In the footsteps of St. Thomas

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the seven & half Churches, which were established by St. Thomas the Apostle in the first century

Visit the colonial city of Kochi

Relax in the peaceful Backwaters of Kerala

Relish the exotic spices and Tea

Witness putting to bed ceremony of Lord Shiva at mesmeric Meenakshi temple Madurai

Explore beautiful architecture of temples in Southern India

Seek spiritual awakening at Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry

Learn about the history of Christianity in Chennai

Visit to the cave in the Little Mount & St. Thomas Basilica

Cochin – Kumarakom – Munnar – Madurai – Trichy – Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Chennai

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the itinerary

South India is captivating. The traditions associated with St. Thomas the Apostle In Kerala and Tamil Nadu offer us the opportunity to experience an ancient strand of Christianity. The inspiring landscape and architecture (especially the Hindu temples) we’ll see as we travel from west to east will also open up to us some of the fascinating sights and sounds of Indian culture.

Meals B: Breakfast, L: Lunch & D: Dinner

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Day 01 - Fly to Cochin

Fly from your home country to Cochin.

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 the next day.

Overnight in Club Mahindra Resort, Cherai Beach, Cochin. B

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 also the Muziris Heritage Project. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Club Mahindra Cherai Beach. 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.

Overnight in Lakesong Resort, Kumarakom. B

Day 05 - Backwater Cruise

Today we will board Kettuvalam (houseboat) for a day cruising (3 to 4 hours) on the backwaters of Kerala cruise with lunch on board. The waterways are the lifeblood of the area; local commerce revolves around it 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 the houseboat and return back to your hotel for the overnight stay.

Overnight in Lakesong Resort, Kumarakom. B L

Day 06 - Drive to Munnar

Check out of the hotel to commence to 170km drive up into hills to the cooler climes of Munnar, a hill station surrounded by tea gardens. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Hotel Fragrant Nature, Munnar. B

Day 07 - Explore Munnar

Today we will explore Munnar and the surrounding area with stops at the Tea Museum and CSI Church.

Overnight in Hotel Fragrant Nature, Munnar. 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.

Overnight in Hotel Heritage Madurai, Madurai. B

Day 09 - Visit Temples of Madurai

Today you will enjoy your morning tour of Madurai that begins with a visit on foot to the Meenakshi temple to 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 is a major Hindu pilgrimage centre in the south. The site houses several shrines surrounded by 14 large colourful 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.

Overnight in Hotel Heritage Madurai, Madurai. 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. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Hotel Sangam, Trichy. 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, and in the afternoon, we explore the magnificent and colourful Ranganathaswamy Temple. Also, visit Lady of Lourdes Church.

Note- Holy mass held on weekdays 5.30 am & 6.30 am and 6.30 pm. On Sunday at 5.15 am, 6.15 am & 7.30 am & 6.30 pm.

Overnight in Hotel Sangam, Trichy. B

Day 12 - Drive to Pondicherry

Morning drive to Pondicherry 210 kms, on arrival at Pondicherry we will transfer to hotel Le Pondy hotel. Afternoon at leisure to wander and explore Pondicherry.

Overnight in Hotel Le Pondy, Pondicherry. B

Day 13 - Explore Pondicherry

Morning guided tour of the French colonial seaside town of Pondicherry, with the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Hotel Le Pondy, Pondicherry. B

Day 14 - Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram

Today we will drive a couple of hours up the coast to Mahabalipuram and visit the ancient shore temple, and check into your hotel.

Overnight in Grande Bay Resort & Spa, Mahabalipuram. 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. We will also visit St. Mary’s Anglican Church – the oldest British building in India – and on to 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.

Overnight in Hotel The Trident, Chennai. B

Day 16 - International Departure

Today transfer to the Chennai international airport to board your homebound flight to your country.

If you wish to take an extension tour in India, please let us know we will be happy to design an itinerary for you as per your requirement.

The Cost

Per Person sharing a twin or double room: $2425*

Single Room Supplement: $930

*This cost is valid from October 2022 to March 2023. December peak period supplements may apply.

Cost Includes:

14 night's accommodation in hotels as per itinerary, sharing a 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, departure transfers, long drives and sightseeing 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.
Complimentary Mineral water while traveling & sightseeing.

Cost Does not Include:

International airfare.
Any meals other than specified 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 an E-Tourist visa on confirmation of booking.
Any expenses of 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 destination you are visiting.
Tips and gratuities.

Notes:

Mattanchery Dutch Palace will remain closed on Fridays
Jewish Synagogue will remain closed on Friday in the afternoon and full day on Saturday as well as on Jewish Holidays.

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