In The Footsteps Of St. Thomas

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    South India is captivating. The traditions associated with St Thomas the Apostle In Kerala and Tamil Nadu offer us the opportunity to experience an ancient strand of Christianity. The inspiring landscape and architecture (especially the Hindu temples) we’ll see as we travel from west to east will also open up to us some of the fascinating sights and sounds of Indian culture.

    Join Father Brett Ward and Father Robert Pyne on this pilgrimage through south India – scroll down for the full itinerary.

    Highlights

    • Discover the seven & half Churches, which were established by St. Thomas the Apostle in the first century
    • Visit the colonial city of Kochi
    • Relax in the peaceful Backwaters of Kerala
    • Relish the exotic spices and Tea
    • Witness putting to bed ceremony of Lord Shiva at mesmeric Meenakshi temple Madurai
    • Explore beautiful architecture of temples in Southern India
    • Seek spiritual awakening at Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry
    • Learn about the history of Christianity in Chennai
    • Visit to the cave in the Little Mount & St. Thomas Basilica

    The Itinerary

    London – Cochin – Kumarakom – Munnar – Madurai – Trichy – Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Chennai – London

    Meal Code: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner

    House Boat, Kerala

    DAY 1: FLY TO COCHIN

    Fly from your home country to Cochin.

    DAY 2: ARRIVE IN COCHIN AND RELAX

    Arrive at Cochin International airport and transfer 25km to Club Mahindra Cherai Beach, north up the coast from Cochin.

    After freshening up at the hotel, in the afternoon we will drive 15km to Kodungallur, where Thomas is said to have landed and built his first church, at the Marthoma Pontifical shrine, where we plan to celebrate Mass. Depending on your international flight arrival timing, this visit can be moved to the next day.

    • Overnight in Club Mahindra Resort, Cherai Beach, Cochin.
    • B

    The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kochi

    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

    Tea Plantation, Munnar

    DAY 6: DRIVE TO MUNNAR

    Check out of the hotel to commence to 170km drive up into hills to the cooler climes of Munnar, a hill station surrounded by tea gardens. Rest of the day at leisure.

    • Overnight in Hotel Fragrant Nature, Munnar
    • B

    DAY 7: EXPLORE MUNNAR

    Today we will explore Munnar and the surrounding area with stops at the Tea Museum and CSI Church.

    • Overnight in Fragrant Nature, Munnar
    • B

    DAY 8: MUNNAR TO MADURAI

    Today we descend 150km down through the hills to the bustling ancient temple city of Madurai, where we will check into the calm oasis of the Heritage Madurai hotel.

    • Overnight in Hotel Heritage Madurai, Madurai
    • B

    Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

    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).

    Tour Cost

    Tour Cost

    Per person sharing a twin or double room £2170

    Single room supplement £830

    Email : enquiries@soulofindia.com | Call Us: 020 8901 7630

    How to book this tour

    Read our Booking Terms and Conditions

    Email : enquiries@soulofindia.com | Call Us: 020 8901 7630

    Travel Insurance

    It is essential to have adequate insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health, and destination you are visiting.

    *This cost is valid from October 2022 to March 2023. December peak period supplements may apply.

    **Jewish Synagogue will remain closed on Friday in the afternoon and full day on Saturday as well as on Jewish Holidays.

    ***Mattanchery Dutch Palace will remain closed on Fridays

    Cost Includes

    • 14 night's accommodation in hotels as per itinerary, sharing a twin or double room with en-suite facilities (Check-in is 1400 hrs and checkout 12 noon. Early check-in and late checkouts are subject to availability)
    • Daily breakfast at all hotels.
    • All arrival, departure transfers, long drives and sightseeing by a chauffeur-driven private air-conditioned Innova car.
    • Services of a local English-speaking representative for all arrival and departure transfers to assist you at the airports.
    • Services of English-speaking local guides during sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.
    • Entrance fees to all monuments during sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.
    • Complimentary Mineral water while traveling & sightseeing.

    Cost Does Not Include

    • International airfare.
    • Any meals are other than specified in the itinerary.
    • India Visa Fee: E- The tourist visa facility is now available for India for citizens of most countries of the World. We will send you a step-by-step guide for an E-Tourist visa on confirmation of booking
    • Any expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, beverages, etc.
    • Camera fees at monuments and other places of interest.
    • Travel Insurance: It is essential to have adequate insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health and destination you are visiting.
    • Tips and gratuities.
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