Follow in the footsteps of St Thomas - a Private Pilgrimage Tour in Chennai

Chennai , India

Follow in the footsteps of St Thomas - a Private Pilgrimage Tour in Chennai

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Your private tour will follow the footsteps of St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus. You will visit the Basilica of San Thome as well as St Thomas Mount where he was killed. This has been a well known Christian pilgrimage site for centuries. After the tour, lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

Highlights
• San Thome Basilica
• Ancient image of Our Blessed Mother
• Cave at Little Mount to see prints of St Thomas

Available options

1-8 Travelers

Cost based on per person basis

What's included

English Speaking Local Guide.

Lunch

Buffet lunch at the local restaurant ( Beverage Excluded

02 bottles of mineral water per person per day.

Hotel pick up / drop off within city center in Chennai.

Transport by private vehicle.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You will be picked up in a private vehicle from your hotel in Chennai at 08:00 A.M. and proceed for your private day tour following the footsteps of Saint Thomas with an English Speaking Guide.

According to legend, St Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, introduced Christianity to India and preached here between AD 52 and AD 72, when he was martyred on St Thomas Mount.

In the 10th century AD, Christians from Persia founded the Christian village of Santhome. They built a Church and tomb over the burial site of St.Thomas. You can also see an ancient image of Our Blessed Mother.

After visiting the church and museum, you will go to St Thomas Mount. The cave at Little Mount is where St.Thomas in AD 68 did penance. Following the tour, you will be driven to a local restaurant for an included Buffet Lunch (Beverage Excluded). At the conclusion of your lunch around 02:30 pm, you will be driven back to your hotel in Chennai.

What's not included

Food

Gratuities

Donations.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult

A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements

Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions.

Meeting point

We may pick up travelers from city center hotels / fixed point wiithin city limits. In case pick up is outside central points extra cost shall applicable subject to distance applicable.

Important notes

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

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.