ANNAMMA PALACE is 813 metres - approximately a 10-minute walk - from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni. The hotel holds a 3.8★ rating from 27 guests on Google Maps. Situated on Ariyanattu Street off Beach Road, this family-friendly property operates around the clock and offers spacious rooms with attached bathrooms. Pilgrims who value proximity to the basilica and a clean, no-fuss stay will find it a practical base, though those travelling by car or auto should note the access constraints on this narrow lane.
Location
Annamma Palace sits on Ariyanattu Street, a lane running off Beach Road in Velankanni. At 813 metres from the basilica, the walk takes roughly 10 minutes on foot - a comfortable distance for most pilgrims during the cooler morning hours before Holy Mass. Those who prefer not to walk can hire a cycle-rickshaw or walk-assist vehicle from the main road.
Important for pilgrims travelling by car or auto: Multiple recent guests report that the approach lane is narrow and congested, making it difficult for cars and auto-rickshaws to reach the entrance. If you are arriving by vehicle, plan to drop luggage near the Beach Road junction and walk the final stretch. This is especially worth knowing for pilgrims with heavy luggage or those travelling with elderly family members.
The beach is within easy reach of the property. A terrace on site offers views of the surrounding area.
Rooms and Amenities
Annamma Palace offers spacious rooms with attached bathrooms. Guests consistently describe the rooms as clean, neat, and well-maintained. The terrace provides an open-air space where pilgrims can rest between the evening procession and night prayers.
Key amenities and features:
- Spacious rooms with attached bathrooms
- 24-hour front desk - useful for pilgrims arriving on overnight buses or early morning trains
- Family-friendly; children are welcome
- Terrace with open views
- Open all seven days of the week, including feast season
There is no publicly listed restaurant on the premises. Velankanni’s main street, lined with South Indian and Kerala-style eateries, is a short walk away.
What Guests Say
Guest experience at Annamma Palace is varied, and honesty serves pilgrims better than a polished summary.
On the positive side, Jerfin JG (5★) wrote: “Rooms are very neat and tidy. They have the best room service. This place is filled with positive vibes. Good place to stay.” Calliston Barbosa (5★) added: “The hotel has spacious rooms with attached bathroom which are very clean and well maintained and also the view is too good from the terrace. Highly recommended as it’s also close by to the Our Lady of Vailankanni Basilica.”
The recurring concern from more recent reviews is vehicle access. Sajeev K Job (1★, a month ago) noted: “No accessibility for cars or autos. Narrow and congested place.” Another recent visitor echoed the same issue. Francisco Fernandes (3★) appreciated the proximity to the basilica but flagged a housekeeping concern: “Cleanliness is the issue - garbage bins not emptied until 3 to 4 days.”
The overall rating of 3.8★ reflects this split: pilgrims who arrive on foot or by light transport and get a well-kept room report a satisfying stay; those expecting vehicle access or consistent external maintenance have been disappointed.
Contact and Booking
Phone: 099621 02745 Hours: Open 24 hours, all seven days
Annamma Palace does not appear to list on major booking platforms. Call directly to check room availability, especially during the September feast season and school holiday periods when Velankanni fills quickly. Confirm vehicle access arrangements before arrival if you are travelling with a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Annamma Palace from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health? The hotel is 813 metres from the basilica - roughly a 10-minute walk along Beach Road.
Can I reach Annamma Palace by car or auto-rickshaw? The approach lane - Ariyanattu Street - is narrow and has been flagged by recent guests as inaccessible for cars and autos. Plan to alight at Beach Road and carry luggage the last short distance on foot, or arrange a trolley if available.
Is Annamma Palace open during the Velankanni feast? Yes. The hotel operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including during the September feast fortnight. Book well ahead as rooms across Velankanni fill up weeks in advance during the feast.
Are the rooms clean and well-maintained? Several guests praise the rooms as neat, tidy, and well-kept with clean attached bathrooms. One earlier review noted delays in emptying garbage bins in common areas. Confirming current housekeeping standards with the hotel directly is advisable.
Is Annamma Palace suitable for families with children? Yes, the hotel is marked as family-friendly and welcomes children. The spacious rooms and 24-hour reception add convenience for families travelling with young pilgrims.
Plan Your Visit
Before you book, check the current Holy Mass schedule so you can plan your days around the liturgy:
Compare other accommodation options before you decide:
