7 & Half Churches
In The Footsteps Of St. Thomas
This tour is designed for those who want to experience India’s history and to reflect, connect, and experience the deep roots of Indian Christianity first-hand.
This tour allows you to travel in the footsteps of St Thomas the Apostle and experience an ancient strand of Christianity, that is still alive today. The inspiring landscapes and iconic South Indian architecture, particularly the Hindu temples, a vivid picture of Indian culture.
Tour Highlights
- Discover the seven and a half Churches, established by the St Thomas the Apostle in the first century.
- The colonial city of Kochi (Cochin)
- Relax in the peaceful Backwaters of Kerala
- Relish the flavours of South India’s exotic spices and Tea
- Witness the 'putting to bed' ceremony of Lord Shiva at the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai
- Explore the temples of Southern India and the beautiful architecture of Dravidian design
- Seek spiritual reflection and awakening at Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry
- Learn about the history of Christianity in Chennai
- Visit the Little Mount Cave and 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.
A choice of International Flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and regional UK airports is available, please contact us for options. Travelers from other countries can book their own flights or contact us for help with International travel to India.
DAY 02: 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 next day.
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Overnight in Club Mahindra Resort, Cherai Beach, Cochin
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B
The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kochi
DAY 03: 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 the Muziris Heritage Project. The rest of the day is at leisure.
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Overnight in Club Mahindra Cherai Beach
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B
DAY 04: 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.
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Overnight in Lakesong Resort, Kumarakom
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B
DAY 05: BACKWATER CRUISE
Today, we will board Kettuvalam (houseboat) for a day of cruising (3 to 4 hours) on the backwaters of Kerala, with lunch on board. The waterways are the lifeblood of the area; local commerce revolves around them 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 unspoilt countryside of Kerala. Disembark from houseboat and return to your hotel for the overnight stay.
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Overnight in Lakesong Resort, Kumarakom
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BL
Tea Plantation, Munnar
DAY 06: DRIVE TO MUNNAR
Check out of the hotel and commence the 170km drive up into the hills to the cooler climes of Munnar, a hill station surrounded by tea gardens. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
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Overnight in Hotel Fragrant Nature, Munnar
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B
DAY 07: EXPLORE MUNNAR
Today we will explore Munnar and the surrounding area with stops at the Tea Museum and CSI Church.
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Overnight in Hotel Fragrant Nature, Munnar
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B
DAY 08: 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.
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Overnight in Hotel Heritage Madurai, Madurai
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B
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
DAY 09: VISIT TEMPLES OF MADURAI
Today, you will enjoy your morning tour of Madurai, which begins with a visit on foot to the Meenakshi temple. This will 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 one of the most celebrated Hindu pilgrimage sites in South India. The site houses several shrines surrounded by 14 large colorful 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, exploring local markets, shopping for crafts, or relaxing at the hotel.
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Overnight in Hotel Heritage Madurai, Madurai
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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, home to some of the most impressive religious architecture in southern India. The Rest of the day will be spent at your leisure.
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Overnight in Hotel Sangam, Trichy
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B
DAY 11: 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. In the afternoon, we will explore the magnificent and colorful Ranganathaswamy Temple. We will also visit Lady of Lourdes Church.
Mass times: Weekdays at 5.30 am, 6.30 am and 6.30 pm; Sundays at 5.15 am, 6.15 am, 7.30 am and 6.30 pm.
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Overnight in Hotel Sangam, Trichy
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B
Auroville temple, Pondicherry
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 in Pondicherry, we will transfer to the hotel Maison Perumal. If early check-in is not available, we may have to wait some time for our rooms.
In the afternoon, you can wander and explore Pondicherry town’s colonial streets, visit the promenade, or relax at a café.
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Overnight in Hotel Le Pondy, Pondicherry
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B
DAY 13: EXPLORE PONDICHERRY
Guided morning walking tour of Pondicherry’s French colonial quarter, with its distinct architecture, Catholic churches, and bougainvillea-lined streets. With the afternoon to spend at your leisure.
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Overnight in Hotel Le Pondy, Pondicherry
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B
DAY 14: PONDICHERRY TO MAHABALIPURAM
We depart for Mahabalipuram (approx. 100km), a town famous for its ancient monuments and UNESCO World Heritage Site temples along the coast.
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Overnight in Grande Bay Resort & Spa, Mahabalipuram
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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, an important Christian pilgrimage site in India. We will also visit St. Mary’s Anglican Church the oldest British building in India and then 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.
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Overnight in Hotel The Trident, Chennai
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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 hours and 25 minutes flight). At Dubai, transfer to connecting Emirates flight EK0003, departing Dubai at 14:30 and arriving at Heathrow at 18:20 (7 hours and 50 minutes flight).
Tour Cost
Tour Cost
Guide price per person sharing a twin or double room £2,555*
Single room supplement £975*
*The price mentioned above is a guide price only. Please provide your travel dates, number of travelers, and country of departure, and we will offer you a competitive quote for the tour.
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 the destination you are visiting.
*Mattanchery Dutch Palace will remain closed on Friday’s.
**The Jewish Synagogue will remain closed on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday as well as Jewish Holiday’s.
Cost Includes
- 14 nights' accommodation in hotels as per itinerary, sharing twin or double room with en-suite facilities (Check-in is 1400 hrs and checkout 12 noon. Early check-in late checkouts are subject to availability)
- Daily breakfast at all hotels.
- All arrival, and departure transfers, long drives and sightseeing are done 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.
- Complementary Mineral water while travelling & sightseeing.
Cost Does Not Include
- International airfare.*
*A choice of International Flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and regional UK airports is available, please contact us for options. Travellers from other countries can book their own flights or contact us for help with international travel to India. - Any meals other than specify in the itinerary.
- India Visa Fee: E- 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 E-Tourist visa on confirmation of your booking.
- Any expenses of a 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 the destination you are visiting.
- Tips and gratuities
