Itinerary at a Glance:-
Day 01:- Chennai arrival and Tour of Churches in Chennai
On arrival at Chennai International airport on your South India church pilgrimage tour package, meet and greet our representative outside exit gate and Proceed to Chennai City- which is Capital city of Tamil Nadu statea and It is regarded as the cultural hub of South India, known for its rich Dravidian traditions and strong colonial legacy. On arrival, Check-in to the hotel and Later, Begin your day with a visit to Santhome Cathedral Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. Continue to St. Thomas Mount, believed to be the site of his martyrdom. Then visit Fort St. George along with its museum, which reflects the city’s colonial past. Later, see Velankanni Church and unwind at the nearby beach. You may also opt to visit local temples or enjoy some shopping. Overnight stay in Chennai.
Day 02:- Chennai to Pondicherry Via Mazhai Malai Madha Shrine (170kms/4hrs)
Today post breakfast, Check-out and first viist The Mazhai Malai Madha Shrine in Acharapakkam which is a famous Catholic hilltop church. It is celebrated for a historic miracle in which prayers for rain were answered, drawing devotees seeking blessings, healing, and a serene, scenic atmosphere. Later post lunch proceed to Pondicherry- Famous as Settled by the French in the 18th century, this charming colonial town continues to exude a serene ambiance, enriched by its distinctive French architectural elegance and great example of Incredible Indo-French architecture. On arrival, Check-in to the hotel, Rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Day 03:- Pondicherry Local
Today after breakfast, start your day with visit at The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus- is a striking Neo-Gothic architecture and a leading pilgrimage site for Roman Catholic devotees in South India, this church was consecrated in 1907 and remains an active parish to this day. Our Lady of Angels Church-is a prominent Roman Catholic landmark located and is highly celebrated for its stunning Greco-Roman architecture. The Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral- is a 300-year-old cathedral that serves as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore. Later, in the afternoon may visit-Auroville Visitor’s Centre -where innovative craftsmanship in paper, textiles, bamboo, and stone is showcased. Pass by the iconic Matrimandir, the central meditation space, and gain insights into the lives of those who have chosen to be part of this experimental township dedicated to human unity. Relish a wholesome meal at the Solar Kitchen- a community dining space, and experience its philosophy of sustainable and harmonious living. After the tour, return to the hotel. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Day 04:- Pondicherry to Velankanni (175kms/4.5hrs)|Velankanni Church visits
Today post breakfast, Check-out and proceed to most important place on this Christian pilgrimage tour Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Velankanni is a renowned coastal pilgrimage town on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu. Widely referred to as the “Lourdes of the East,” it stands as one of Asia’s most significant Christian spiritual destinations, attracting millions of devotees from diverse faiths each year. On arrival, Check-in to the hotel, Later visit- Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health,Morning Star Church,Holy Path and Velankanni Beach. Post the tour, return back to the hotel. Overnight in Velankanni.
Day 05:- Velankanni to Madurai via Poondi Matha Basilica and Brihadeeswarar Temple (285kms/5-6hrs)
After breakfast, Check-out on your Best church tour packages in South India and Proceed to Madurai- renowned as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is often celebrated as the Athens of the East for its rich heritage and timeless legacy. On the way may visit The Brihadeeswara Temple- is a masterpiece of Chola architecture, Built by Emperor Rajaraja I and completed in 1010 CE and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then see, Poondi Matha Basilica, officially known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes, is a renowned Roman Catholic pilgrimage centre situated at Alamelupuram-Poondi. It lies gracefully between the Cauvery and Coleroon rivers, enhancing its serene and spiritual ambiance. On arriva, Check-in to the hotel and later go for Places to see in Madurai visiting- majestic Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, an architectural masterpiece built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak, and the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, a stunning example of intricate Dravidian architecture. Post the tour, stay overnight in Madurai.
Day 06:- Madurai to Kanyakumari Via Our Lady of Snows Basilica (250kms/5hrs)
Today after breakfast, Check out on your South India Catholic pilgrimage tour, First visit The Our Lady of Snows Basilica is a historic and highly revered Roman Catholic minor basilica situated along Beach Road in the coastal city of Thoothukudi (Tuticorin). Then proceed to Kanyakumari- the southernmost tip of mainland India, is renowned as the unique confluence where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. It is especially admired for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the vast ocean horizon. On arrival, Check-in to the hotel and later visit - St. Xavier’s Church, known for its long-standing aura of miracles and spiritual significance. Then see, The Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the serene Gandhi Memorial, the sacred Kumari Amman Temple, and the majestic Thiruvalluvar Statue, a proud symbol of Tamil heritage. Conclude your day by witnessing the enchanting sunset over the confluence of the seas. Overnight stay at Kanyakumari.
Day 07:- Sunrise point and Kanyakumari to Kovalam via Trivandrum (85kms/2hrs)
Rise early to witness the mesmerizing sunrise at the sacred confluence of three seas. Post the tour return back to the hotel and have your breakfat, Check-out on your Catholic pilgrimage tour India. Proceed to Kovalam which means “a grove of coconut trees,” is a world-renowned coastal town located along the Arabian Sea in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. On the way visit St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral which is a 137-year-old church located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram. Also see CSI Christ Church and Vettucaud Church in Trivandrum. On arrival in Kovalam, check-in to the hotel and rest of the day free to explore stunning beaches of Kovalam city. Overnight in Kovalam.
Day 08:- Kovalam to Kottayam (170kms/4.5hrs)| Kottayam Local
Post breakfast, Check-out on your and proceed to Kottayam which is regarded as the cultural and spiritual heart of the Syrian Christian community in Kerala, also known as the Nasrani or Saint Thomas Christians. On arrival, Check-in to the hotel and later visit the renowned The Syrian Orthodox Christian Centre is a key socio-religious institution that functions as an administrative, spiritual, and community support hub for the local diocese. and also see prominent churches such as Valia Palli, Cheria Palli, and St. Mary’s Church. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 09:- Kottayam to Kochi via Arthunkal Church and Kokkamangalam Church (95kms/3-4hrs)
Today post breakfast, Check-out on your Luxury Christian tour South India, Proceed to Kochi- fondly known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," is a captivating coastal gem that perfectly blends history, culture, scenic beauty. Once a thriving hub of the global spice trade, this vibrant port city invites travelers to step into a world shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Jewish influences. City is known for the iconic Chinese fishing to charming colonial streets and heritage landmarks. On the way visit Arthunkal Church- a magnificent 16th-century shrine, stands gracefully along the pristine white sands of the Arabian Sea in Arthunkal Village, near Alappuzha (Alleppey), offering a serene blend of history, faith, and coastal beauty. En-route also see St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church- an ancient pilgrimage site near Cherthala in Alappuzha, founded by St. Thomas the Apostle in 52 AD. On arrival in Kochi, Check-in to the hotel and later Visit the historic St. Francis Church- the oldest European church in India, followed by the beautifully adorned Santa Cruz Basilica. You may also visit the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Fridays & Saturdays) and the Dutch Palace (closed on Fridays), along with witnessing the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront. In the evening, enjoy a captivating Kathakali dance performance- an essential cultural experience of Kerala. Overnight stay in Cochin.
Day 10:- Kochi Departure
After checking out of your hotel, our driver or representative will escort you to Kochi International Airport according to your return flight schedule. During the drive, you can take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences, rich culture, and warm hospitality you encountered throughout your trip.