Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville
Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, and commonly referred to as just Pondy, is one of the seven Union Territories of India. This former French colony is a perfect amalgamation of the traditional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, making it a dreamy escape that offers the best of both worlds.
Distance from Velankanni: 158 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Brihadeeswara Temple Saraswathi Mahal Library Shiva Ganga Garden
Also known as Tanjore or the city of temples, Thanjavur has a lot of cultural value and is known for its famous Tanjore paintings, antiques and handicrafts, textiles and saris , its Carnatic music and musical instruments and of course the temples. Thanjavur enjoys a rich historical heritage and holds a very important position in the moulding of ancient as well modern south Indian civilization. Being of religious importance, this place is a must for all pilgrims.
Distance from Velankanni: 96 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Adi Kumbeshwara Temple Nageswaran Temple Shopping in Kumbakonam
Sandwiched between two great rivers of southern India, Cauvery and Arsala, Kumbakonam is a gorgeous temple town in the heart of the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu.The town is a place for the lovers of history and those seeking to understand India's cultural roots and Hinduism.
Distance from Velankanni: 74 km
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Kallanai Dam Rockfort Ganpathi Temple Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort Samayapuram Amman Temple
Trichy is a mid sized, fast emerging city in Tamil nadu. It is a refreshing change from cities that are either completely religious and some that are nothing but concrete jungles. Trichy is one of those places that you can explore in a weekend and will hold secrets even after several years. Equipped with its own airport and railway station, Trichy enthralls you with not only the number of temples and churches it offer, but also by the amazing uniqueness that each of these places bring with them.
Distance from Velankanni: 151 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Pichavaram Mangrove Forests Shopping in Chidambaram The Nataraja Temple
A beautiful temple town in the Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu, Chidamabaram is famous for housing the marvellous Lord Nataraja Temple and the famed chariot festival. Situated 250 kms away from the city of Chennai, Chidambaram has been a place of architectural glory and religious importance since antiquity.
Distance from Velankanni: 94 km
Best Time: October to January
Known For : Dutch Fort Archaeological Museum Sikkal Singaravelar Temple
Nagapattinam is a town on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal with a major historical significance which is also a renowned pilgrim centre with Divya Desam of Velankanni, many temples and mosques spread all over. Nagapattinam has its the name derived from Nagur, the land of serpent gods and is credited with praiseworthy cultural and historical significance. Apart from various holy sites, there is also a long stretch of beach here.
Distance from Velankanni: 11 km
Best Time: October to March