Annai Maria Lodge sits 688 metres from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni - approximately a 9-minute walk or a short auto-rickshaw ride. The lodge carries a 3.3★ rating from 407 guests on Google Maps, though recent reviews show a sharp decline in satisfaction that pilgrims should factor into their decision before booking.
Location
Annai Maria Lodge is located in the centre of Velankanni, 688 metres from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health. At a comfortable walking pace, that is around a 9-minute walk - manageable for most pilgrims, though those travelling with heavy luggage or those who find walking difficult may prefer a brief auto ride. Auto-rickshaws are easy to find near the lodge and along the main road.
Being centrally placed, the lodge is close to the small shops selling candles, rosaries, and religious items that line the streets around the basilica. The Velankanni bus stand, where most pilgrims arrive by long-distance bus, is within a short distance as well.
Rooms and Amenities
Annai Maria Lodge operates as a budget accommodation and accepts guests around the clock - check-in and check-out are available at any hour of the day. Rooms include a television set. The property has a restaurant on-site and is listed as family-friendly, welcoming guests travelling with children.
One recent guest reported being charged approximately ₹2,500 for a single room. There is no information available on air conditioning. Multiple guests have noted that rooms lack adequate air ventilation. Bathroom facilities are present, though recent accounts describe broken fittings and intermittent water supply. Pilgrims are encouraged to inspect the room and confirm facilities at check-in.
What Guests Say
Recent reviews of Annai Maria Lodge are overwhelmingly negative, and pilgrims should read these accounts carefully before booking.
Cleanliness is the most frequently raised concern. Ann Mary Swetlana, who stayed a month ago, wrote that bedsheets appeared to have been previously used, and that a replacement sheet provided after she complained was similarly soiled. She also noted houseflies throughout the kitchen and corridors, and cooking smells from a ground-floor common area that made lower-floor rooms uncomfortable. She rated her stay 1★ and noted she had visited after seeing the property recommended in an Instagram video.
Guest Johnson Puthen described a group stay in which several rooms had no power in the washrooms, flush systems were not working, and all rooms lost water for the final four hours of the stay. He noted housekeeping was poor across all six rooms his group occupied.
Staff behaviour was flagged as a concern by multiple reviewers. Lovely Jerry and 540 Jose Alldo J both described rude or dismissive responses when they raised issues about room conditions. Vinod Kumar Rk cautioned others against relying on social media recommendations for this lodge, writing that actual conditions were significantly below what had been shown online.
The lodge’s overall 3.3★ reflects a wider pool of older reviews, but the most recent submissions are trending sharply downward, with several consecutive 1★ ratings in the past two months.
Contact and Booking
- Phone: 090922 88338
- Address: Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111
The lodge is not listed on major online booking platforms. Pilgrims should call directly to confirm room availability, current rates, and whether specific facilities such as hot water and functioning bathrooms are available at the time of their visit.
Hours: The lodge accepts guests at all hours - open effectively 24 hours, seven days a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Annai Maria Lodge from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health? The lodge is 688 metres from the basilica - a walk of approximately 9 minutes at a steady pace. Auto-rickshaws are readily available for those who prefer not to walk.
Is Annai Maria Lodge suitable for families with children? The property is listed as family-friendly. However, given recent guest accounts of hygiene and maintenance concerns, families are advised to inspect the room thoroughly before settling in and to confirm that bathrooms are in working order.
What do recent guests say about cleanliness at Annai Maria Lodge? Recent reviewers have raised serious concerns about cleanliness - including used bedsheets, houseflies, broken bathroom fittings, and intermittent water supply. Pilgrims with specific hygiene requirements may wish to consider other options listed in the Velankanni hotel directory.
How much does a room at Annai Maria Lodge cost? A recent guest reported paying ₹2,500 for a single room. Rates may vary by season and room type. Call 090922 88338 to confirm current pricing before you travel.
Can I walk to Holy Mass at the basilica from Annai Maria Lodge? Yes. At 688 metres, the walk takes around 9 minutes at a relaxed pace. Early morning Mass is held at the basilica, and pilgrims staying at this lodge can reach it comfortably on foot without needing an auto-rickshaw.
Plan Your Visit
Before your pilgrimage to Velankanni, check the links below:
