Churches Of South India

Churches Of South India

14 Days / 13 Night

India boasts of many sacred and beautiful churches that offer richly rewarding spiritual experiences. Explore the Popular Churches in India with Indian Panorama.


Detailed Itineary

  • Day 1 : Arrive Bangalore

    On arrival at Bangalore, our Tour Executive will be there to receive you and he would assist you to the hotel. Sightseeing can be arranged as per your arrival schedule. Here you can visit St. Mary's Basilica and Infant Child Jesus church. Other than churches, If interested you can visit Kemp Fort, Tippu Palace, Lal bagh garden and Cubbon Park or else next day morning start little early do the local sightseeing of Bangalore. Overnight stay at Bangalore.

  • Day 2 : Bangalore- Mysore: (Approx. 4.5hrs drive)

    After breakfast drive to Mysore “The city of Palaces”. Here you can visit The St. Philomena's Church which is one of the oldest churches in India. The entire church is built in the Gothic style, is one of the largest Cathedrals in South Asia. Then if you wish, you can visit the other attractions of Mysore. Visit Mysore Palace, Chamundeeshwari temple at Chamundi Hills and Brindhawan garden. Evening you can do shopping as Mysore is famous for Mysore pak sweet and Mysore silk sarees. Overnight stay at Mysore.

  • Day 3 : Mysore– Coimbatore: (Approx. 5hrs drive)

    Today commence your drive to Coimbatore where you can visit Infant Jesus Church, Our Lady of Fatima Church and Bethesda International Prayer Centre. Evening if you wish you can spend time for shopping. Overnight stay at Coimbatore.

  • Day 4 : Coimbatore- Cochin: (Approx. 4. 5hrs drive)

    This day drive to Cochin and visit the famous churches. St. Francis Church and Santa Cruise Basilica Church. If interested you can visit Jewish people worship place known as Jewish Synagogue (Closed on Fridays & Saturdays) and Dutch Palace (Closed on Friday) and Chinese fishing net. Evening if you wish you can attend the Kathakkali dance show. Overnight at Cochin.

  • Day 5 : Cochin –Kovalam: (Approx. 5.5hrs drive)

    Finish off your breakfast and drive to Kovalam “A beautiful beach destination’. Rest of the day relax and enjoy yourself at the beach. Here you have an option for Ayurveda massage (chargeable). Overnight stay at Kovalam.

  • Day 6 : Kovalam – Kanyakumari: (Approx. 4hrs drive)

    Today drive to Kanyakumari and visit The Church of St. Xavier which enjoys a great fame as a place of miracles from early times and then you can visit the major attractions like Vivekananda Rock, Gandhi Memorial, Kumari Amman temple and the tall statue of our Tamil Poet Tiruvalluvar and in the evening witness the beautiful sunset Overnight stay at Kanyakumari.

  • Day 7 : Kanyakumari – Madurai: (Approx. 5.5hrs drive)

    Wake up early in the morning and witness the beautiful sunrise and refresh yourself and proceed to Madurai. Enroute visit to the famous churches in Tuticorin and Manapad. Our Lady of Snow White church and church at Manapad & visit the church at Uvari “Sela Matha Church”. Later drive to Madurai and visit St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, St. Lourdes church at Pudur. You can also cover the major attractions of Madurai like Tirumala Nayakkar Palace and Meenakshi Amman temple where you can witness the beautiful Pillars and sculptures. Overnight stay at Madurai.

  • Day 8 : Madurai- Idaikattur – Vadipatti – Madurai (Approx. 2hrs one way)

    This day have a day trip to Idaikattur and visit the famous church “The Sacred heart of Jesus” and Vadipatti to visit the St. Lourdes Mary Church. Return back to Madurai for an overnight stay.

  • Day 9 : Madurai –Trichy - Tanjore: (Approx. 4hrs drive)

    Finish breakfast and proceed to Tanjore, Enroute visit the famous Catholic Church at Poondi “Poondi Matha Shrine Basilica” and then proceed to Trichy and visit St. Joseph church. Later if interested you can visit Sri Rangam Ranganathar Swamy temple and Rock fort temple which is 83m height as per the time limit. Then at Tanjore, I do not want you to miss the famous UNESCO monument, “The Bragadeeshwarar temple” Here you can enjoy witnessing the beautiful sculptures. Overnight stay at Tanjore.

  • Day 10 : Tanjore – Velankanni: (Approx. 4hrs drive)

    Morning drive to Velankanni and attend your prayers at the church “Our Lady of Good Health” . Here you can spend some time at the beach in the evening. Overnight stay at Velankanni.

  • Day 11 : Velankanni – Pondicherry: (Approx. 4hrs drive)

    Start your drive to Pondicherry a former French colony. On arrival check in at the hotel and relax for some time. Later visit to churches at Pondicherry. There are beautiful churches at the white town built by French people. One of the famous Church is The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, constructed in Gothic style, is a highly revered religious destination in Pondicherry. Lot of visitors and believers are thronging to this church to offer prayers. One can be blessed by seeing the wonderful stained glass windows highlighting the life of Jesus. & rest of the time free for you to explore the city on your own. Here you can also visit Manakula Vinayagar temple where you can see 40 form of Vinayagar paintings, Auroville meditation centre and Aurobindo Ashram. Overnight stay at Pondicherry.

  • Day 12 : Pondicherry –Acharapakkam Malai Madha - Chennai: (Approx. 4hrs drive)

    Commence your drive to Chennai, Enroute visit Acharapakkam Malai Madha church and on arrival at Chennai check in at the hotel and relax rest of the day and in the evening if interested you can spend time for shopping. Overnight stay at Chennai.

  • Day 13 : Chennai

    Have your breakfast and proceed for sightseeing. You can visit St. Santhome Cathedral Church. The word Santhome or San Thome is derived from Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. St. Thomas Mount which is associated with St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ, who is believed to have been martyred here. . In the afternoon visit to the Fort St. George and museum. Visit Velankanni church in Besant Nagar. Later if interested you can do the local sightseeing of visiting temples. Evening spend time at the beach side or you can spend time for shopping. Overnight stay at Chennai.

  • Day 14 : Chennai – Departure

    Today you will be transferred to the airport as per your departure schedule Tour ends !

FAQ

South Indian Church tours explore iconic churches with rich histories, such as St. Philomena’s Church in Mysore, Velankanni Church, and Santa Cruz Basilica in Cochin. These tours often combine visits to historic sites, cultural experiences, and architectural marvels.

The best time to visit South India for a church tour is between October and March, as the weather is pleasant, and several religious festivals like Christmas are celebrated grandly.

The Christian Heritage of South India is deeply integrated into the region's culture, influencing festivals, architecture, music, and community life, showcasing a blend of European and indigenous elements in local customs and practices.

Some of the Famous Churches in Kerala are:
  • Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi
  • St. George Syro- Malabar Catholic Forane Church in Edappally, Kochi
  • Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours in Thrissur
  • Arthunkal Basilica in Alleppey
  • Champakulam Church in Alleppey
  • Christ Church Munnar
  • St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi
  • Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam.
  • Alphonsa’s Church, Bharananganam
  • Edathua Church
  • St. Thomas Church, Palayoor

Tamil Nadu houses remarkable churches like St. Lourdes Church in Madurai, St. Joseph’s Church in Trichy, and Velankanni Basilica, blending history with spirituality.

South India offers enriching spiritual journeys, including visits to historic churches, temple towns, and tranquil monasteries, fostering a blend of cultural and religious exploration.

St. Philomena’s Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, and the Velankanni Basilica are some of the famous churches in South India renowned for their Gothic-inspired and Indo-Portuguese architecture.

Located in Bharananganam, Kerala, St. Alphonsa’s Shrine honours the first Indian woman saint, offering a place for deep devotion and reflection.

The St. Thomas Church Tour South India is significant as it commemorates the apostle St. Thomas, who is believed to have brought Christianity to India. Key sites include St. Thomas Mount in Chennai, St. Thomas Basilica in Mylapore, St. Thomas Church in Palayoor, Kerala and Chinnamala Hill, believed to be places associated with the apostle St. Thomas.