Follow in the footsteps of St Thomas - a Private Pilgrimage Tour in Chennai

Your private tour will follow the footsteps of St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus.  You will visit the Basilica of San Thome as well as St Thomas Mount where he was killed.  This has been a well known Christian pilgrimage site for centuries. After the tour, lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

Highlights
• San Thome Basilica
• Ancient image of Our Blessed Mother
• Cave at Little Mount to see prints of St Thomas

You will be picked up in a private vehicle from your hotel in Chennai at 08:00 A.M. and proceed for your private day tour following the footsteps of Saint Thomas with an English Speaking Guide.

According to legend, St Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, introduced Christianity to India and preached here between AD 52 and AD 72, when he was martyred on St Thomas Mount.

In the 10th century AD, Christians from Persia founded the Christian village of Santhome.  They built a Church and tomb over the burial site of St.Thomas.  This structure fell to ruins.  In the 16th century, the Portuguese moved the apostle’s remains to a new tomb and built the San Thome Basilica.  In the shrine, you will find preserved small remnants of Saint Thomas as well as the head of the lance with which he was stabbed. You can also see an ancient image of Our Blessed Mother.

After visiting the church and museum, you will go to St Thomas Mount.  It has a gateway of four arches surmounted by a cross bearing the inscribed date 1547. The cave at Little Mount is where St.Thomas in AD 68 did penance. There is an opening to the east of the cave through which St.Thomas escaped when his pursuers caught up with him. The handprint near the tunnel’s entrance is believed to be of St.Thomas himself. You will also see the masonry cross cut at the top of the hill which is believed to be the cross where St.Thomas prayed and preached. Another interesting aspect of this cave is the spring inside the hill, supposedly a miraculous creation of St. Thomas himself. St Thomas was murdered on this hill on 21st December AD 72; a shrine is built on this spot. Following the tour, you will be driven to a local restaurant for an included Buffet Lunch (Beverage Excluded). At the conclusion of your lunch around 02:30 pm, you will be driven back to your hotel in Chennai.