Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai
Description
Tours are led by cultural ambassadors who will bring alive the history and culture of the times when St Thomas came to India in the first century AD.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We visit the famous San Thome Basilica, the principal church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore. In the 10th century AD Christians from Persia, founded this Christian village of Santhome, and then they built a Church and tomb over the burial site of St.Thomas. Built in neo gothic style the present structure was built by the Portuguese explorers in the 16th century. The Shrine preserves a small bone of the Saint and the head of the lance with which the Saint was pierced. We will also get to see an ancient painting of Our Blessed Mother St. Francis Xavier used to pray.
Little Mount is our next destination in this St Thomas Tour. It is a cave in which St.Thomas hid in AD 68 and did penance. There is an opening to the east of the cave through which St.Thomas escaped when his pursuers caught up with him here. The palm print and hand print near the tunnel’s entrance are believed to be those of St.Thomas himself. We will also see the masonry cross cut at the top of the hill which is believed to be the cross before which St.Thomas prayed. Another interesting aspect of this cave is the spring inside the hill which is perennial and is supposed to be the miraculous creation of the St. Thomas himself.
On 21st december AD 72, St Thomas was murdered on this hillock. The hill has a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Expectation which was built in 1523. The altar of this shrine was built on the spot where St. Thomas was murdered. A gateway of four impressive arches surmounted by a cross bearing the inscribed date 1547 is the other interesting relic of St Thomas Mount.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up from all centrally located hotels in chennai
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(46)
The tour was exactly what I had hoped it would be. Hareesh is a great guide, and I am happy that he was with me. The traditional south Indian breakfast he recommended was tasty and fueled the rest of the day. The price is reasonable for the area and the specific focus. I had a great time.
My tour of Chennai my first full day in India was way beyond my expectations. I have taken city tours before and I think this is my favorite ever. Our tour guide made it so personal that I felt like I was sharing an experience with an old friend. The tour lasted longer than I expected, but only because we were so engaged with what we were learning. He showed no irritation at all with adding an hour to our expected tour. My companion who had never been to India before and I both considered this tour a life enhancing experience. I cannot recommend our tour guide any more highly than I am.
What a special experience! The tour was insightful, colourful and professional! We loved learning about Thomas, the church in India and religion in this beautiful country!
The tour around St Thomas in Chennai was very enjoyable. Our guide picked us in a clean car with a safe driver from our hotel lobby. The 3 key places - Santhome Basilica, Little Mount and St Thomas Mount were all very serene and personally moving. The handprint of St Thomas was amazing to see. There is a lot of history here which is not well known. I would highly recommend this to anyone coming to Chennai.
Had an awe-inspiring visit to the St. Thomas Basilica in Chennai. Walking in the footsteps of an original Apostle of Jesus…wow! Kannan of Five Senses Tours was terrific!
I never knew apostle St Thomas had come to chennai 2000 years ago! It was a wonderful tour about how Christianity was introduced in India. We saw a magnificent basilcia where the relics of St Thomas is kept. Next we saw a cave where St Thomas was hiding and eventually got martyred. The church on top of St Thomas Mount was amazing as well. Very highly recommended for people looking for a historic and cultural tour.
Hello. I am glad you enjoyed following the footsteps of St Thomas. Thanks for taking the time for this review. We value your feedback. It was our pleasure hosting you.
An interesting and informative tour that covers 1st century Christian influence in South India. Our Five Senses tour guide Kannan is a fountain of knowledge and his commentary made it all the more interesting. I recommend this tour to those who want a quick appreciation of the history of Christianity in India.
Hello. I am delighted you enjoyed the tour of following the footsteps of St Thomas. Thanks for taking the time for this review. We value your feedback. It was our pleasure hosting you.
Kannan was a knowledgeable and accommodating guide who customised the experience based on our needs and interests. I highly recommend his service!
Hello. Thanks for taking the time for this review. We value your feedback. I am delighted you enjoyed the St Thomas tour. It was our pleasure hosting you.
Hannan, our tour guide, was very helpful and accommodating in allowing us to explore each site at our own pace, after providing us with initial orienting information. He also guided us through an authentic meal that we enjoyed. Our driver was also very professional in the service he provided.
I am glad you enjoyed following the footsteps of St Thomas with Kannan. It was our pleasure.
The tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. She was understandable to American ears. She also supplied plenty of water on a hot day.
I am glad you liked the tour following the footsteps of St Thomas. It was our great pleasure to host you. Thanks for this feedback.
