India is a land full of people belonging to different religious backgrounds, and they all stay together in one country. There are Hindus, Muslims, Christians, etc. residing in one single country at the same time. Hence, it will not be surprising to see a number of churches around India now and then. There are a number of Churches in India, and some of them are considered better than the original churches in the Christian countries.
Christianity in India is believed to have started with the coming of Apostle Thomas in 52AD to Kerala, who brought with him the Christian tradition and teachings. Christianity makes up to 2.3 per cent of India’s population. It is from Kerala that Christianity spread to other parts of the country. Christianity in India has various denominations, and the Christian community in India is considered to be the second most educated class.
List of Churches in India With Details:
Here is a list of churches in India. While many ask how many churches in India are there, here are the top few of them.
1. Se Cathedral at Old Goa:
Se Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in the country. The cathedral is built in memory of Catherine of Alexandria. It is also an honorarium for the victory that the Portuguese earned against the Muslims which allowed them to capture Goa later on. Constructed in the 15th century, this is one of the most visited churches in the country. Initially, the church began its construction in 1562 and took 90 years to complete. It is perhaps bigger than any of the churches in Portugal itself and is the biggest church in India and Asia. The biggest church bell in Asia is also situated at this Cathedral.
- Church Days: Monday – Saturday, Sunday.
- Location: Old Goa.
- How to Reach: Reaching Goa from any part of the country is easy as it has railways, airports and a well-connected road system. There are two railway stations at Vasco da Gama and Margao and are connected by frequent trains from different parts of the country.
- Celebrations: Christmas, Easter, St. Augustine’s feast.
- Other Attractions: There are a few other attractions near to the church, namely the viceroy arch, the Church and monastery of St. Augustine, and The archaeological museum.
The Church Timing is as follows:
- 5:30 am (Konkani – Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
- 5:00 pm (Konkani – Tuesday, Friday – Mass followed by Holy Hour)
- 7:30 am (Konkani – Thursday)
- 5:30 am (Konkani – Saturday)
- 7:20 am (Konkani – Sunday)
- 10:00 am (Konkani – Chapters Mass, Sunday)
- 4:00 pm (Konkani – Our Lady of Necessities Novena followed by mass, Sunday)
2. Parumala Church in Kerala:
The church is named after a saint called St. Gregorios Geevarghese who is also known as Parumala Thirumeni. This parish church contains the tomb of saint mentioned earlier. It was constructed in the 19th century and presently has the capacity of holding more than 2000 devoted Christians on a daily basis.
The Parumala church of Pathanamthitta is one of the oldest churches in India ageing over 2000 years. It is also the tomb church of Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios and is also one of the most visited churches in India.
- Church Days: Every day, Monday – Saturday, Sunday.
- Timings: Mornings 7-8 AM and 6 PM on weekdays, 8-9.15 AM and 6 PM on Sundays.
- Location: Mannar, Kerala.
- How to Reach: Reaching the church is comparatively easy as it is situated within the city limits. Chengannur is the closest railway station, and the nearest airport would be in the neighbouring district of Thiruvananthapuram.
- Celebrations: Christmas and November 1&2 are celebrated as commemoration day, and it attracts a huge number of pilgrims during these days.
- Other Attractions: Tomb of Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios
The Church Timing is as follows:
Monday to Saturday:
- Morning prayer: 05:00 am – 06:00 am
- Moonnam Mani Namaskaram: 10:00 am – 10:15 am
- Noon Prayer: 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
- Onpatham Mani Namaskaram: 03:00 pm – 03:15 pm
- Evening Prayer: 06:00 pm – 07:00 pm
- Intercession Prayer: 09:00 pm – 09:30 pm
Sunday: 07:30 am – 10:00 am.
3. Basilica of Bom Jesus:
When it comes to the most famous churches in the country, one cannot just miss the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This church is well known to be more than 400 years old. Every day around thousands of Christians visit this church for their daily prayers including people from abroad. This is also a world heritage site. Other Portuguese Christian Churches situated in Goa are one of the oldest churches in India, and even a tourist attraction for the church beholds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the co-founder of the Society of Jesus.
