In The Footsteps Of St. Thomas

DAY 3: CHURCHES OF ST. THOMAS

In the morning we will visit another of Thomas’ churches, the Kottakkavu Mar Thoma Syro-Malabar Pilgrim Church in North Paravur, and also the Muziris Heritage Project. Rest of the day at leisure.

• Overnight in Club Mahindra Cherai Beach.
• B

---

DAY 4: TO THE BACKWATERS VIA FORT COCHIN

This morning we check out of the hotel early and drive 25km into Fort Cochin for the 08:00 Holy Eucharist at St Francis CSI Church. Following this, we will explore some more churches in this historic port town. later we will drive further south through the backwaters to Kumarakom, stopping on the way at St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church at Kokkamangalam, another of the 7 ½ churches founded by St. Thomas.

• Overnight in Lakesong Resort, Kumarakom
• B

---

DAY 5: BACKWATER CRUISE

Today we will board Kettuvalam (houseboat) for a day cruising (3 to 4 hours) on the backwaters of Kerala cruise with lunch on board. The waterways are the lifeblood of the area; local commerce revolves around it with boats laden with everything from fish to today’s papers, gliding by! The backwaters are a maze of bridges and canals set in a labyrinth of backwater channels laced with endless stretches of lakes and lagoons. Over 900 km of this intricate network is navigable. This is the best place to explore the unspoiled countryside of Kerala. Disembark from the houseboat and return back to your hotel for the overnight stay.

• Overnight in Lakesong Resort, Kumarakom
• B

---

DAY 9: VISIT TEMPLES OF MADURAI

Today you will enjoy your morning tour of Madurai that begins with a visit on foot to the Meenakshi temple to allow you to take it in at your own pace.

The Shri Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is arguably the finest and most fascinating temple complex in India and is a major Hindu pilgrimage centre in the south. The site houses several shrines surrounded by 14 large, colourful gateway towers.

Just a mile down the road, we also stop to visit the impressive 17th century king’s palace of Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. The afternoon will be at your leisure and a great opportunity for shopping.

• Overnight in Hotel Heritage Madurai, Madurai
• B

---

DAY 10: DRIVE TO TRICHY

After breakfast we will check out of the hotel and drive 135km to another famous temple city, Tiruchirappalli, or Trichy. Rest of the day at leisure.

• Overnight in Hotel Sangam, Trichy
• B

---

DAY11: VISIT TEMPLES OF TRICHY

Today is another fascinating day for temple visits. In the morning we will stretch our legs before climbing the 326 steps up to the Rock Fort to visit its historic temples, and in the afternoon, we explore the magnificent and colourful Ranganathaswamy Temple. Also, visit Lady of Lourdes Church.

Note - Holy mass held on weekdays 5.30 am & 6.30 am and 6.30 pm. On Sunday at 5.15 am, 6.15 am & 7.30 am & 6.30 pm.

• Overnight in Hotel Sangam, Trichy
• B

---

DAY 12: TRAIN FROM TRICHY TO PONDICHERRY

Early start this morning to make our way to Trichy Railway Station to board the train to Pondicherry – the “Puducherry Express” (Train number 16858) departing Tiruchchirapali (Trichy) at 05:25 and arriving at Puducherry at 10:00 (4h 35m in 2-Tier AC Class).

On arrival at Pondicherry we will transfer to hotel Maison Perumal. We may have to wait some time for our rooms if early check-in is not available.

Afternoon at leisure to wander and explore Pondicherry.

• Overnight in Maison Perumal, Pondicherry
• B

---

DAY 13: EXPLORE PONDICHERRY

Morning guided tour of the French colonial seaside town of Pondicherry, with the afternoon at leisure.

• Overnight in Maison Perumal, Pondicherry
• B

---

DAY 14: PONDICHERRY TO MAHABALIPURAM

Today we will drive a couple of hours up the coast to Mahabalipuram and visit the ancient shore temple, and check into the Ideal Beach Resort.

• Overnight in Ideal Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram
• B

---

DAY 15: CHENNAI SIGHTSEEING

In the morning we will drive into Chennai, home to San Thome Basilica, a cathedral supposedly built over the tomb of St. Thomas. We will also visit St. Mary’s Anglican Church – the oldest British building in India – and on to climb St. Thomas Mount, the hill on top of which it is said that St Thomas was martyred by the spear, drawing our pilgrimage to a close.

• Overnight in Hotel The Trident, Chennai
• B

---

DAY 16: INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE

Early morning transfer to Chennai International Airport to board Emirates flight EK0545 departing Chennai at 09:45 and arriving at Dubai at 12:40 (4 hour 25 minutes flight). At Dubai transfer to connecting Emirates flight EK0003, departing Dubai at 14:30 and arriving at Heathrow at 18:20 (7 hour 50 minute flight).

---