Churches of South India (8N / 9D)

Package Highlights

• San Thoma Basilica
• St Thomas Mount
• Churches of Kollam
• Padmanabhaswamy Palace
• Trivandrum zoo
• Velankanni Basilica
• St. Alphonsa shrine
• St. Frances Church
• Jew Synagogue

Day 1: Chennai
Pick up from Chennai airport/railway station and check into the hotel at Chennai- the bustling metropolis in Southern India. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Chennai – Velankanni
Today proceed for a sightseeing of Chennai.  Visit the Fort St. George (the British built fortress, which still retains its colonial charm, San Thoma Basilica, built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, over the tomb of St Thomas, an apostle of Jesus  and the National Art Gallery .. Later proceed to visit the sacred hillock St. Thomas Mount. It is a church built on a hilltop in 72 AD and that St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ, carried out his missionary activities there.  Then board into the train for your onward journey to Velankanni.

Day 03: Velankanni
Reach Velankanni and check into the hotel. Today visit Velankanni Basilica – One of the most revered Christian shrines in India,stands on the Bay of Bengal . This church is also called as ‘Lourdes of the East’, the shrine is known as Our Lady of Good Health. According to legend, its founding is attributed to three mircales: the apparition of Mary and Jesus to a slumbering shepherd boy, the curing of alame buttermilk vendor, and the survival of Portuguese sailors assaulted by a violent sea storm. Also visit  the museum which showcases exhibits which testify to the miracles performed by Mother Mary. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04: Velankanni – Madurai
Morning check out from the hotel and drive to Madurai. Enroute visit churches of Trichy which includes St. Mary’s Cathedral, New Jerusalem Church etc. Arrive Madurai and rest of the day is free for you to relax.You could also visit Madurai Meenakshi temple. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05: Madurai- Trivandrum
Today drive to Trivandurm. Check into the hotel and go for a sightseeing tour of Trivandrum.Visit Padmanabhapuram palace, Archeological museum, Kowdiar Palace, Trivandrm zoo etc. Overnight stay at the hotel .

Day 06: Trivandrum – Kollam- Kottayam
Today drive to Kottayam. Enroute visit churches of Kollam consists Holy Cross Church , St Anthony Church etc. Then proceed to Kottayam. Check into the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 07: Kottayam – Cochin
Today visit St. Alphonsa shrine and pilgrimage center.  This church is dedicated to the saint Sr. Alphonsa and people irrespective of persuasion and denomination visits her tomb with prayers of intercession.Visit Alphonsa museum then continue to explore ancient churches like St. Mary’s church, Valia Palli, Cheria Palli etc. Later drive to Cochin. Check into the hotel and relax for the day. Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 8: Cochin
Today proceed for a sightseeing tour of Cochin. Visit St. Frances Church- the oldest European church in India, The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica , Fport Cochin, Dutch Palace, Jew Synagogue, Mattachery and Marine Drive. Evening is free for you to relax. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9: Departure Cochin
Check out from the hotel and proceed to Cochin airport/railway station for your onward journey.