Construction of the church began way back around 1594 and was consecrated in 1604. The flooring is done with marble. The church was designed by Giovanni Battista Foggini, the Florentine Sculptor of the 17th Century. The casket that holds the body of the saint is made out of silver.
- Church Days: All days of the week.
- Location: Old Goa, 10 Km east of Panaji.
- How to Reach: One can firstly reach the nearest airport which is at Dabolim, which is just 29 Km away from the church. This place is also well connected by road, and if you chose to reach by rail, Margao railway station would be the closest to the church.
- Celebrations: The holy relics of the saint are displayed every ten years during the anniversary of the saint’s death. His liturgical feast is 3 December.
- Other Attractions: Huge statues of ST. Ignatius of Loyola, and Francis Xavier.
The Church Timing is as follows:
- Monday to Saturday: Morning 09:00 am and 06:30 pm in the evening
- Sunday: Mornings from 10:30 am – 06:30 pm.
4. Malayatoor Church:
While there are no of churches in India, this Christian pilgrimage is located in Kerala and is one of the oldest churches in the country. Built by St. Thomas, this church still stands firm on a hilltop. This Christian pilgrimage is visible to people from anywhere in the city.
Malayatoor church is believed to be the shrine used by Apostle St. Thomas and is one of the most important places of worship and pilgrimage for Christians in India.
It is believed, that after receiving death threats from the local people, St. Thomas fled to this hill, where he spent several days and started praying, and left his footsteps on one of the rocks.
- Church Days: All days of the week.
- Location: on the hill of Malayattoor.
- How to Reach: Malayatoor is based in Ernakulam and hence is well connected the world around. Cochin international airport, Angamali is the nearest railway station and is well connected via road. During the time of pilgrimage, there are special buses by the state government.
- Celebrations: The pilgrimage in the name of the Saint is set every year, on the first Sunday after Easter.
- Other Attractions: Rock touched by the saint that was believed to have bled.
The Church Timing is as follows:
- Holy mass on all days at 9.30 am.
- Sunday mass at 7.30 am and 9.30 am.
Night vigil on the first Friday of the month starts from the foothills at 7.00 pm.
5. Velankanni Church:
In the types of churches in India, this is one of the most popular Christian worship sites in the country. The word ‘Velankanni’ means ‘Lourdes of the East.’ Legends say that worshipers got their diseases cured by offering temples to the Mother.
Built-in honour of Mother Mary in 1771 is one of the most famous Christian churches in India. The history of the church is based on miracles that have been passed down as oral stories in the area. However, these stories are not documented.
The architecture of the Basilica is gothic. The Basilica was further extended in 1928 and 1933. The building is painted white, and the roof is made of red tiles.
- Church Days: All days of the week.
- Location: On the beach of the Bay of Bengal.
- How to Reach: Velankanni can be reached via the airport by reaching the civil airport at Tiruchirappalli. Velankanni has its railway station and is easily accessible from other parts of the country.
- Celebrations: The pilgrimage is usually held from August 29 to September 6 and Christmas. An event in the procession is held only by the woman. Pilgrims from other faith also visit this church.
The Church Timing is as follows:
Monday – Friday:
- 5:40 am: Morning Prayer in Velankanni Main Church.
- 6:00 am: Mass in Tamil in Velankanni Main Church.
- 7:00 am: Mass in Tamil in Velankanni Lower Basilica.
- 8:00 am: Mass in Telugu in Velankanni Upper Basilica.
- 9:00 am: Mass in Malayalam in Velankanni Lower Basilica.
- 10:00 am: Mass in English in Velankanni Lower Basilica.
- 11:00 am: Mass in Hindi in Velankanni Upper Basilica.
- 12:00 noon: Mass in Tamil in Velankanni Lower Basilica.
- 6:00 pm: Rosary and Litany in Tamil followed by Mass in Tamil in the Velankanni Lower Basilica.
Sunday: 5:30 am – 6:00 pm.
