Annai Velankanni Shrine Basilica

The Annai Velankanni Shrine Basilica stands near the shores of Elliot’s Beach, its presence marked by an imposing ninety-seven-foot-tall belfry. Established as a substation in nineteen seventy-one, the site grew from a modest hut meant to recall the nativity into a major center for pilgrims. Father P. T. Arulappa, the priest who initiated the project, envisioned a space dedicated to the Virgin Mother after reportedly seeing her in a dream.