings, car processions, and a palpable sense of community faith. The 'Ave Maria' chime, heard hourly, is said to be a constant reminder of Mother Mary's presence and guidance, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the shrine.
Beyond its religious importance, the church also serves as a community hub, hosting events and gatherings that foster a sense of fellowship among its members. The pilgrimage walk from Santhome Pastoral Centre to Annai Velankanni Shrine is a testament to the strong faith and community spirit associated with this sacred place.
Experiencing Besant Nagar and its Surroundings
Besant Nagar offers a diverse culinary scene, ranging from traditional South Indian eateries to trendy cafes and international restaurants. After visiting the church, you can explore the numerous dining options available, catering to all tastes and budgets. The Broken Bridge, a picturesque landmark nearby, is another popular spot for photography and enjoying the coastal views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
The neighborhood itself is well-connected and has a youthful, energetic vibe, making it a great place to explore after a spiritual visit to the church. You can find local markets, boutiques, and other points of interest within easy reach, offering a well-rounded experience of Chennai's coastal charm.
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