6. Santa Cruz Basilica:
This church was constructed during the 15th century by the Portuguese. In 1558, this church got turned into a cathedral by the ruling pope, Pope Paul IV. This church got its name during the 19th century from Pope John Paul II. This is the only holy building that the Dutch didn’t destroy when they invaded the city and destroyed other Catholic buildings.
Santa Cruz Basilica is counted as one of the eight heritage edifices in Kerala, Built by the Portuguese and later elevated by Pope Paul IV in 1558 to basilica status. The building was demolished during the British era, was commissioned to be reconstructed in 1887 and was consecrated in 1905 and was re-proclaimed as the basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.
- Church Days: All days of the week.
- Location: Cochin, Kerala.
- How to Reach: Cochin international airport would be your closest airport, upon reaching you may choose to rent a taxi to reach the church. Cochin is well connected via rail and road. there are frequent public and private buses you may take to reach Cochin.
- Celebrations: The feast of the Lady of Fatima is observed from the 6th evening to the 31st of December.
- Other Attractions: The church has a great White exterior, and a pastel-coloured interior, decorated with many paintings, and glass paintings. It has the last supper painted on modelled on the famous picture of Leonardo da Vinci. The model of the church is derived from the Indo-Gothic style of architecture.
The Church Timing is as follows:
Monday to Saturday:
- 6:00 am, 7:00 am and 6:00 pm;
- Wednesday: 6:00 pm at mass in English.
- Every Saturday there is also evening mass at 5:00 pm.
Sundays:
- Mornings at 5:30 am, 6:45 am (Missa pro-Populo),
- 8:00 am, and 9:15 am; evenings around 5:30 pm (English).
- Mass on last Sunday of the month is in Latin.
7. Vallarpadam Church:
The Vallarpadam Church was built in the 15th century and was dedicated to Mother Mary. During the 15th century, the Dutch came and destroyed all catholic buildings including this church. It was reconstructed during the late 16th century and presently stands strong in Cochin, Kerala. The Union Government of India called this church a very sacred one.
National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom At Vallarpadam is considered to be very sacred and is the only apparition of mother Mary in India that is approved by the Holy See. The Mother Mary of Vallarpadam is said to have saved hundreds of devotees over time in violent storms. A heavy flood destroyed the church which was built by the Portuguese. Merchants brought the picture of Infant Jesus and mother Mary under the leadership of Vasco Da Gama in 1524.
- Church Days: All days of the week.
- Location: Cochin, Kerala.
- How to Reach: Just like other churches in Ernakulam, reaching here is easy as the place is well connected by rail, air, and by road. There are frequent private and public buses running all over the state that is connected to Ernakulam, and upon reaching Ernakulam, you may rent a taxi, or Uber to reach the shrine.
Other Attractions: The gravestone of Vasco Da Gama is one of the main attractions of this church.
The Church Timing is as follows:
Saturdays:
- 6.30 am, 10.30 am, and evenings from 4.30 pm and at 6.00 pm in English.
Sundays:
- Morning at 6.00 am, 7.00 am, 9.30 am, 11.30 am
- Evening at 4.00 pm and 5.30 pm
8. St. Francis Church:
This church depicts typical European architecture and is also located in Cochin. St. Francis Church is considered as evidence of Christianity in India. One can get to know about the struggles the European people faced while residing in India just by visiting this church. In the 19th century, this church was declared as a protected monument.
With the permission of the Raja of Cochin by the Portuguese within the premises of Fort Kochi, and reconstructed with brick and mortar masonry in 1506, the church was initially built with wood and finished construction in 1516, and was dedicated to St. Anthony. It was under the control of the Franciscans until the Dutch captured it, and later by the British. It is now under the Ecclesiastical Department of the Government of India.
- Church Days: All days of the week
- Location: Cochin, Kerala
- How to Reach: Visiting this church is easy as the nearest airport is the Cochin international airport, the city has its railway station, and is well connected by roadways. Upon reaching Cochin, you may hire a taxi, or Uber or can choose to take the local city bus to reach the church.
The Church Timing is as follows:
Monday to Saturday:
- From 7.00 am morning to 6.30 pm.
Sunday:
- 8.30 am to 6.30 pm
9. Kadamattom Church:
This church was built in the 9th century based on a mixture of Persian and Indian architecture. Being one of the unique churches in the country, Kadamattom Church is named after a priest called “Kadamattathu Kathanar.” Myths say that this priest had supernatural powers.
- Church Days: All days of the week.
- Location: Cochin, Kerala.
- How to Reach: Reaching Kadamattom from Ernakulam is easy. You can travel via air by reaching Cochin International Airport. Railways and roadways are other options you may opt from Ernakulam. You may rent a taxi or car and drive your way to the church.
- Celebration: The Death Anniversary of Kadamattathu Kathanar is celebrated in the form of a Feast from January – February.
The Church Timing is as follows:
Saturday
- Evening Prayer – 6:00 pm.
Sunday
- Holy Qurbono(1st) – 7:00 am
- Holy Qurbono(2nd) – 8.30 am
10. Christ Church:
Shimla is the home to the oldest church in Himachal Pradesh and North India the Christ Church. Build in 1857, the era of British India is a fine example of the Neo-Gothic style. The virtue of Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience, and Humility on five stained glass windows. The pipe organ of the church was installed in the month of September 1889.
Designed by Colonel J. T. Boileau in 1844 Christ Church is the second biggest church in North India, and has gone through a lot of renovations and extensions over time. The church is designed in the Neo-Gothic style and contains five fine stained glass windows. One represents the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience, and Humility. Lockwood Kipling designed the chancel window.
- Church Days: Weekdays.
- Location: Shimla.
- How to Reach: Shimla Airport is the nearest, and the railhead would be Kalka. Upon reaching Shimla, you may choose to reach the church by taxi, or self-drive. Shimla is also well connected to other parts of the country by road.
- Other Attractions: The pipe organ of Christ Church is the largest in the Indian subcontinent and was installed in September 1899.
The Church Timing is as follows:
Weekdays: 8:00 am in the morning to 6:00 pm
11. Medak Cathedral:
Architecture in the Gothic Revival style, the Medak Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches built in India. The mosaic tiles were known to be imported from Britain and were built with Italian masonry. Greystones were used to raise the massive pillars that hold the church to its height and are one of the marvels of the church. The high bell stands high at 175 ft. The cathedral is 30m wide and 61m long. Faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience, and humanity have been etched into the windows of the church. The church can accommodate 5000 attendees.
- Church Days: All days of the week.
- How to Reach: Rajiv Gandhi international airport is the nearest airport which is 100 km away from our destination. The nearest railway station is Kamareddy which is 60 km away, however, Medak is well connected via road and can be reached from any part of the county. Taxi and buses are available from the airport and railway station to our destination.
- Celebrations: Christmas is celebrated grandly, with thousands of people visiting the place from all over the world.
- Other Attractions: Built by Charles Walker, the Medak diocese is well known to be the only single largest diocese in Asia. It is also the second in the world after the Vatican. It was consecrated on 25th December 1954.
The Church Timing is as follows:
- Every day, this cathedral is open from 7 am to 6 pm for visit and prayer.
- Sunday – 9:30 am and 7:30 am
- Mass Timing – Services happen on Sundays at 9:30 am and 7:30 am.
12. Santhome Church:
The Santhome Church located in the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu is of great importance architecturally due to the Neo-Gothic styles, Wooden roofs, arched windows, and pure white spires that add to the marvel of the church. There is a museum that is a remnant of the older church previously located in that place historically as it is believed to be the church where the remains of St. Thomas.
It is believed that the mortal remains of the apostle St. Thomas has been buried in this place. A group of Nestorian Christians founded San Thrones and proceeded to build a church at this place, which fell to ruins in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Portuguese removed the remains of the apostle and made a new tomb and attained the status of Catedral in 1606.
The present church was designed by Francis Barry Byrne and was completed in 1924. High stained glass windows, and is called the first modern American church. The stations of the cross have been designed in bronze and have a minimalistic design.
- Church Days: All days of the week
- Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- How to Reach: Chennai is a major city in India that has all the means to travel and reach from any part of the country. Chennai has its international airport, and railway station, and is well-structured and connected roadways. Upon reaching Chennai, you may choose to travel by taxi, public or private bus, or by driving yourself. Two-wheelers are also available for rent on an hourly basis.
- Celebrations: Lenten and Feast of St. Thomas are conducted here.
- Other Attraction: There is also a museum in the premises of the church that has put remnants from the older church built here.
The Church Timing is as follows:
Mass Timings:
- Regular Mass at the Main and Tomb Chapels: 5:45 am
- Rosary: 6:15 am
- Mass in English: 11:00 am
- Mass in Tamil (Crypt Chapel): 5:30 pm
- Benediction: 5:45 pm
- Rosary: 6:15 pm
- Mass in Tamil on Sundays: 6.00 am
13. St. Paul Cathedral:
Located at “the island of attraction” in Calcutta, St. Paul’s Cathedral the Church has been architected in the Gothic-Revival style and is the top church in Kolkata and one of the most beautiful churches in India. The Cathedral is beautified with arched windows and its glass stained. The frescoes inside the church are also fantastic.
Initially, the cathedral was built in gothic architecture, however, was reconstructed in the Indo- Gothic architectural style after the massive earthquake of 1934 to meet the climate of the place. The church has a library, and the church has stained glass windows, of which one was replaced after it got destroyed in a cyclone in 1964.
On Christmas eve the Cathedral is illuminated and is a sight never to be missed.
- Church Days: All days of the week.
- Location: Kolkata.
- How to Reach: Just like Chennai, Kolkata is another big city in the country and has great connectivity via air, road, and railways. The Cathedral is located near to another landmark, the Victoria Memorial.
- Celebrations: The best time to visit this famous church is around the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. This time, the church is lit up and proves to be the most amazing thing you can feast your eyes on.
- Other Attractions: You would find a library above the western porch, and it has a modest collection of Bishop Wilson’s collection. A marble bust of the Bishop is also to be seen.
The Church Timing is as follows:
Weekdays: 9:00 am- 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 6;00 pm (Monday – Saturday).
Sunday: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm.
14. Basilica of Holy Rosary Church:
This is among the oldest churches in West Bengal which was built in the year 1660, by the Portuguese. The banks of Hooghly locate the church. Widely thought to be made by Gomez de Soto, has the keystone of the church. The year 1559 has been engraved over the gate of the monastery. The church has been built after a century after Vasco da Gama reached the state.
Built by the Portuguese in Bandel, West Bengal this is the standing memory of the oldest Portuguese settlement in India. Dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Our Lady of the Rosary the church was founded in 1599.
During the sacking of Hooghly in 1632, the first church was burnt down, and a new church was later built in 1660. The place has a decorated pediment and is flanked on either side by two domed towers. The first Archbishop of Calcutta has been buried below the Altar.
- Church Days: All days of the week
- Location: West Bengal
- How to Reach: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is located 47 Km away, Chinsurah Railway Station, located in Chinsurah is the nearest railway station. Hooghly is easily accessible as it falls near to the city of Calcutta and has well constructed and structured roads connecting the place to the main cities.
- Celebrations: Lenten Procession- First Sunday of Lent, Feast of Our Lady of Happy Voyage: First Saturday and Sunday of May, Feast of the Holy Rosary- First Saturday and Sunday of November are the main days for the main feasts.
- Other Attractions: The interior has sculpture which includes the 14 stations of the cross.
The Church Timing is as follows:
- 5:00 pm: On first Fridays and all Saturdays.
Sunday:
- Hindi: 6:30 am (From 1st Sunday of Advent to Sunday before Lent – 07:00 am).
- Bengali: 9:00 am.
- English: 11:00 am.
- Santali: 2:00 pm ( only on the 1st Sunday of the month ).
- Bengali: 5:00 pm.
15. St. Thomas Church:
This church which has been dedicated to St. Thomas for his missionary works in the area is situated at Guruvayoor in the Thrissur district of Kerala. One of the highlights of the church is that there are 14 granite statues placed at the entrance of the church that depicts the life of the saint.
According to history, this Church is one of the six churches established by St. Thomas during his visit to India. Brahmins and Jews traditionally occupied the place. The Apostle preached and started to conversion here. The original small church has been retained, but changes have been made in and around the place during the 17th century as it was deemed necessary.
As Brahmins originally inhabited the place, and after their migration, an old abandoned temple was used, and thus a significant transition of Hindu temple architecture can be seen in the church. The roof of the church raises like traditional church architecture.
- Church Days: All days of the week.
- Location: West Bengal.
- How to Reach: Thanks to the efforts of the state government to promote tourism in the state, frequent trains and bus services have been made available. It is also easy to reach by road.
- Other Attractions: The church shows the life of St. Thomas and well known and is well known also for its 14 granite statues which are kept at the entrance of the church reflecting various stages of St.Thomas’s life. As Brahmins originally inhabited the place, and after their migration, an old abandoned temple was used, and thus a significant transition of Hindu temple architecture can be seen in the church.
- Best Time to Visit: The Palayur Mahatheerthadanam would be the best time to visit this church as thousands flock to this church the imbibe the blessings of the lord.
The Church Timing is as follows:
Weekdays:
- 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM and evenings 5:30 PM.
Friday:
- Mornings from 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
Sunday:
- From 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM in the mornings, and 4:45 PM, 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
16. All Saints Cathedral:
A marvel of 19th-century gothic style architecture the All Saints Cathedral has etched intricate work on the marble altar and its stainless glass panel. Popularly known as the Patthar Girja, and is the most excellent example of European architecture in India.
Gothic style was adopted during the commencement of construction by the British architect William Emerson in 1871 and was consecrated in 1887. It was completed in 1881. The Cathedral is constructed to accommodate 300 attendees. The glass and marble work has been well preserved till date.
- Church Days: All days of the week
- Location: Allahabad
- How to Reach: Though the nearest airport is the Allahabad Domestic airport, it serves only a limited number of cities in India. There are other airports in Varanasi and Lucknow, which are better connected to other parts of the country. Allahabad has eight different railway station in the city and has a vast extent of road service. Upon reaching Allahabad, you can choose to travel via taxis, auto rickshaws, and city buses.
- Celebrations: Every year All saints day is celebrated on November 1st and is a day one must visit to see the splendour of the Cathedral
- Other Attractions: It is also known as the “Patthar Girja” and is one of the finest specimens of European structure in India.
- Timing: Every day of the week from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
17. St. Philomena’s Church:
St. Philomena’s built in AD 1840 belongs to the Roman Catholic denomination and was earlier known as Joseph Caver. The church has twin towers which are 175 feet tall. The church resembles the St. Patrick’s Cathedral which is built in the Gothic Style or architecture. Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV laid the foundation in 1933 and was designed by a French Architect. The cellar has a statue of St. Philomena, and a piece of her bone has been preserved in this church.
The Cathedral is considered to be a beautiful church in Mysore and the second largest Cathedral in Asia and among the largest churches in India, has been modelled under the Neo-gothic style of architecture, by the Frenchman Dally. The Cathedral has a crypt in which the statue of St. Philomena is located. The twin spires of the church are made to resemble the spires of the Cologne Cathedral.
- Church Days: All days of the week.
- Location: Mysore.
- How to Reach: The Cathedral is only 2 km far from Mysore Palace, which places it in some of the busiest places of Mysore and hence has a lot of means to reach here.
- Other Attractions: The church has a cellar where there exists a statue of St.Philomena. He was a saint around the 3rd century in Greece. A piece of bone and also her clothes are also said to have been preserved in this church.
- Timing: every day of the week from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
18. Immaculate Conception Cathedral:
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is a historical church of Puducherry that bears a striking resemblance with the church in France built in 1791. With Doric Columns, and eight barrel vaults the church is an excellent example of French architecture in India. The statue of Our lady and infant Jesus has been placed in front of the entrance.
