Udhayam Inn sits 1,557 metres - 1.6 km - from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, approximately a 20-minute walk or a short auto-rickshaw ride. Rated 4.2★ from 771 guests on Google Maps, it is one of the more reviewed mid-range options in Velankanni, with a recent trend toward higher scores: the five most recent reviews average 4.7 stars.
Location
The hotel is on Main Road in Periyar Nagar, set slightly away from the most crowded stretch near the basilica. Guests describe the surroundings as calm and quiet - a welcome contrast to the busier lanes closer to the shrine. The address is Church 58, Main Road, Periyar Nagar, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111.
From the hotel, pilgrims can reach the basilica by auto-rickshaw in under five minutes. The short distance also makes it walkable for those who prefer to travel on foot during the early-morning hours before Holy Mass.
The hotel has wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking , making it a practical choice for elderly pilgrims and families travelling with those who have mobility needs.
Rooms and Amenities
Rooms at Udhayam Inn are described consistently as clean, spacious, and well-maintained. Air conditioning is available and guests note it works effectively. Hot water is supplied through solar heating, which multiple guests confirm functioned reliably during their stays.
The hotel does not have a lift. Staff have been noted to assist guests with luggage on the stairs, which is worth keeping in mind for pilgrims travelling with heavy bags or with elderly family members.
Covered car parking is available on the property - a practical feature during festival seasons when street parking near the basilica becomes difficult to find. The hotel operates 24 hours, seven days a week, so late arrivals and early morning departures for Holy Mass are accommodated without issue.
The property is family-friendly and suitable for children. Payment is accepted by debit card and contactless (NFC), so pilgrims do not need to carry large amounts of cash.
What Guests Say
Guests repeatedly highlight two things: the cleanliness of the rooms and the attitude of the staff. Several reviews call out the team as “extremely friendly,” “professional,” and “genuinely helpful.” One guest specifically named staff member Karikalan Anna for the assistance provided during their visit.
The peaceful atmosphere away from the main crowd is mentioned as a positive by families who wanted a quieter base for their pilgrimage. Covered parking is praised as a practical convenience.
The one recurring practical note is the absence of a lift. One reviewer also mentioned a hand wash dispenser that was not functioning properly - a minor point, but worth noting for those who prioritise in-room convenience.
Anu Sunny wrote: “What impressed me the most was the hotel staff. They were extremely professional, friendly, and always ready to assist with anything we needed.”
Meghana Kolukula added: “The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Since there was no lift, they kindly assisted us by carrying our bags.”
Prakash noted: “Located away from the crowded main area, the hotel provides a calm and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for families.”
Contact and Booking
- Website: udhayaminn.com
- Address: Church 58, Main Road, Periyar Nagar, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu 611111
- Front desk: Open 24 hours, all days
- Payment: Debit cards and contactless accepted
Bookings can be made through the hotel website or via major travel booking platforms. During the Velankanni feast (late August to early September) and other major novena periods, rooms fill quickly - booking several weeks in advance is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Udhayam Inn from the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health? The hotel is 1,557 metres - 1.6 km - from the basilica. This takes approximately 20 minutes on foot or under five minutes by auto-rickshaw.
Is Udhayam Inn accessible for wheelchair users? Yes. The hotel has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible parking. There is no lift inside the building, so rooms on upper floors may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Does Udhayam Inn have car parking? Yes. The hotel offers covered car parking on the property, which guests describe as convenient and secure.
What time does the front desk open? The front desk is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week, including feast days and public holidays.
Can I pay by card at Udhayam Inn? Yes. The hotel accepts debit cards and contactless (NFC) payments. You do not need to pay in cash.
Plan Your Visit
Udhayam Inn is a practical, well-reviewed base for pilgrims who want comfortable, clean accommodation with reliable staff and without the noise of the streets immediately around the basilica. The 1.6 km distance is manageable by auto-rickshaw throughout the day, and the 24-hour front desk means there are no restrictions around Holy Mass schedules.
Families travelling with elderly pilgrims or those who need wheelchair access will find the hotel’s accessible entrance and parking useful. Book in advance during feast season.