Sivasakthi Lodge sits 968 metres from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health - approximately a 12-minute walk or a short auto-rickshaw ride from the main shrine. It holds a 1.9★ rating from 17 guests on Google Maps, which is well below average. Pilgrims should read recent reviews carefully before booking. The lodge is currently operational despite some listings showing otherwise.
Cash only. Sivasakthi Lodge does not accept cards or UPI. Bring sufficient cash for the full stay, including any advance deposit.
Location
The lodge is located in the heart of Velankanni town at MRJX+X28, close to the bus stand area. At 968 metres from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, pilgrims can reach the shrine on foot in roughly 12 minutes or take a short auto ride for convenience during feast season when crowds are heavy. The bus stand proximity can be useful for pilgrims arriving late or departing early.
Rooms and Amenities
Sivasakthi Lodge offers basic budget rooms suitable for short overnight stays. Rooms include a small television with Tamil and Kannada channels. Amenities are minimal - guests have reported the absence of soap, towels, and reliable water fixtures. There is no mention of air conditioning in any reviews.
Room rates reported by guests have ranged from ₹600 to ₹1,500 depending on room type. The lodge reportedly operates on a 24-hour check-in policy, though guests have experienced early morning knock-ins requesting additional payment. A cash advance is typically collected at check-in.
The property is listed as family-friendly and accepts children. However, wheelchair access is not available - the entrance is not wheelchair accessible, making it unsuitable for elderly pilgrims with mobility difficulties or those needing step-free entry.
What Guests Say
Guest reviews for Sivasakthi Lodge are almost entirely negative, averaging 1.0★ across the five most recent reviews. The concerns raised are consistent and specific.
valicio alvares (1★, a year ago) described being charged ₹200 extra for staying “one hour past check-out” - a policy that was not communicated at check-in. He noted: “No soap, no blanket, and the room was smelling very bad especially the washroom. The staffs are third class, they don’t know how to behave.”
Baby Boi x (1★) reported paying ₹800 as advance with a room rate of ₹600, receiving no bill or tariff card, finding someone’s undergarments in the washroom, and dealing with insects and mosquitoes. The reviewer also noted faulty water taps and being woken at 8 a.m. to pay another day’s rent.
Ayesha Sultana (1★) described a pricing dispute where the staff verbally agreed to ₹500 for a 2-hour rest, then demanded ₹700 at checkout and blocked her from boarding her departing bus until she paid.
Easu (1★) flagged overcharging (₹1,500 quoted for a double room), discomfort from other guests smoking and drinking nearby, and described the overall stay as a “very bad experience.”
ω¡łd Søûl (1★, 10 months ago) reported rude staff behaviour and the advance payment not being returned.
The pattern across reviews points to billing disputes, uncleanliness, and aggressive staff behaviour. These are not isolated complaints.
Contact and Booking
Sivasakthi Lodge does not appear to have an active online booking profile. The property operates walk-in bookings. Pilgrims roaming near the bus stand have reported being approached directly by staff soliciting guests.
- Address: MRJX+X28, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111
- Payment: Cash only - no cards, no UPI
- Check-in: 24-hour reported policy, though practice varies
- Status: Operational (confirmed by recent guest, despite some map listings showing “temporarily closed”)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sivasakthi Lodge safe for pilgrims? Multiple recent reviews raise concerns about billing disputes, staff behaviour, and cleanliness. Pilgrims - especially those travelling alone or in small groups - should be aware of the 1.9★ rating and read current guest reviews before deciding.
How far is Sivasakthi Lodge from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health? It is 968 metres away - a 12-minute walk under normal conditions. During the September feast season, the route can be crowded and a short auto ride may be faster.
Does Sivasakthi Lodge accept UPI or card payments? No. The lodge accepts cash only. Bring enough cash to cover the room rate, any advance deposit, and incidental charges.
Is Sivasakthi Lodge suitable for elderly or wheelchair-using pilgrims? No. The entrance is not wheelchair accessible. Elderly pilgrims who need step-free access or mobility support should look for other accommodation options in Velankanni.
What are the room rates at Sivasakthi Lodge? Guest reports range from ₹600 to ₹1,500 depending on room type. No official tariff card is reportedly provided at check-in. Ask for written confirmation of the rate before paying any advance.
Plan Your Visit
Velankanni draws the largest crowds during the September feast of Our Lady of Good Health (August 29 – September 8). During this period, accommodation fills quickly and rates may rise. If you are considering Sivasakthi Lodge, confirm current rates and policies before handing over any advance.
Given the reviews, pilgrims with flexibility may wish to compare other budget lodges in Velankanni before committing. The 968-metre distance is manageable on foot, but it is not the only lodge at this distance from the basilica.
For Holy Mass schedule and timings at the shrine, see Mass timings at the basilica.
Browse all verified accommodation options at All hotels in Velankanni.
