Top 10 Churches in India You Can Visit

India is home to some of the world's most magnificent and awe-inspiring churches. These churches in India offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural and religious heritage and are a testament to a multi-faith and diverse society.

From ancient sanctuaries to modern marvels, each church has its unique charm and significance, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Explore the divine allure of India through these top 10 churches; here are those 10 churches:

1. Basilica of Bom Jesus | Old Goa, Goa

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to Portuguese architecture and religious devotion. Housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, this sacred edifice exudes a tranquil aura and draws pilgrims from around the globe.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Timings: Opens daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• How to Reach: Old Goa is well-connected by road from major cities like Panaji and Margao (also known as Madgaon)
• Nearby Railway Station: Karmali Railway Station
• Nearby Airport: Dabolim Airport
• Nearby Bus Station: Kadamba Bus Stand, Panaji
• Nearby Places: Se Cathedral, Reis Magos Fort, Old Goa Archaeological Museum

Read more about:

• List of cities in India
• Wedding destinations in India
• Best beaches in India

2. Se Cathedral | Old Goa, Goa

The Se Cathedral, dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, epitomises Portuguese-Gothic architecture. Its awe-inspiring facade and ornate interiors remain a symbol of faith and grandeur, beckoning visitors to witness its divine beauty.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Timings: Opens daily from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
• How to Reach: Located in Old Goa, easily accessible by road from Panaji and Margao.
• Nearby Railway Station: Karmali Railway Station
• Nearby Airport: Dabolim Airport
• Nearby Bus Station: Kadamba Bus Stand, Panaji
• Nearby Places: Sinquerim Beach, Archaeological Museum, Reis Magos Fort

3. St. Francis Church | Fort Kochi, Kerala

St. Francis Church, dating back to the 16th century, stands as a silent witness to Fort Kochi's colonial history. With its simple yet elegant architecture, this historic church is the oldest European church in India.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Timings: Opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Sunday)
• How to Reach: Located in Fort Kochi, accessible by road from Ernakulam.
• Nearby Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction
• Nearby Airport: Cochin International Airport
• Nearby Bus Station: Fort Kochi Bus Terminal
• Nearby Places: Mattancherry Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi Beach

Read more about:

• Famous Mosques to Visit in India
• Highest waterfalls in India
• Hanuman Temples in India

4. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica | Fort Kochi, Kerala

The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, with its neo-Romanesque architecture, is a testament to the enduring faith of Kerala's Christian community. It is adorned with stunning frescoes and stained glass windows and remains a sanctuary of peace and devotion.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Timings: Opens daily from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
• How to Reach: Situated in Fort Kochi, easily accessible by road from Ernakulam.
• Nearby Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction
• Nearby Airport: Cochin International Airport
• Nearby Bus Station: Fort Kochi Bus Terminal
• Nearby Places: Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi Beach, Indo-Portuguese Museum

5. San Thome Cathedral Basilica | Chennai, Tamil Nadu

San Thome Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, symbolizes Christianity's deep-rooted history in India. Its stunning Gothic architecture and serene ambience continue to draw pilgrims and tourists alike.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Timings: Opens daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• How to Reach: Located in Mylapore, Chennai, easily accessible by road from the city centre.
• Nearby Railway Station: Chennai Central
• Nearby Airport: Chennai International Airport
• Nearby Bus Station: Santhome Bus Stop
• Nearby Places: Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George

Learn more about:

• Buddha Temples to Visit in India

6. Mount Mary Basilica | Bandra, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mount Mary Church, perched atop a hillock in Bandra, is a revered pilgrimage site for Christians and non-Christians alike. With its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, it offers a spiritual retreat amidst bustling Mumbai.

• Best Time to Visit: September to January
• Timings: Opens daily from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM
• How to Reach: Located in Bandra, well-connected by road from Mumbai's city centre.
• Nearby Railway Station: Bandra Railway Station
• Nearby Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
• Nearby Bus Station: Mount Mary Church Bus Stop
• Nearby Places: Bandstand Promenade, Bandra Fort, Carter Road

7. St. Philomena’s Church | Mysore, Karnataka

St. Philomena's Church, with its majestic Neo-Gothic architecture, stands as a testimony to Mysore's rich cultural heritage. Housing Asia's second-largest church bell, it exudes grandeur and spirituality, drawing visitors from far and wide.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Timings: Opens daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• How to Reach: Located in Mysore, easily accessible by road from the city centre.
• Nearby Railway Station: Mysore Junction
• Nearby Airport: Mysore Airport
• Nearby Bus Station: Mysore City Bus Stand
• Nearby Places: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, Brindavan Gardens

8. St. Thomas Cathedral | Mumbai, Maharashtra

St. Thomas Cathedral, dating back to the British era, is a serene oasis amidst Mumbai's bustling streets. With its pristine white facade and elegant interiors, it offers a tranquil space for prayer and reflection in the heart of the city.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Timings: Opens daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closes at 8:30 PM on Sunday)
• How to Reach: Located in Fort, Mumbai, easily accessible by road from South Mumbai.
• Nearby Railway Station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
• Nearby Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
• Nearby Bus Station: Hutatma Chowk Bus Stop
• Nearby Places: Gateway of India, Colaba Causeway, Marine Drive

9. Christ Church | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Christ Church, nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Shimla, is a magnificent example of British colonial architecture. Its striking stained glass windows and serene ambience offer a glimpse into the town's colonial past and religious heritage.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
• Timings: Opens daily from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
• How to Reach: Located in the heart of Shimla, easily accessible by road from the city centre.
• Nearby Railway Station: Shimla Railway Station
• Nearby Airport: Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti Airport)
• Nearby Bus Station: Shimla ISBT Tutikandi
• Nearby Places: The Ridge, Mall Road, Scandal Point

10. St. Paul’s Cathedral Church | Kolkata, West Bengal

St. Paul's Cathedral, with its majestic Gothic architecture, is a symbol of Kolkata's rich colonial heritage. Its serene ambience and exquisite artwork offer a spiritual oasis amidst the bustling city streets, inviting visitors to bask in its divine grace.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Timings: Opens daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday)
• How to Reach: Located in Kolkata, easily accessible by road from the city centre.
• Nearby Railway Station: Howrah Junction, Sealdah Railway Station
• Nearby Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
• Nearby Bus Station: Esplanade Bus Terminus
• Nearby Places: Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Eden Gardens

Take a tour of the most magnificent churches in India, each offering a unique combination of architectural beauty and spiritual enlightenment. These holy locations, which range from historic sanctuaries to architectural wonders of the colonial era, invite pilgrims and tourists to fully experience the nation's heavenly grace and rich cultural legacy.