M.R. Lodge is 1,205 metres - approximately 1.2 km - from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, a short auto-rickshaw ride for pilgrims visiting Velankanni. The property holds a 3.9★ rating from 73 guests on Google Maps. However, recent visitor feedback points to a more mixed experience than that overall average suggests, and pilgrims are encouraged to read current reviews before booking.
Location
M.R. Lodge is situated in Velankanni town, 1.2 km from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health. The lodge sits close to the Morning Star Church and the Velankanni Bus Stand, which makes it convenient for pilgrims arriving by public transport from Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, or other Tamil Nadu cities.
The full address is Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111. For navigation apps, the Google Plus Code is 7J2XMRMV+8V. An auto-rickshaw from the lodge to the basilica takes roughly five minutes.
Rooms and Amenities
M.R. Lodge offers both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms. A kitchen is available for guest use, though the property does not serve meals on-site. Several eateries and pilgrim mess halls operate within walking distance in Velankanni town.
Pilgrims should be aware this is a basic lodge without luxury facilities. Some guests have described non-AC rooms as small with limited ventilation. Regarding accessibility, the property does not have a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Elderly pilgrims or those with mobility requirements should call ahead to confirm ground-floor room availability and access conditions before booking.
What Guests Say
Feedback at M.R. Lodge is sharply divided between older and more recent reviews.
Earlier guests describe a welcoming property. Ashley Fernandes (5★, six years ago) wrote: “The Staff and Managers are extremely helpful. Room was spacious. And the environment was quiet. Close to Morning Star Church. Close to Bus Stand. Mr. Rex is very professional and helpful. Thank you MR Lodge for making our spiritual stay a memorable one.” A solo traveller, marcus fitzsimmons (5★, six months ago), reported simply: “Enjoyed a pleasant stay overall.” Jobit Joseph (4★, one year ago) offered a balanced note: “Not a luxurious lodge, but the services are good. No view and no food but kitchen is available.”
However, two more recent one-star reviews raise serious concerns. Sudeer Kumar Vadali reported bed bugs on the bed, a missing bathroom door, cement falling from the ceiling, an AC unit that performed worse than the fan despite an extra charge, and a mid-stay price increase without notice. Mary Magdalene described a congested non-AC room with leaking pipes, poor ventilation, and an agent named Shaji who gave inaccurate information, ultimately leading to a wasted advance payment and no refund.
The property’s recent review average sits around 2.3★ - considerably below its overall 3.9★ score. Families and pilgrims planning multi-night stays are advised to confirm room condition and total pricing before paying any advance.
Contact and Booking
Phone: 098409 99673
Call directly to book. Before paying any advance, confirm the exact room type, the full price for your entire stay, and the check-in time. If booking through an agent, verify room category and total cost in writing or over a direct call to the lodge itself.
Address: Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111
Frequently Asked Questions
Is M.R. Lodge close to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health? Yes. The lodge is 1.2 km from the basilica. An auto-rickshaw covers this distance in about five minutes for a small fare.
Does M.R. Lodge have AC rooms? Yes, AC rooms are available. Some guests have noted that AC is billed as an additional charge rather than being included in the base room rate. Confirm the all-in price before checking in.
Is M.R. Lodge suitable for families? Recent reviews raise concerns about room size, maintenance, and pricing practices. Families are advised to call ahead, ask about room dimensions and current condition, and confirm the nightly rate for the full duration of the stay before paying any advance.
Is food available at M.R. Lodge? The lodge does not operate a restaurant. A shared kitchen is available for guest use. Numerous eateries and affordable pilgrim mess halls are within easy reach in Velankanni town.
Is M.R. Lodge wheelchair accessible? The property does not have a wheelchair-accessible entrance based on available information. Elderly pilgrims or those with limited mobility should call the lodge directly to discuss ground-floor room access before making a booking.
Plan Your Visit
M.R. Lodge is a budget option 1.2 km from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, suited primarily to solo travellers and straightforward pilgrimages. Families and pilgrims seeking more consistent standards are encouraged to compare other options in Velankanni before confirming.
Before you travel, check Holy Mass and novena schedules to plan your days at the basilica:
