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Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai
5.0
46 Ratings
Chennai (Madras)
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.
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.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- San Thome Church - We visit the renowned San Thome Basilica, the main church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore. In the 10th century AD, Christians from Persia established the Christian village of Santhome and constructed a church and tomb over the burial site of St. Thomas. The current neo-Gothic structure was built by…
- San Thome Church - We visit the renowned San Thome Basilica, the main church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore. In the 10th century AD, Christians from Persia established the Christian village of Santhome and constructed a church and tomb over the burial site of St. Thomas. The current neo-Gothic structure was built by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century. The shrine houses a small bone of the saint and the head of the lance that pierced him. We will also see an ancient painting of Our Blessed Mother, which St. Francis Xavier used to pray before.
- Little Mount Shrine - Our next stop on the St. Thomas Tour is Little Mount, a cave where St. Thomas hid in AD 68 and did penance. There is an eastern opening through which St. Thomas escaped when his pursuers found him. The palm and hand prints near the tunnel’s entrance are believed to be those of St. Thomas. We will also see the masonry cross at the top of the hill, thought to be the cross before which St. Thomas prayed. Another fascinating feature of this cave is the perennial spring inside the hill, believed to be miraculously created by St. Thomas himself.
- St. Thomas Mount National Shrine - On December 21, AD 72, St. Thomas was martyred on this hillock. The hill features a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Expectation, built in 1523. The altar of this shrine stands on the spot where St. Thomas was killed. Another notable relic is a gateway with four impressive arches topped by a cross inscribed with the date 1547.
What's Included
- Snacks
- Guide
- Pick up and drop to Chennai hotel
- Snacks
- Guide
- Pick up and drop to Chennai hotel
Location
San Thome Church
38 San Thome High Road,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(46 Ratings)
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Carlomz7340oo
Mar 8, 2026
Terrific half-day tour learning about the beginnings of Christianity in India - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P4683lpjeanw
Jan 7, 2026
A personal tour tailored to our interests - 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.
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Goplaces39331119974
Dec 7, 2025
Thomas in India 🇮🇳 - 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!
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Samj68p
Nov 27, 2025
Following St Thomas journey - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annedg7577zf
Sep 10, 2025
Felt like I was in the Holy Land! - 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!
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Jessicapeters123
Jul 16, 2025
Historic and cultural tour - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Victor
Apr 23, 2025
Something Different - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Highfieldsgirl
Apr 10, 2025
Excellent tour! - Kannan was a knowledgeable and accommodating guide who customised the experience based on our needs and interests. I highly recommend his service!
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C4706nodavidb
Apr 10, 2025
Informative and accommodating tour - 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.
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Garth
Apr 4, 2025
Definitely worth the trip - The tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. She was understandable to American ears. She also supplied plenty of water on a hot day.
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