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Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai
5.0
40 Ratings
Chennai (Madras)
Tours are led by cultural ambassadors who will bring alive the history and culture of the times when St Thomas came to India in the first century AD.
Tours are led by cultural ambassadors who will bring alive the history and culture of the times when St Thomas came to India in the first century AD.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- San Thome Church - We visit the renowned San Thome Basilica, the main church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore. In the 10th century AD, Christians from Persia established the Christian village of Santhome and constructed a church and tomb over the burial site of St. Thomas. The current neo-Gothic structure was built by…
- San Thome Church - We visit the renowned San Thome Basilica, the main church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore. In the 10th century AD, Christians from Persia established the Christian village of Santhome and constructed a church and tomb over the burial site of St. Thomas. The current neo-Gothic structure was built by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century. The shrine houses a small bone of the saint and the head of the lance that pierced him. We will also see an ancient painting of Our Blessed Mother, which St. Francis Xavier used to pray before.
- Little Mount Shrine - Our next stop on the St. Thomas Tour is Little Mount, a cave where St. Thomas hid in AD 68 and did penance. There is an eastern opening through which St. Thomas escaped when his pursuers found him. The palm and hand prints near the tunnel’s entrance are believed to be those of St. Thomas. We will also see the masonry cross at the top of the hill, thought to be the cross before which St. Thomas prayed. Another fascinating feature of this cave is the perennial spring inside the hill, believed to be miraculously created by St. Thomas himself.
- St. Thomas Mount National Shrine - On December 21, AD 72, St. Thomas was martyred on this hillock. The hill features a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Expectation, built in 1523. The altar of this shrine stands on the spot where St. Thomas was killed. Another notable relic is a gateway with four impressive arches topped by a cross inscribed with the date 1547.
What's Included
- Snacks
- Guide
- Pick up and drop to Chennai hotel
- Snacks
- Guide
- Pick up and drop to Chennai hotel
Location
San Thome Church
38 San Thome High Road,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(40 Ratings)
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Victor
Apr 23, 2025
Something Different - An interesting and informative tour that covers 1st century Christian influence in South India. Our Five Senses tour guide Kannan is a fountain of knowledge and his commentary made it all the more interesting. I recommend this tour to those who want a quick appreciation of the history of Christianity in India.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Highfieldsgirl
Apr 10, 2025
Excellent tour! - Kannan was a knowledgeable and accommodating guide who customised the experience based on our needs and interests. I highly recommend his service!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C4706nodavidb
Apr 10, 2025
Informative and accommodating tour - Hannan, our tour guide, was very helpful and accommodating in allowing us to explore each site at our own pace, after providing us with initial orienting information. He also guided us through an authentic meal that we enjoyed. Our driver was also very professional in the service he provided.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Garth
Apr 4, 2025
Definitely worth the trip - The tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. She was understandable to American ears. She also supplied plenty of water on a hot day.
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Deans40
Mar 30, 2025
Informative, peaceful and enjoyable tour - Highly recommend this tour and the excellent guide Hareesh Ramachandran. Hareesh is knowledgeable and provided detailed information throughout the tour whilst also allowing as much time as you wanted for personal contemplation at the different sites.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F6003jrdianek
Feb 28, 2025
Tour of Chennai Sacred Sites - Our driver and guide, Kanam, provided a superior experience. Every sacred site we visited was fully explained. It was a very informative tour of several sacred sites in Chennai. We will definitely reach out to 5 Senses Tours again while we are in India.
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Sherpa65354951328
Aug 3, 2024
Wonderful experience - Great experience, the tour was fun, interesting and we got to know a lot of information regarding the significance of the place.
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E4977tsms
Aug 1, 2024
Wonderful experience! - Great experience! Kannan was knowledgeable and provided great insights and details! Our driver was great navigating traffic and keeping the ride smooth.
Highly rated guide and tour!
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Nobuom502
May 29, 2024
It was nice tour - I had Thomas tour with Kannan of this company. He guided me and he was very kind and gentlemanly. He explained everything clearly and made the trip safe and nice. If any of my friends want to go there, I will refer them to this company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seattletravelguy55
Apr 12, 2024
One word. Magnificent! - This tour was everything and more. Excellent guide Kannan was very knowledgeable on the sites and history of Chennai. So special to see history up close. Definitely recommend this tour and tour company. Thanks again for the great day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor