Pilgrimage to Vettucaud
Vettucaud is fondly known as the "Bethsaida of modern ages" because like Bethsaida in the gospel, thousands of pilgrims visit the Shrine of Christ the King to pray for various needs and thanking Him for the favours received. From the time of St. Francis Xavier, Vettucaud was administered under the Portuguese "Padroado" (Patronage). Under the Padroado system, the King of Portugal in Europe met all the expenses incurred by the parish which remained under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Roman Pontiff.
Later when the Diocese of Trivandrum came into existence in the year 1952, Vettucaud parish departed from Padroado and joined it. Presently Vettucaud comes under the juridical authority of the Latin Archbishop of Trivandrum.
Vettucaud Location
Vettucaud, a hamlet on the sandy shores of the Arabian Sea, is located 9 Kms. west of Trivandrum city. The Trivandrum International Airport, the Vikram Sarbai Space Centre (VSSC), the southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force And All Saint's College for Girls are situated near Vettucaud, The Veli tourist village and the Sanghumugham beach are the major tourist attraction of the area. Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills.
Transport Facilities
Train commuters can get off at Thampanoor or Pettah railway station to reach Vettucaud. From there, hire taxi/ auto. From Thampanoor railway station, taxi fare will be around Rs.200/- and autofare will be arount Rs 60/-. Transport buses are available every 15 minutes from Eastfort bus stand which is very near to Thampanoor.
Those who arrive by Flights at Trivandrum Airport shall hire taxi/ Auto which will cost around Rs.150/- or Rs. 40/- respectively.
