ANANDH LODGING HOUSE sits 809 metres from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health - approximately a 10-minute walk through Velankanni’s lanes, or a two-minute auto-rickshaw ride. Rated 4.1★ from 35 guests on Google Maps, this modest guest house on Ariyanattu South Street draws pilgrims who want a clean, affordable room close to the basilica without paying a premium.
Location
Anandh Lodging House is on Ariyanattu South Street, one of the residential lanes that run south of the basilica complex. At 809 metres, the route to the church is straightforward: most pilgrims walk it in around 10 minutes, though auto-rickshaws are available near the lodge for those who prefer a quick ride, especially after late-night novenas or early-morning Holy Mass.
The neighbourhood is quiet compared to the busier commercial strips closer to the beach entrance. A local market and small eateries are within walking distance. The basilica canteen - noted by guests as a reliable food option - is reachable on foot from the lodge.
Rooms and Amenities
Anandh Lodging House offers private guest rooms suited to small pilgrim families and travelling pairs. Rooms are described by guests as clean and in good condition. The front desk operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which suits pilgrims arriving on overnight buses or planning to attend pre-dawn Holy Mass during the novena season.
A few practical notes before you book:
- Hot water is available but charged separately - it is not included in the room rate.
- Drinking water is also charged separately and is not provided free of charge.
- Room prices are reported as reasonable relative to Velankanni’s overall accommodation market.
No room-service food is available on-site. Guests are advised to use the basilica canteen or nearby eateries for meals, as Velankanni’s general food options are modest across most lodges.
Wheelchair accessibility information is not confirmed for this property. Pilgrims with mobility requirements should call ahead to verify ground-floor availability and entrance access before booking.
What Guests Say
Guest feedback is consistently positive on cleanliness and staff attitude. Wilson Xalxo (5★, 7 months ago) writes: “Rooms are good and clean and price also reasonable… staff are also cooperative.” Sathish Kumar P S (5★, 4 years ago) notes: “Room are in good condition. Staff is very helpful.” VILAS (5★, 3 years ago) adds simply: “Clean rooms and owner very cooperative.” Vishal Vishal (5★, 2 years ago) calls it a “permanent lodge” he returns to, praising the friendly workers.
The one critical review comes from ALBERT JOSEPH (2★, 2 years ago), who points out that hot water and drinking water are both charged extra - a common practice across Velankanni lodges - and that food quality in the town generally is not strong. He recommends the basilica canteen as the better option for meals. His overall assessment: “Stay was good in terms of weather, beach is nearby which was clean.”
The pattern across reviews is stable: clean rooms, cooperative staff, and fair pricing, with the understanding that extras like hot water carry a small additional charge.
Contact and Booking
Phone: 096594 78299
Anandh Lodging House operates 24 hours daily. Call ahead to confirm room availability, especially during the Velankanni feast (September), novena weeks, and Tamil Nadu school holidays when occupancy runs high. Walk-in guests are accepted when rooms are available.
Address: Ariyanattu South Street, near church, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Anandh Lodging House from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health? The lodge is 809 metres from the basilica - approximately a 10-minute walk. Auto-rickshaws are available near the lodge for those who prefer not to walk, particularly after night services.
Is hot water included in the room rate? No. Hot water is available but charged separately. Confirm the current rate when you call to book.
Does Anandh Lodging House have a 24-hour front desk? Yes. The lodge is open 24 hours every day of the week, including Sundays and public holidays. This makes it convenient for pilgrims arriving on late-night buses or departing early for morning Holy Mass.
Is drinking water provided free of charge? Drinking water is charged separately at this lodge. Pilgrims may wish to carry their own bottle or purchase water locally.
Is Anandh Lodging House suitable for elderly pilgrims? Wheelchair accessibility is not confirmed. Senior pilgrims or those with mobility needs should phone ahead on 096594 78299 to ask about ground-floor rooms and entrance access before making the journey.
Plan Your Visit
Anandh Lodging House is a practical, no-frills choice for pilgrims who want a clean room, a cooperative host, and easy access to the basilica at a fair price. Budget for hot water and drinking water as add-ons. For meals, the basilica canteen is the most recommended option among returning guests.
For Holy Mass schedules at the basilica, see Mass timings at the basilica.
To compare other accommodation options, visit All hotels in Velankanni.
