The colonial culture of India has led to the construction of many churches in different parts of the country because it has been ruled by the British, French, Dutch, and Portuguese for a long time. If you think all churches look the same, then it’s time you start exploring the several famous and historic churches in India. They have been around for centuries, and some still look beautiful today.
Check out these 10 famous churches in India:
1. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the popular tourist spots situated in Old Goa and was built in 1605 AD. The Basilica holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, one of the founders of the Jesuits.
The catholic basilica is both a pilgrimage center and an iconic monument of all the churches and convents. It has baroque-style architecture and Portuguese Colonial architecture. A large crowd gathers at the church when the preserved body of Saint Francis Xavier is put on display.
| Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Monday to Saturday), 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Sunday) |
| Activities: Guided tours, attending mass, exploring the nearby Se Cathedral |
| Tips: Visit during the Feast of St. Francis Xavier in December for a vibrant experience. |
| Nearby Attractions: Archaeological Museum, Church of St. Cajetan, Se Cathedral |
| How to Reach: Well-connected by road; taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local buses are available. |
| Location: Old Goa |
2. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
St. Paul Cathedral Church was noted for its Indo-Gothic style architecture constructed in 1847, dedicated to Paul the Apostle, a Christian apostle. Cathedral is known to be the largest church in Kolkata and the first Anglican cathedral in Asia.
The church has beautiful arched windows and the frescoes inside the church which are noteworthy. The best time to visit the church is on Christmas Eve which is celebrated each year with people of all religions.
| Timings: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Activities: Sightseeing, attending services, visiting the library |
| Tips: Visit during Christmas for beautiful decorations and services. |
| Nearby Attractions: Victoria Memorial, Birla Planetarium, Eden Gardens |
| How to Reach: Easily reachable by metro (Maidan Station) and local transport (buses, taxis). |
| Location: Maidan, Kolkata |
3. Francis Church, Kerala
The Church of Saint Francis is one of the oldest European Churches established in India in 1503. It has the European style of architecture which was constructed by the Portuguese. The church has its cultural and historical significance as it signifies the colonial war of European dominance in the country.
The explorer, Vasco da Gama took his last breath at this church in the year 1524 during his third visit to India. Travelers from all across the world come to see the tombstone of Gama, the explorer.
| Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Activities: Exploring the church, learning about its history, visiting Vasco da Gama’s tomb |
| Tips: Best visited in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. |
| Nearby Attractions: Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town |
| How to Reach: Well-connected by road; taxis and auto-rickshaws are available. |
| Location: Fort Kochi, Kerala |
4. Velankanni Church, Tamil Nadu – ‘Largest or Biggest Church in India’
Velankanni Church, also known as the Basilica of our lady of Good Health or Sanctuary of Our Lady of Velankanni, is one of the country’s biggest shrines located on the sandy shores of the Bay of Bengal, in Velankanni town in Tamil Nadu, India. The shrine was built with Gothic-style architecture in the 16th century. The church is also tagged as the ‘Lourdes of East’ and is believed when the devotees offer candles to the mother, their illness is cured.
The shrine is one of those few churches in the country where the mother is dressed in an Indian saree. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful Catholic churches in Southern India.
| Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Activities: Pilgrimage, attending masses, participating in the annual festival |
| Tips: Visit during the Feast of Our Lady of Good Health in September for a spiritual experience. |
| Nearby Attractions: Velankanni Beach, Nagapattinam Port, Our Lady’s Tank |
| How to Reach: Well-connected by road and rail; taxis, auto-rickshaws, and local buses are available. |
| Location: Velankanni, Tamil Nadu |
5. Christ Church, Shimla
The Christ Church is located in the natural beauty of the hill station, Shimla which looks stunning during the winter season. On Christmas eve, you can experience the freezing snowfall giving an enchanting view. The sacred church is the second oldest church in North India built in the Neo-Gothic architectural style in 1857.
The church has 5 glass windows that represent the virtues of Christianity that is faith, hope, humility, patience, and charity.
| Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Activities: Sightseeing, attending services, exploring the stained glass windows |
| Tips: Visit in the evening to see the church illuminated. |
| Nearby Attractions: The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Shimla State Museum |
| How to Reach: Easily reachable by road; local taxis and buses are available. |
| Location: The Ridge, Shimla |
6. San Thome Basilica, Chennai
San Thome Church, also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica is a Roman Catholic Basilica built in the 16th century over the tomb of St. Thomas, an apostle of Jesus.
Located in the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, the church was built in the style of Neo-Gothic architecture in the late 19th century, having 16 windows and 34 stained glasses with a main stained glass representing “Saint Thomas Touching the wound of Jesus Christ”. There’s also a museum inside the church which is also a key attraction.
| Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Activities: Exploring the museum, attending services, visiting the tomb of St. Thomas |
| Tips: Visit the museum to learn about the history of St. Thomas and Christianity in India. |
| Nearby Attractions: Marina Beach, Fort St. George, Kapaleeshwarar Temple |
| How to Reach: Well-connected by road; local buses and taxis are available. |
| Location: Santhome, Chennai |
7. Mount Mary Church, Mumbai
Also known as The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount Mary, the church is located in the Bandra neighborhood of Bombay. The basilica has Gothic Revival architecture which is almost 100 years old. The festival of the nativity of St Mary which is the occasion of the Virgin Mary’s birthday is celebrated on 8th September as a week-long celebration. Thousands of tourists, pilgrims, and devotees attend the annual feast also known as the ‘Bandra fair’.
The church is visited by people of all religions and beliefs for the sake of peace and tranquillity. Devotees offer flowers, candles, and other worshipping offerings at the church.
| Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Activities: Attending masses, participating in the Bandra Fair, enjoying the sea views |
| Tips: Visit during the Bandra Fair in September for a lively experience. |
| Nearby Attractions: Bandstand Promenade, Carter Road, Bandra Fort |
| How to Reach: Well-connected by road and rail; taxis and auto-rickshaws are available. |
| Location: Bandra, Mumbai |
8. Thomas Church, Kerala
The St. Thomas Church is the oldest Christian church located at Palayoor in the Thrissur district in Kerala, India. The church is believed to be one among the seven churches established by St. Thomasin 52 A.D. St. Thomas spread the teaching of Christianity in South India. The two-day annual festival known as the Palayur Church Festival is held each year with vibrant pageants, orchestra, and fireworks. The church is situated on the hilltop offering a great experience to pray.
The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport which is about 79 Kms.
| Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Activities: Pilgrimage, attending masses, hiking to the church |
| Tips: Best visited during the Malayattoor Perunnal festival. |
| Nearby Attractions: Malayattoor Hills, Periyar River, nearby plantations |
| How to Reach: Well-connected by road; local buses and taxis are available. |
| Location: Malayattoor, Kerala |
9. Basilica of Our Lady of Dolour’s, Thrissur
Basilica of Our Lady of Dolour, also known as the Puthen Pally is the tallest church in India and the third tallest church in Asia. This is the most famous Marian pilgrimage in the Thrissur district of Kerala.
The church has been built in Gothic style architecture. The lively interiors of the basilica are finely decorated with fine specimens of murals, saints’ images, musical church bells, and scriptures scenes. The two front church towers stand at a height of 146 ft and 260 ft respectively.
The spiritual basilica puts your mind and soul at peace.
| Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Activities: Attending services, exploring the architecture, visiting the nearby Thrissur Zoo |
| Tips: Visit during the church feast in November for a unique experience. |
| Nearby Attractions: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur Pooram festival, Shakthan Thampuran Palace |
| How to Reach: Well-connected by road; local buses and taxis are available. |
| Location: Thrissur, Kerala |
10. Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church is a white sparkling church with Portuguese-Baroque and Goan-style architecture built in 1541 located in Panaji, Goa. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions situated on the hilltop with its flight of stairs that zigzag to the top giving a great big wedding cake-like structure.
People denote the church as the ‘Crown of Panaji’ which is extremely beautiful. The basilica has the Augustinian Bell located in the belfry, which is the key attraction and also the second-largest bell in Goa. A one-day feast is celebrated every year with pomp and a show in December which is the must-see.
| Timings: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Activities: Attending masses, sightseeing, exploring the nearby attractions |
| Tips: Visit during Christmas for beautiful decorations and services. |
| Nearby Attractions: Auroville, Promenade Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, French Quarter |
| How to Reach: Well-connected by road; local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are available. |
| Location: Mission Street, Pondicherry |
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FAQs
1. Which is the largest church in India?
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa: Known for its architectural splendor and housing the relics of St. Francis Xavier.
2. Which is the oldest church in India?
St. Thomas Church, Palayur, Kerala: Established in 52 AD by St. Thomas the Apostle.
3. What is the tallest church in India?
Medak Cathedral, Telangana: Stands at 175 feet.
4. Where is the Basilica of Bom Jesus located?
Goa: It’s the largest and one of the most famous churches in India.
5. What are some famous churches in Tamil Nadu?
- Velankanni Church, Nagapattinam: Known as the “Lourdes of the East.”
- St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Chennai: Built over the tomb of St. Thomas.
- Santhome Basilica, Chennai: Another church built over the tomb of St. Thomas.
6. Are there any famous churches in Kerala?
- Santa Cruz Basilica, Kochi: Known for its architecture.
- St. Francis Church, Kochi: One of the oldest European churches in India.
- St. Alphonsa’s Church, Bharananganam: Dedicated to the first Indian woman saint.
7. Which church in India is a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa: Recognized for its historical and cultural significance.
8. What are some must-visit churches in Mumbai?
- Mount Mary Church, Bandra: Known for the annual Bandra Fair.
- St. Thomas Cathedral, Fort: The first Anglican church in Mumbai.
- Afghan Church, Colaba: Notable for its Gothic architecture.
9. Which is the largest Catholic church in India?
Velankanni Church, Tamil Nadu: Known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health.
10. Which is the biggest church in Kerala?
St. George’s Forane Church, Edathua: Known for its massive size and beautiful architecture.
11. What are some famous churches in Chennai?
- Santhome Basilica: Built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle.
- St. Thomas Mount Church: Known for its historical significance and panoramic views.
12. Which is the largest Catholic church in India?
Velankanni Church, Tamil Nadu: Known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, it is the largest Catholic church in India.
13. What is a must-visit church in Kolkata?
St. Paul’s Cathedral: Known for its Gothic architecture and historical significance.
14. Which famous church is located in Goa?
Se Cathedral: One of the largest churches in Asia, known for its Portuguese-Manueline style architecture.
