How to Plan Your Following the Foot Steps of St. Thomas Day Trip in Chennai

Are you a history buff who loves to learn about different cultures and religions? If yes, then you must visit Chennai and explore the influence of Christianity in the region by following in the footsteps of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. This day trip has everything you wish for, starting from local landmarks to curated itinerary and in-depth commentary from your guide. In this post, we will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your Following the Foot Steps of St. Thomas Day Trip in Chennai.

Overview of the Tour

The tour is a full-day excursion and takes you to some of the popular religious landmarks of the city. You will be able to learn more about St. Thomas and his influence on the development of Christianity in India. Here are some of the highlights of the tour:

San Thome Church

The tour starts with a visit to San Thome Church, which is believed to be built over the tomb of St. Thomas. The church was built-in neo-gothic style architecture and has beautiful stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of St. Thomas.

Little Mount Shrine

Next, you will visit the Little Mount Shrine, a small hillock that has a cave where St. Thomas is believed to have lived in hiding. The cave is now a shrine, and you can see the handprints of St. Thomas on the walls.

St. Thomas Mount

The tour then proceeds to St. Thomas Mount, a small hillock that provides a panoramic view of the city. It is believed that St. Thomas was martyred on this hill, and a chapel was built in the memory of the event. Apart from the chapel, the hill also has a small museum that showcases the artifacts and relics related to St. Thomas.

St. Thome Basilica

The final stop of the tour is St. Thome Basilica, which was built over the tomb of St. Thomas. The church is one of the most impressive landmarks in Chennai and has a neo-gothic style architecture. You will be amazed by the beautiful stained-glass windows of the church that depict different events from the life of St. Thomas.

Other Inclusions

Apart from the above landmarks, the tour also includes entrance fees to all the attractions, a midday lunch break, and convenient pickup and drop-off from Chennai hotels. You will also have a full-time guide who will provide you with a curated itinerary and in-depth commentary about the influence of St. Thomas on the city and the country of India as a whole between AD52 and AD72.

Booking the Tour

If you are interested in booking the Following the Foot Steps of St. Thomas Day Trip in Chennai, you can do so by visiting the Viator website. The website has all the necessary information about the tour, including the tour schedule, pickup points, and ticket prices. You can also find reviews from other travelers who have taken the tour and have shared their experiences.

Book Your Tour Now

Following the Foot Steps of St. Thomas Day Trip in Chennai is a must-visit tour for anyone who is interested in the history of Christianity in India. You will be able to explore some of the most popular religious landmarks of Chennai and learn more about the life and influence of St. Thomas. We hope this post has helped you plan your tour effectively. Have a great time exploring Chennai!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chennai

1. Where is Chennai located and how to get there?

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital city of the Indian state Tamil Nadu. It is situated on the east coast of India, bordered by the Bay of Bengal. Chennai has a well-connected transport system with an international airport, multiple railway stations, and bus stations that connect the city with various parts of India.

2. What is the best time to visit Chennai?

The best time to visit Chennai is during the winter season, which is from November to February. The temperature during these months ranges between 20℃ to 25℃, making it a pleasant time to explore the city.

3. Which are the must-visit places in Chennai?

Chennai is a city rich in history and culture with several tourist attractions. Some of the must-visit places in Chennai include:

• The Kapaleeswarar Temple
• The Marina Beach
• The Fort St. George
• The Government Museum
• The Mahabalipuram
• The Valluvar Kottam

4. What are the famous dishes of Chennai?

Chennai is known for its delicious South Indian cuisine. Some of the famous dishes of Chennai include:

• Idli and Dosa
• Vada
• Sambhar
• Filter Coffee
• Parotta
• Biryani

5. What are the shopping destinations in Chennai?

Chennai is home to several shopping destinations that offer traditional and modern items at reasonable prices. Some of the famous shopping destinations in Chennai are:

• T. Nagar
• Mylapore
• Pondy Bazaar
• Phoenix Market City
• Express Avenue

6. What are the famous festivals celebrated in Chennai?

Chennai celebrates several festivals throughout the year. Some of the famous festivals celebrated in Chennai include:

• Pongal
• Diwali
• Holi
• Navratri
• Christmas
• The Chennai Music Season

7. Is Chennai a safe city for tourists?

Chennai is a relatively safe city for tourists. However, it is advisable to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings while exploring the city.

8. What is the most common language spoken in Chennai?

The most common language spoken in Chennai is Tamil. However, English and Hindi are also widely spoken and understood.

9. What are the modes of transport available in Chennai for tourists?

Chennai has a well-connected transport system that includes buses, autos, taxis, and trains. Tourists can also choose to rent two-wheelers or four-wheelers to explore the city at their own pace.

10. What is the dress code in Chennai?

Chennai is a culturally conservative city, and it is advisable to dress modestly while exploring the city. Women should refrain from wearing revealing clothing when visiting temples or other religious places. However, there are no restrictions on western attire in public places.

How To Spend Your Time As A Tourist In Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a bustling metropolitan city nestled on the Bay of Bengal. The city has a rich history and is known for its art, architecture, music, and dance. It is also known for its delicious cuisine, which blends the flavors of different regions of Tamil Nadu. Chennai is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world. If you’re planning a trip to Chennai, here’s a guide on how to make the most of your time in the city.

1. Visit The Temples

Chennai is known for its numerous temples that reflect the rich culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu. The most famous temple in Chennai is the Kapaleeswarar Temple situated in Mylapore. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is over 300 years old. Another popular temple is the Parthasarathy Temple located near Triplicane. It is one of the oldest temples in Chennai and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Other popular temples in Chennai include the Vadapalani Murugan Temple, the Ashtalakshmi Temple, and the Thousand Lights Mosque.

2. Explore The Beaches

Chennai is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in India. One of the most famous beaches in Chennai is the Marina Beach. It is one of the longest beaches in the world and offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal. Another famous beach in Chennai is the Elliot’s Beach, which is known for its pristine waters and golden sands. Other popular beaches in Chennai include the Covelong Beach and the Mahabalipuram Beach.

3. Taste The Local Cuisine

Chennai is known for its delicious cuisine, which offers a unique blend of flavors from different regions of Tamil Nadu. Some of the most famous dishes in Chennai include dosa, idli, vada, sambar, rasam, and biryani. Head to any of the local restaurants or street stalls to taste the authentic local cuisine.

4. Visit The Museums

Chennai has some of the best museums in the country that showcase the rich culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu. The most famous museum in Chennai is the Government Museum, which is spread over 16.25 acres and has a collection of over 46,000 objects. It has separate sections for art, archaeology, zoology, and geology. Other popular museums in Chennai include the National Art Gallery and the Fort Museum.

5. Shop At The Local Markets

Chennai is a shopper’s paradise and offers a variety of options to choose from. Head to the local markets to pick up some of the best souvenirs and handicrafts. Some of the best markets in Chennai include the Pondy Bazaar, T. Nagar, and Ritchie Street.

6. Watch A Traditional Dance Performance

Chennai is known for its classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Head to any of the local theaters to watch a traditional dance performance. The most famous theater in Chennai is the Kalakshetra Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting the fine arts of India.

7. Attend A Music Festival

Chennai is also known for its rich musical heritage, and several music festivals are held throughout the year. The most famous music festival in Chennai is the Margazhi Music Festival, which is held in December and January. It is a month-long festival that showcases the best Carnatic music artists from all over the country.

Book Your Tour Now

Chennai is a city that has something for everyone. From its rich cultural heritage to its delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches, and bustling markets, Chennai is a city that never disappoints. Make sure to add these activities to your itinerary to make the most of your time in Chennai.