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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.

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Best Churches to Visit in India
Frequently Asked Questions

List of Most Famous Churches in India

Churches	Location
Basilica of Bom Jesus	Old Goa, Goa
Se Cathedral	Old Goa, Goa
St. Francis Church	Fort Kochi, Kerala
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica	Fort Kochi, Kerala
San Thome Cathedral Basilica	Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Mount Mary Basilica	Bandra, Mumbai, Maharashtra
St. Philomena’s Church	Mysore, Karnataka
St. Thomas Cathedral	Mumbai, Maharashtra
Christ Church	Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
St. Paul’s Cathedral Church	Kolkata, West Bengal

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10 Best Churches to Visit in India

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

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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

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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

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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.

FAQs about Churches to Visit in India

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Which is the most famous church in India?

The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, is one of the most famous churches in India, primarily due to its historical significance and the presence of the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.

Which is the most powerful church?

St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi, Kerala, holds immense historical and cultural significance making it one of the most powerful churches.

Which is the most beautiful church in India?

Many consider the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, Goa, one of India's most beautiful churches due to its exquisite Baroque architecture and ornate interiors.

Which state is famous for churches?

Goa is renowned for its numerous churches, especially in Old Goa, making it a famous destination for religious tourism in India.

Who built the first church in India?

The first church in India is believed to have been built by St. Thomas the Apostle in Kerala.

Who founded the church in India?

The church in India traces its origins to the apostolic activity of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have evangelized in Kerala and established the earliest Christian communities in India.

What is the historical significance of the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, Goa?

The Basilica of Bom Jesus holds immense historical significance as it houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church's missionary efforts during the 16th century.

What architectural style is predominant in St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi, Kerala?

St. Francis Church in Kerala, showcases predominantly Portuguese colonial architecture with influences of Dutch and British styles, making it a unique blend of European architectural elements.

What events or festivals are celebrated at Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica?

The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica hosts various religious festivals and events throughout the year, including Christmas celebrations, Easter services, and the Feast of St. Francis Xavier.

How does St. Thomas Cathedral in Mumbai contribute to the city's architectural heritage?

St. Thomas Cathedral in Mumbai is one of the oldest churches in the city and serves as a significant landmark. Its colonial-era design and historical importance contribute to Mumbai's architectural heritage.

What role did the Christ Church in Shimla play during the British colonial era?

Christ Church in Shimla served as a place of worship for the British during the colonial era and remains a prominent symbol of the town's colonial past and architectural legacy.

What events or services are held at St. Paul's Cathedral in Kolkata throughout the year?

St. Paul's Cathedral in Kolkata hosts regular church services, choir performances, and special events such as Christmas carols, Easter services, and other religious ceremonies throughout the year.

Who was St. Thomas the Apostle, and what is the connection of San Thome Basilica in Chennai to him?

St. Thomas the Apostle is believed to have brought Christianity to India and established the first Christian community in Kerala. San Thome Basilica in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is built over his tomb, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Christians in India.

What is the legend behind the Mount Mary Church in Bandra?

The legend associated with Mount Mary Church in Bandra, Mumbai, revolves around a miraculous statue of Mother Mary that fishermen found and later housed in the church.