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KSRTC Introduces Direct Bus Service from Changanassery to Velankanni for 2023 Velankanni Church Festival
Velankanni Church, known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, stands as a prominent pilgrimage destination in India. Situated in Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, this church holds special significance as it is believed to be where the Virgin Mary appeared in the 16th and 17th centuries. The annual feast of Our Lady of Good Health, celebrated from August 29 to September 8, attracts millions of devotees.
This grand celebration, known as the Velankanni Church Festival, incorporates a multitude of religious and cultural events. Highlights include the flag-hoisting ceremony, the novena prayers, the car procession, mass services, and the enchanting shower of rose petals. Visitors also enjoy various stalls, shops, and entertainment activities during the festival.
Drawing pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad, Velankanni Church Festival, especially from Kerala, requires convenient transportation options. Addressing this need, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has introduced a direct bus service from Changanassery to Velankanni. Operational from August 28 to September 9, 2023, this service covers approximately 500 km in around 12 hours.
The KSRTC direct bus service departs from Changanassery at 6:30 pm and arrives in Velankanni at 6:30 am the following day. Along the way, the bus stops at Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Karur, Trichy, and Thanjavur. The return journey from Velankanni leaves at 7:30 pm and reaches Changanassery at 7:30 am the next day.
To ensure a comfortable and cost-effective travel experience for pilgrims and tourists, the KSRTC direct bus service features air-conditioned super deluxe coaches with push-back seats, LED TVs, mobile charging points, reading lamps, and curtains. Passengers are provided with drinking water, blankets, pillows, and snacks. The fare for one-way travel is Rs 1,000 per person, while a round trip costs Rs 1,800 per person.
Booking seats on the KSRTC direct bus service from Changanassery to Velankanni can be done online via the official KSRTC website or through authorized agents. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance or until seats are available. Cancellations or modifications can also be made online or through agents, with charges varying based on the time of cancellation.
This bus service offers a convenient and economical means of attending the Velankanni Church Festival, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in its spiritual and cultural significance. Moreover, it enables exploration of Velankanni's attractions and the surrounding areas while ensuring passenger safety and security throughout the journey.
When considering the travel time from Changanassery to Velankanni by bus, it is essential to note that this duration varies depending on the type of bus and the route taken. The KSRTC (Kerala) service, recognized as the fastest, takes approximately 15 hours and 17 minutes. Other bus services like redBus and Goibibo take around 13 hours and 3 minutes. Travelers can conveniently check online for bus availability and fares, as well as book their tickets in advance.
