Why choose this Chennai tour ?
Listen to guided commentary as you travel detailing the influence footsteps of St. Thomas had on the city and the country of India as a whole between AD52 and AD72.Learn about the history of Christianity in Chennai through visits to local religious landmarks such as the cave in the Little Mount, the handprints of St. Thomas, St. Thomas Mount, and the St. Thome Basilica.
Make the most of your Chennai adventure
What makes St Thomas Trail in Chennai by Wonder tours a unique experience ?
Santhome Basilica, Little Mount and St Thomas Mount
This soaring Roman Catholic cathedral, a stone’s throw from the beach, was founded by the Portuguese in 1523, then rebuilt by the British in neo-Gothic style in 1896, and is said to mark the final resting place of St Thomas the Apostle. It’s believed ‘Doubting Thomas’ brought Christianity to the subcontinent in AD 52 and was killed at St Thomas Mount, Chennai, in AD 72.
Although most of St Thomas’ mortal remains now apparently lie in Italy, a cross on the tomb wall contains a tiny bone fragment marked ‘Relic of St Thomas’. The museum above displays Thomas-related artefacts including the lancehead believed to have killed him.
St Thomas’ Pole, at the beach end of the street on the cathedral’s south side, is said to have miraculously saved the cathedral from the 2004 tsunami.
Little Mount is a cave in which St.Thomas hid in AD 68 and did penance. There is an opening to the east of the cave through which St.Thomas escaped when his pursuers caught up with him here. The palm print and hand print near the tunnel’s entrance are believed to be those of St.Thomas himself. We will also see the masonry cross cut at the top of the hill which is believed to be the cross before which St.Thomas prayed. Another interesting aspect of this cave is the spring inside the hill which is perennial and is supposed to be the miraculous creation of the St. Thomas himself.
The reputed site of St Thomas’ martyrdom in AD 72 rises in the southwest of Chennai, 2.5km north of St Thomas Mount train station and metro station. The Church of Our Lady of Expectation, built atop the ‘mount’ by the Portuguese in 1523, contains what are supposedly a fragment of Thomas’ finger bone and the ‘Bleeding Cross’ he carved. The city and airport views are wonderful.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- St Thomas Trail in Chennai by Wonder tours
Add
Pickup included
- Full time Guide
- Pick up and drop from all hotels in Chennai
Not Included
- Drinks
Trending Chennai Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out
Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Wonder tours.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Kolkata.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 1 valid reviews on TRIPADVISOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.
