St. Thomas, one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles, sailed to India in 52 AD and established the first Christian communities on the Malabar coast of Kerala. India's Christian heritage is among the oldest in the world.
St. Thomas arrived in Kerala in 52 AD — centuries before Christianity spread through most of Europe. He established 7 churches, performed miracles, and was martyred in Chennai in 72 AD. His tomb — San Thome Basilica — is one of only 3 churches in the world built over an apostle's tomb.
The most famous church in India. Contains the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier — the patron saint of Goa — preserved for over 400 years without embalming. The body is displayed in a silver casket every 10 years (next: 2034). Baroque Portuguese architecture with inlaid marble and precious stones. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the largest churches in Asia, built by the Portuguese in 1619. Contains the "Golden Bell" — the largest bell in Goa. The interior houses magnificent altarpieces depicting scenes from the life of St. Catherine. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original "Cross of Miracles" is housed here — a fragment of the True Cross believed to have miraculous healing powers.
The most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in India and one of the most visited in Asia. Called the "Lourdes of the East" — miraculous healings are documented here going back to 1558 when the Virgin Mary appeared to a small boy. The town was declared holy by the Pope. On the Bay of Bengal coast. Draws 3-4 million pilgrims annually from all religions. Massive annual feast in September.
One of only three churches in the world built over an apostle's tomb — alongside St. Peter's in Vatican City and Santiago de Compostela in Spain. St. Thomas was martyred here in 72 AD. The neo-Gothic spire towers over Chennai's Mylapore area. A relic (bone fragment) of St. Thomas is preserved inside. The Catholic Bishops's Conference declared it a National Shrine.
A small rocky hill in Chennai where St. Thomas was speared to death in 72 AD. The chapel on top — built by Portuguese in 1523 — is believed to be on the exact spot of his martyrdom. A miraculous image of Our Lady of Expectation is enshrined here, believed to have been painted by St. Luke. Pilgrims climb the 135 steps on their knees as a penance.
The most famous church in North India — a stunning Basilica in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, built by Begum Samru (a European woman who converted to Christianity and became ruler of Sardhana in the 18th century). The architecture blends Indo-European Baroque styles in a way found nowhere else. It is one of the few Basilicas in India and is a UNESCO-nominated heritage structure. A completely unique story of a woman ruler's faith.
St. Thomas is believed to have built a chapel here on this hilltop during his time in Kerala. The church is declared an International Pilgrimage Centre by the Vatican. Pilgrims climb the forested hill (barefoot traditionally) to reach the church on top. The forested setting overlooking the Periyar River is extraordinarily beautiful. Combines well with Kochi Jewish heritage and Kerala backwaters.
Perched on a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea in Bandra, Mumbai. A statue of the Virgin Mary here was carved in the 16th century. The annual Bandra Fair (September) is the largest Catholic fair in India — 2 million people attend over 9 days from all religions. The white church with its colonial arches and sea view is one of Mumbai's most beloved landmarks. Near Shah Rukh Khan's Mannat and Bollywood's Bandra.
The seven sisters of Northeast India are predominantly Christian — brought by Welsh, American Baptist and other missionaries in the 19th century. A completely different, fascinating face of Christian India.
Basilica Bom Jesus UNESCO · Se Cathedral · St. Francis Church · Church of Immaculate Conception · Portuguese heritage walk · Dudhsagar Falls
Velankanni · San Thome Basilica Chennai · St. Thomas Mount · Malayattoor Kerala · Santa Cruz Basilica Kochi · Kerala backwaters
Delhi Sacred Heart · Sardhana Basilica · Goa UNESCO · Mumbai Mount Mary · Chennai San Thome · Velankanni · Kerala churches · Optional NE India