Outstation route
Bangalore to Velankanni Tempo Traveller & Cab
Velankanni, on the Bay of Bengal coast in Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s best-known Christian pilgrimage towns. Groups from Bengaluru often prefer a Tempo Traveller for this trip, and smaller families can take a car; here is how the journey works.
The route
The road from Bangalore to Velankanni
The drive heads south-east from Bengaluru through Tamil Nadu and finishes on the Coromandel coast near Nagapattinam. Route-planner data lists NH 136, NH 44, NH 83 and NH 79 among the main roads. The figures below are route-planner figures without traffic or stops, from central Bengaluru.
| Road distance | About 460 km one way |
| Driving time (route planner) | About 6 h without traffic delays or stops |
| Main roads on the route | NH 136, NH 44, NH 83, NH 79 |
| Round trip | About 920 km of driving, plus any local sightseeing |
Measured from central Bengaluru (Vidhana Soudha) using OpenStreetMap route data. Your exact distance depends on the pickup point and the route the driver takes, and real journey times are usually longer once city traffic, ghat sections and breaks are added.
Since this is a full day on the road, many groups leave in the early hours or in the morning to reach in the evening. Interstate permit charges and tolls are extra. Share your group size and pickup points in advance so the pickup can be planned properly.
The pilgrimage
Why people travel to Velankanni
The town is centred on the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, a major Marian shrine that draws pilgrims of many faiths from all over India. It is often called the “Lourdes of the East”. Besides the basilica, you can see:
- The long, open beach by the Bay of Bengal, a quiet place to sit after the church visit.
- The nearby shrine area and processional grounds, which come alive during the annual feast season.
- Nearby towns like Nagore, known for its dargah, and the temple town of Thanjavur, which many groups add to the trip. See our Bangalore to Thanjavur cab page.
During the feast period and weekends, the town can be extremely busy, so book accommodation and your cab well ahead and be prepared for slow traffic on the final approach.
Group travel
Why a Tempo Traveller works for Velankanni
A pilgrimage is usually a family or church group trip, and it is easier when everyone travels in one vehicle. A Tempo Traveller lets the group share the journey, keep luggage together and stop at the same places. For a smaller party of up to a handful of people, an Innova or Innova Crysta is a comfortable alternative, and a sedan suits a couple.
For a big group such as a parish outing, a mini bus is also available. For details see our Tempo Traveller rental page.
Plan at least two days, with the first for the drive and the church visit and the second for the return. You can also add Trichy or Pondicherry on the way; the pages for Trichy and Pondicherry have the route details.
Vehicle options
Tempo Traveller and cabs for Velankanni
Tell us your group size and we will suggest the right vehicle.
Tariff
Bangalore to Velankanni Tempo Traveller & round-trip rates
| Vehicle | Round-trip rate | Driver allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Toyota Etios (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Maruti Suzuki Ciaz (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Toyota Innova | ₹16 / km | ₹400 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | ₹22 / km | ₹400 |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | ₹25 / km | ₹400 |
| Tempo Traveller | On request | ₹600 |
| Mini bus (21 / 24 seater) | On request | ₹600 |
Round trip, minimum 300 km per day. Fares are inclusive of GST, and the final bill is based on the actual distance travelled. Hill-station charges, interstate permits, state permits, tolls and parking are extra. One-way drop fares are confirmed when you book.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How far is Velankanni from Bangalore by road?
About 460 km one way from central Bengaluru, which is about 6 h of driving without traffic or stops in route-planner data. Allow extra time for meal breaks and traffic.
Can I hire a Tempo Traveller from Bangalore to Velankanni?
Yes. A Tempo Traveller is available for groups and the fare is confirmed when you book. Call 99640 09999 with the number of people and your travel dates.
Is a one-day trip possible?
A round trip is about 920 km, which is too long for a comfortable same-day trip. Plan at least two days.
Are permit charges and tolls included?
No. Interstate permit charges and tolls are extra for this Tamil Nadu route.
How is a round trip billed?
On actual kilometres with a minimum of 300 km per day, plus the driver allowance. See the rate table on this page.
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