The initial building was built in 1689 by Jesuit Father Louis XIV of France. Over time the church was destroyed and rebuilt four times with the final and now Cathedral, with the work starting in 1771, more structures and provisions were added on till 1970. The cathedral is modelled on the Herrerian style of architecture.
- Church Days: All days of the week
- Location: Pondicherry
- How to Reach: One can first reach the nearest railway station that being at Villupuram which is 35 Km away from the Cathedral. If your choice of travel is via air, then the Chennai International Airport would be the nearest. You can also avail the public and private bus services if you chose to travel via roadways.
- Celebrations: The Church feast is celebrated on 8th December.
- Other Attractions: Boasting of an imposing facade with paired Doric columns below and Ionic above and an interior design consisting eight barrel vaults and a central dome pierced with eight circular openings, the church is a fine specimen of French architecture in India.
The Church Timing is as follows:
Weekdays:
- 5:15 AM to 6:15 AM (Monday to Saturday)
Sunday: 5:00 PM
19. St. Aloysius Chapel:
Bearing striking resemblance with the Sistine Chapel in Rome St. Aloysius Chapel was established in the year 1885. The fresco paintings of scenes from the Bible on the ceiling and the portrait of St Aloysius Gonzaga make the interiors of the chapel beautiful.
Built by Jesuit Missionaries in 1880, the chapel is dedicated to St. Aloysius is one of the oldest chapels in the country. The interior is paintings on the walls and ceiling depict the life of St. Aloysius. Bro. Antonio Moscheni SJ initially did the paintings. A recognised body of the country frequently restores the pictures.
- Church Days: All days of the week
- Location: Mangalore
- How to Reach: Mangalore airport is just 11 Km away. The public bus station is close by, and the city is well connected to other parts of the country by railways. You can rent a cab upon reaching Mangalore to visit the chapel.
The Church Timing is as follows:
- Every day from 7 am to 7 pm.
Daily Mass:
- 6.45 a.m and 8.15 a.m.
Sunday Mass:
- 6.30 a.m. and 8.00 a.m.
20. Cathedral of The Sacred Heart:
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is an amazing church situated in Delhi. It is believed that Archbishop of Agra donated the bell and other artefacts, and Sir Anthony de Mello donated the altar. The Cathedral is surrounded by greenery which extends to about 14 acres.
With the foundation stone laid by the Archbishop of Agra Rev. Dr E. Vanni and initiated by St. Francis of Assisi in 1929. The church was built on Italian architecture and was designed by Henry Medd. White pillars support the canopy.
- Church Days: All days of the week
- Location: Delhi
- How to Reach: Delhi being the capital city is one of the most developed places in India, and hence travelling to Delhi to visit the church is comparatively easy. Delhi has its airport, railway stations, and well-connected roadways. Upon reaching Delhi via railways, or air you can choose to hire a taxi, or drive yourself to the Cathedral of Sacred Heart.
- Celebrations: The major functions celebrated at this church is the Easter and Christmas. Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth is also another function one must try to celebrate at this church.
- The Church Timing is as Follows: Visiting time is 6:30 am to 6:00 pm every day.
These churches are a trip to the history of Christianity in India. The breathtaking architecture of those eras and the vast learning we get with the visit will make these trips rather different and more engaging than your generic travel experiences. Religion has an indelible mark on the culture, and the tradition of the country and these beautifully embellished churches stand to tell us how and why. Write to us about your experiences on a similar journey. For queries email to our support staff, and we will be happy to assist.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Q1. Which is the oldest church in India?
Ans: St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Palayur, Thrissur, Kerala was established in 52 AD by St Thomas, who is among the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. This is recorded to be the oldest church in India.
Q2: Which churches in India are accessible to people from other faiths?
Ans: India, a land which grants freedom of expression and faith, any citizen can visit a place of worship unless otherwise, the specific church follows a set of principles which bars you from entering the place of worship unless you are a Christian.
Q3: Which are the churches that are historically significant in India?
Ans: Paul’s Cathedral in Kolkata, Basilica OF Bom Jesus in churches in Goa India, and Francis Church in Kerala are some of the oldest and most historically significant churches in India.
