St Thomas Trail in Chennai by Wonder tours

Chennai , India

St Thomas Trail in Chennai by Wonder tours

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(11 reviews)

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About this experience

Listen to guided commentary as you travel detailing the influence footsteps of St. Thomas had on the city and the country of India as a whole between AD52 and AD72.Learn about the history of Christianity in Chennai through visits to local religious landmarks such as the cave in the Little Mount, the handprints of St. Thomas, St. Thomas Mount, and the St. Thome Basilica.

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St Thomas Trail in Chennai by Wonder tours

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Lunch

All Fees and Taxes

Full time Guide

Pick up and drop from all hotels in Chennai

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Santhome Basilica, Little Mount and St Thomas Mount

Stop 2

This soaring Roman Catholic cathedral, a stone's throw from the beach, was founded by the Portuguese in 1523, then rebuilt by the British in neo-Gothic style in 1896, and is said to mark the final resting place of St Thomas the Apostle. It's believed 'Doubting Thomas' brought Christianity to the subcontinent in AD 52 and was killed at St Thomas Mount, Chennai, in AD 72.
Although most of St Thomas' mortal remains now apparently lie in Italy, a cross on the tomb wall contains a tiny bone fragment marked 'Relic of St Thomas'. The museum above displays Thomas-related artefacts including the lancehead believed to have killed him.
St Thomas' Pole, at the beach end of the street on the cathedral's south side, is said to have miraculously saved the cathedral from the 2004 tsunami.

Stop 3

Little Mount is a cave in which St.Thomas hid in AD 68 and did penance. There is an opening to the east of the cave through which St.Thomas escaped when his pursuers caught up with him here. The palm print and hand print near the tunnel’s entrance are believed to be those of St.Thomas himself. We will also see the masonry cross cut at the top of the hill which is believed to be the cross before which St.Thomas prayed. Another interesting aspect of this cave is the spring inside the hill which is perennial and is supposed to be the miraculous creation of the St. Thomas himself.

Stop 4

The reputed site of St Thomas’ martyrdom in AD 72 rises in the southwest of Chennai, 2.5km north of St Thomas Mount train station and metro station. The Church of Our Lady of Expectation, built atop the 'mount' by the Portuguese in 1523, contains what are supposedly a fragment of Thomas’ finger bone and the 'Bleeding Cross' he carved. The city and airport views are wonderful.

What's not included

Drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and bustling streets. It's a melting pot of tradition and modernity, offering everything from ancient temples to modern IT hubs.

Top Attractions

Marina Beach

Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, stretching over 13 km along the Bay of Bengal.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

Fort St. George

This historic fort was the first English fortress in India and is now a museum showcasing the city's colonial past.

Historical 1-2 hours INR 50

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture and a major pilgrimage site.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Government Museum

One of the oldest museums in India, it houses a vast collection of artifacts, including bronze sculptures, paintings, and historical artifacts.

Museum 2-3 hours INR 25

Breezy Beach

A quieter alternative to Marina Beach, Breezy Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Beach 2-3 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dosa

A thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often served with sambar and chutney.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian

Idli

Soft, steamed rice cakes made from fermented batter, typically served with sambar and chutney.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Filter Coffee

A strong, aromatic coffee made using a traditional filter, often served with milk and sugar.

Drink Non-vegetarian

Chettinad Chicken

A spicy, flavorful chicken dish from the Chettinad region, known for its unique blend of spices.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Scuba diving Snorkeling Surfing Beach visits Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Music and dance performances

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the best time to visit Chennai as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Tamil
Widely spoken: English, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Chennai is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or app-based services like Ola and Uber.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Getting there

By air

Chennai International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore

By bus

Koyambedu, CMBT

Getting around

Public transport

The Chennai Metro is a modern, efficient, and air-conditioned system that covers major parts of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Mylapore T. Nagar Besant Nagar

Day trips

Mahabalipuram

60 km from Chennai • Half day to full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples, rock-cut caves, and sculptures.

Kanchipuram

75 km from Chennai • Full day

A historic city known for its ancient temples, silk sarees, and religious significance.

Pondicherry

160 km from Chennai • Overnight

A former French colony with a unique blend of French and Indian cultures, known for its beaches, architecture, and spiritual centers.

Festivals

Pongal • January Chennai Music Season • December-January Chennai Film Festival • December

Pro tips

Visit the city's temples and historical sites early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
Try the local street food, but be cautious and choose vendors with high turnover to ensure freshness.
Use app-based services like Ola and Uber for convenient and reliable transportation.
Explore the city's vibrant street art and mural scene, with numerous murals and art installations throughout the city.
Visit the city's beaches, such as Marina Beach and Breezy Beach, for a relaxing break from the bustling city life.