Following In The Steps Of St Thomas Led by Canon Tony Fensome
22nd September – 7th October 2022
I warmly invite you to join me on a pilgrimage tour following in the steps of St Thomas (our doubting Thomas) to South India in the autumn of 2021. We will be visiting many significant religious and cultural sites, experiencing the devotions of different faith communities, watching artisans and craftspeople at work, passing through spectacular scenery, seeing a wide range of tropical wildlife and also having great fun; all at the same time.
We begin in Kerala, where St Thomas made landfall, visiting the Basilica, then traveling down the coast to Cochin calling in at the old Synagogues. When we reach Cochin we have time to explore the waterside markets with their distinctive fishing nets and join with local Christians at St Francis church, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama is buried. We also hope to attend a performance of traditional dance. After a day cruise on the calm backwaters, we journey south to Cardamom county where we experience a full day in the Wildlife sanctuary. From here we travel through India’s picturesque rural countryside to the Temple city of Madurai, witnessing the evening ritual to the goddess Meenakshi.
The comfortable Vaigai Express train then takes us to the old French colonial town of Pondicherry, by the sea. Here we have a choice of visits; the Auroville Ashram and the experimental living town, the ‘self help’ community village at Sarvam, or the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, who manage the Cluny Embroidery Centre. From here we journey along the Coramandal coast to the ancient World Heritage site of Mahabalpurim, ending our pilgrimage at St Thomas’ Tomb and ascent of the mount where he was martyred. This Pilgrimage Tour is a mix of the Holy and Holiday with time for reflection and also time for fun and relaxation, exploring and shopping. I do hope you will come along and be part of this fascinating Pilgrimage.
The Itinerary
Cochin - Alappuzha - Thekkady - Madurai - Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Chennai
Meal Code: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
Kathakali Dance Form, Kerala
DAY 1: THURSDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER 2022
Emirates flight EK0002 from Heathrow (13:40) to Dubai (00:40+1)
DAY 2: FRIDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2022
Dubai (02:45) to Cochin . Arrive at Cochin airport at 08:05 and transfer to Cherai Beach Resort.
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Club Mahindra Cherai Beach -
BD
DAY 3: SATURDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2022
AM: drive to Kodungallur. This is where St Thomas made landfall. Later visit the old synagogues at Paravur & Chendamangalam, the Cheraman Juma Masjid the first Mosque in India.
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Club Mahindra Cherai Beach
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BD
St Thomas Basilica
DAY 4: SUNDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2022
AM: at leisure. PM: drive to Fort Cochin. Evening stroll along the seafront with its intriguing Chinese fishing nets and maybe see an Evening performance of Traditional Dance.
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Old Courtyard/Fragrant Nature
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BD
DAY 5: MONDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER 2022
Attend St Francis Church Cochin and meet with local Christians. Later visit the Jain Temple, the Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town.
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Old Courtyard/Fragrant Nature
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BD
DAY 6: TUESDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2022
AM: drive to Alappuzha (stopping en route at St Andrew’s Basilica) to board the houseboat. A relaxing day cruising the backwaters. Overnight at waterside hotel.
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Backwater Ripples Hotel
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BD
Backwater, Kerala
DAY 7: WEDNESDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2022
AM: drive to Thekkady and check into Cardamom County. On the way, stop at Deepa Spice World for a short tour of the spice plantation.
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Cardamom County
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BD
DAY 8: THURSDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2022
Full-day guided jungle walks in the Wild Life Park (with a packed lunch).
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Cardamom County
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BD
DAY 9: FRIDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022
Drive through rural India’s countryside to the temple city of Madurai and stay at the comfortable Heritage Madurai Hotel.
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Heritage Madurai
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BD
Meenakshi Temple in Madurai
DAY 10: SATURDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2022
Madurai visiting Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, flower market. Late evening visit temple for the “going to bed” ceremony of Goddess Meenakshi.
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Overnight at Heritage Madurai
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BD
DAY 11: SUNDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2022
AM: Board the train (Vaigai Express, 07:00,) to Pondicherry, an old French colonial town by the sea. Visit the Auroville Ashram followed by an evening beach walk.
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Overnight at Le Pondy Beach Resort
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BD
DAY 12: MONDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2022
Today we visit Auroville community township a communal living experimental town with a meditation centre. Also Saevam a self help development village.
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Overnight at Le Pondy Beach Resort
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BD
Temple by the Sea, Mahabalipuram
DAY 13: TUESDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2022
AM: Drive to Mahabalipuram on the Coromandal Coast. PM: explore the temple by the sea and carved granite shrines.
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Chariot Beach Resort Ideal Beach Resort
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BD
DAY 14: WEDNESDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2022
AM: Day trip to Chennai to visit the San Thome Basilica and St. Thomas’ Mount.
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Chariot Beach Resort Ideal Beach Resort
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BD
DAY 15: THURSDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2022
A day of leisure at Mahabalipuram.
DAY 16: FRIDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2022
Early morning transfer to Chennai International Airport to board flight to Dubai (EK, 09:45, flight to London)
Tour Cost
Tour Cost
The cost per person sharing a twin or double room £2960.00
Single room supplement £780.00
Email :- enquiries@soulofindia.com | Call Us: 020 8901 7630
How to book this tour
- Please send us an e-mail at enquiries@soulofindia.com or call us 020 8901 7630. We will send you a booking form to complete. You can also complete a booking form on our website for this tour.
- A deposit payment of £500.00 is payable at the time of booking. Balance payment is due 10 weeks before departure.
Read our Booking Terms and Conditions
Email :- enquiries@soulofindia.com | Call Us: 020 8901 7630
Travel Insurance
- It includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover
- It provides cover for your whole trip
- It covers you for all activities
- It covers all your pre-existing medical conditions
- Keep your Policy Number and Insurer’s 24-hour Emergency Number handy with you
- To get a competitive quote for comprehensive travel insurance click here
Cost Includes
- International flights with scheduled Emirate Airlines inclusive taxes.
- Air-conditioned accommodation with private facilities as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Day boat cruise on the backwaters of Kerala.
- Witness performance of Kathakali Dances.
- All transfers and sightseeing by an air-conditioned coach.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
- Services of Canon. Tony Fensome as a trip leader.
- Train reservations from Madurai to Pondicherry by airconditioned class.
- 100% protection of your payment by our ABTOL & ATOL license.
- Complimentary mineral water while driving and sightseeing.
Cost Does Not Include
- Visa fee for India. E-visa is available online for India. On confirmation, we will send you a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the visa.
- Travel Insurance. For a competitive quote please visit https://tagconnect.brokersure.com/step1?tr=indus_ tours
- Any expenses of a personal nature.
- Tips and Gratuities.
Click Here To Download The Booking Form 
Read Our Booking Terms And Conditions