Churches Tour To South India
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN CHENNAI:
On arrival at the international airport, welcome and transfer to your booked hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2: SIGHTSEEING IN CHENNAI:
After breakfast, visit to Santhome Basilica in Chennai, and rest of the day at leisure. Evening is free and overnight at the hotel. Chennai is formerly known as Madras is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India.
DAY 3: CHENNAI > PONDICHERRY (135 KMS/3HRS):
After having breakfast, we proceed to Pondicherry. Pondicherry was retained as French colony until 1954. Pondicherry has even today the French atmosphere amidst the surrounding Tamil country. After some rest at hotel we visit The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This church is full of eye pleasing paintings in stained glass and also has beautiful marble decorations. This church was supposed to have been erected in 1700s by French Missionaries. Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a catholic church and is white and brown structure. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 4: PONDICHERRY > VELANKANNI (207 KMS/4HRS):
After breakfast, drive to Velankanni. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Late afternoon we visit The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni. Overnight at hotel It is a small town located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal 350 km south of Chennai (Madras) and 12 km south of Nagapattinam on the Coromandel Coast, in Tamil Nadu, India. The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health was built in the late 16th century with modifications by Portuguese and further expansions later on due to influx of pilgrimages. The Gothic style of architecture is a unique feature of the church. The church itself is an imposing building with inspiring architecture. While the buildings have been painted white, the roof of the church is made of red tiles, providing a striking contrast to the color of the walls. More than 500 years later, the festival and celebration is still observed and draws nearly 2 million pilgrims each year, The Shrine of Our Lady of Velankanni also known as the “Lourdes of the East.
DAY 5: VELANKANNI > MADURAI (251 KMS/4HRS):
After breakfast, drive to Madurai. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Late afternoon we visit The St Georges Church in Madurai. Dinner at the hotel Overnight at hotel Madurai is the third largest city and the second largest municipal corporation in Tamil Nadu. Located on the banks of River Vaigai, Madurai district of Tamil Nadu is of extreme historical significance since this place was captured from the British in the year 1773. Some of the best churches of South India are seen in the Madurai District. Hence, it is a very important place. The St Georges Church is a World Famous structure.
DAY 6: MADURAI > KOCHI (271 KMS/5HRS):
After breakfast, drive to Kochi. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Late afternoon visit the very famous church Evening is at leisure dinner at the hotel overnight at hotel. The most interesting town in South India at Malabar Coast and is also known as Venice of South. Cochin is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Kochi is often called by the name Ernakulum, which refers to the eastern part of the mainland Kochi. The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is one of the oldest churches in India. It is one of the eight Basilicas in the country. Counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala, this church is one of the finest and impressive churches in India and visited by tourists the whole year round. It is a place of devotion as well as a center of historic significance, endowed with architectural and artistic grandeur and colors of the gothic style.
DAY 7: KOCHI > VALLARPADAM (125 KMS/2HRS):
After breakfast, drive to visit The Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam- Ernakulum is a famous centre of pilgrimage. People from all parts of Kerala and outside, irrespective of caste or creed go to the church to seek the blessings of Mary, the mother of Jesus, popularly known as Vallarpadathamma. The Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom is an ancient Christian Church built in 1524.Portuguese merchants headed by Vasco da Gama enthroned this miraculous picture of lady of Ransom at the shrine. The church was dedicated to the Holy Spirit, which was the first of its kind in Asia. The beautiful church was however destroyed by a heavy flood in 1676. The church was re-established in 1676 and the famous picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary was erected by Portuguese who brought it from their native land. The picture is believed to have miraculous powers.
DAY 8-9-10 VALLARPADAM > GOA (BY AIR):
Visit the famous churches in Goa Bom Jesus Basillica The Bom Jesus Basillica or the Basilica of Bom Jesus is a nine Kilometers journey from the capital Panaji. The construction of historical church was completed in 1605. The church is dedicated to baby Jesus and considered as one of the most auspicious churches of the region. The 400 years old Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa has been stated as one of the world heritage monuments. St. Cathedral St. Cathedral in Goa is considered as the largest church in Asia. Initially built modestly, the Se Cathedral went through several modifications and the wonderful church was completed in 1619. The church has been included in the list of UNESCO’s world heritage buildings. St Francis of Assisi Church St Francis of Assisi Church was built in the year 1521 and after almost five hundred years, the church holds immense religious and tourism importance in Goa. The church has witnessed many modifications over the years. The museum set up in 1964 inside the church complex is today one of its main attractions. St Catherine Chapel The St Catherine Chapel in Old Goa is dedicated to St. Catherine and famous for its wonderful statues of Our Lady of Piety.
DAY 11 GOA DEPARTURE (BY AIR):
After breakfast drive to Airport to catch the flight for onward journey.
