South India Church Tour - 5n6d

South India Church Tour - 5n6d

The history of Christianity in Tamil Nadu dates back to 2000 years ago, but in the 16th century, the religion is believed to have made a mark with the introduction by St Francis Xavier in Kanyakumari district. With the colonization by Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Italians in different years, the state saw a drastic change in its silhouette as well. Today's Tamil Nadu has some of the most spectacular churches which are must-visit. Tamil Nadu boasts a church in Chennai City where St Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus is said to originally interred.

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL CHENNAI

Stop At: St Mary's Church, Near Fort St. George On Fort St George administrative complex, Chennai (Madras) India
On arrival Chennai International Airport, meet & greet by our representative then transfer to hotel. Later visit the famous churches including, St. Mary's Church (the oldest British building in India) - Built in 1679, this was the first Anglican Church which was built by the East India Company in India. There are different treasure items which visitors of this church can see in the church along with the mind-blowing interior.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: St. Thomas Mount National Shrine, Parangi Malai St Thomas Mt Chennai, Chennai (Madras) India
This church was constructed in the memory of Thomas who was Jesus Christ Apostle. It is believed that the legend used to pray and preach at this location and thus the place is considered as Holy and pure by the people.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: San Thome Church, 38 San Thome High Road, Chennai (Madras) 600004 India
Initially, this church was erected by the Portuguese traders in the 16th century and rebuilt by the Britishers in 1893. As per the Christian mythology, St Thomas - one of the 12 disciplines of Jesus Christ, visited the place in 52 A.D and stayed till 72 A.D which makes the church an important place for the devotees.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Annai Vailankanni Church, Elliots Beach Road, Chennai (Madras) 600090 India
This church is one of the major attractions of Chennai which is located on Eliot’s beach. Although the church is smaller in size, it never fails to impress its visitors with its beauty and peaceful environment. It is dedicated to Madonna- who is considered as the Lady of Health for the Christians. Evening go to Eliot's beach and have dinner at restaurants nearby beach.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in Chennai. @Urvashi Residency/Rowan Tree, a 3 star hotel.

Day 2: CHENNAI - MAHABALIPURAM

Stop At: Mahabalipuram, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu
After breakfast proceed to Mamallapuram, one of the world heritage site for stone temple. Upon arrival visit the world heritage site of Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram famous for rock bas reliefs and sculptures. The Krishna’s Butter Ball is a massive boulder balanced on a small hill, fascinating Shore Temple (Belongs to 8th Century AD), Pancha Pandava Rathas, Tiger cave & etc are located nearby. Evening go for Tiger cave/Mahabalipuram beach and then return back to hotel.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in Mahabalipuram @Mamalla Heritage, a 3 star hotel.

Day 3: MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERRY

Stop At: The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi Road Sacred Heart Square, Pondicherry 605001 India
After the breakfast proceed to Pondicherry, A former French colony, now a great tourist attraction. Upon arrival visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, established by the French missionaries in the 18th century. In recent years, the church has become one of the famous pilgrimage spot for Christians in Pondicherry.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Church Of Our Lady Of Good Health, Madha Koil Street, Ariyankuppam, Puducherry, Pondicherry 605007 India
Then to The Church of Our Lady of Angels is prominent for its masonry, which used the finest of limestone mixed with white of the egg and gave it a rich texture identical to that of a white marble.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: La Boutique D'Auroville, 38 Jawaharlal Nehru Street, Pondicherry 605001 India
The next attraction to be experienced during the territory’s tour is the visit to Auroville, the township established by the mother for harmonious living. Then check into the hotel.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Rock Beach, White Town, Pondicherry 605001 India
Enjoy the evening in Rock beach, bordered by a street with restaurants, this scenic, rocky beach draws crowds during the evening.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in Pondicherry @Annamalai International/Le Royal Park, a 3 star hotel.

Day 4: PONDICHERRY - VELANKANNI

Stop At: Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni Centre Nagapattinam district,Tamil Nadu, Velankanni 611111 India
After breakfast proceed to Velankanni. on arrival visit Shrine Basilica of our Lady of Health, the principal shrine at Velankanni. This is the place of our Lady’s apparitions and is famed for the three miracles performed by the lady of good health, also visit Museum & Beach. Then check into the hotel.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in Velankanni @Queens Inn, a 3 star hotel.

Day 5: VELANKANNI - POONDI - TRICHY

Stop At: Poondi Madha Church, Thanjavur India
After breakfast proceed to Trichy. En-route visit Poondi Matha Church(Our Lady of Lourdes Basilica).
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: St. Joseph's Church, In Centre Of The Town Near Teppakulam, Tiruchirappalli India
Upon arrival trichy, visit St .Joseph's Church.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Our Lady of Lourdes Church, College Rd, Annamalai Nagar, Teppakulam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620002, India
Then visit Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Trichy. Then check into the hotel. Then free and easy or at leisure.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in Trichy @Ramyas, a 3 star hotel.

Day 6: TRICHY & DEPARTURE

Stop At: Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
After breakfast free and easy for shopping, until transfer to Trichy airport for your onward journey and end of church tour with unforgettable memories.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.