The Essence of Christianity

Duration:

10 Nighjts / 11 Days

Destination Covered:

Chennai-Thanjavur-Velankanni-Madurai-Trivandrum-Quilon-Kottayam-Cochin-Kozhikode-Goa-Mumbai

Reviews

  • India Real Heritage Destinations ! Our tour was well organized and amazing. It was very quick and easy to work with our tour manager Mr. Pragya Chandra. Travel docket was well prepared with all of the details and information we needed, plus recommendations and suggestions. Our driver Anil was excellent, especially in India’s busy streets! He was very pleasant, respectful and always on time. We would love to have him as our driver again. Jodi Parker and Family, United States of America, January 2015
  • A wonderful travel agency! My son and I had a wonderful trip along with a fantastic driver and guide. I appreciate the care and attention you had given us in coming up with our itinerary. Thank you so much for your all positive effort! John, New York, USA, January 2015
  • Rapid Golden Triangle I had a wonderful experience in Golden Triangle Tour of North India! Everything was pre plan according to my itinerary, taken care of and I still felt I had the freedom to do what I wanted. I got to see and do so much more than had I tried to do this trip solo. Excellent recommendations from my tour desirner who made us program adaptable to my wishes and price range. My driver was knowledgeable about each locations and gave great suggestions on activities for me (photography related) Echo Blum, United Kingdom, December 2014
  • Nature and culture of Beyond with Sri Lanka I wanted to thank you for all your help in assisting with planning our India Beyond with Srilanka journey. We had a fantastic time in this tour package and our complaint is that our time in Sri Lanka was too short !!! we really enjoyed our holiday, once again thank you for all your help. Emir Avdic, Australia October 2014
  • The trip was great! Everything worked very well The travel itself was well elaborated, the hotels were very well equilibration, from the more basic ones to the luxury resorts as the Dune or the Taj Malabar in Cochin. A very special experience was the trip on the boat (Spice Coast Cruises) -> simply great!
    Also a very big compliment for Shiva, our driver. He was someone we could fully rely upon
    As a summary we were extremely satisfied with the travel and the organization from Shanti Travel.
    Thank you very much for your support, give her our warm regards. Claudia Reinhardt, German, September 2014
  • Rajasthan Royal Fantastic “Very happy with the trip. Rohit Poddar, our Tour Designer was very efficient and thorough! Accommodation was great and we’d like to travel again with Crocus Travel.” Michael, UK, Rajasthan, August 2014
  • Golden Triangle India “Awesome experience! Everything was taken care of & I still felt I had the freedom to do what I wanted. I got to do so much more than had I tried to do this trip solo. Excellent recommendations always !” Miriam, Spain, July 2014
Tour Description

Overview

‘The Essence of Christianity’ tour will give you an opportunity to explore the major cathedrals of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa and Mumbai. It believed that in India, Christianity has first arrived in the southern part of India specifically the Malabar Coast regains. Cathedrals in India, reflect the trends of typically European ecclesiastical architecture. Apart from churches, you will also get the chance to explotre the major attractions of these places. The duration of the tour is 10 nights and 11 days, covering the places such as Chennai,Thanjavur ,Velankanni, Madurai, Trivandrum, Quilon, Kottayam, Cochin, Kozhikode, Goa and Mumbai.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Chennai
 
Upon arrival in Chennai, meet our representative, after welcome, proceed to hotel. Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu. The city is known for its rich culture and traditions. Formerly the Chennai was known as Madras. The layers of history that made this city as one of the most vibrant city of southern part of India. Its spectacular beaches, enhanced the beauty of the city.
 
Check in at your pre booked hotel. After freshen up, proceed to visit St. Mary's Church and Santhome Basilica. 
 
Overnight stay in Chennai.
 
Day 02: Chennai – Thanjavur (By Train)
 
Post breakfast in the morning, proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Chennai which include Gandhi Memorial, Marina Beach and Kalakshetra. Theosophical society, San Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Mylapore, Kalakshetra, Fort St. George and houses of the Secretariat and Legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu. 
 
After sightseeing, proceed to the railway station to board the train for Thanjavur.
 
Overnight journey in train.
 
Day 03: Thanjavur – Velankanni - Thanjavur
 
Upon arriving in Thanjaur, transfer to the hotel.  Check in to your pre booked hotel. After freshen up, proceed to visit Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni . Return to hotel in Thanjavur.
 
 Overnight stay in Thanjavur.
 
Day 04: Thanjavur – Madurai (By Road-193 Kilometres)
 
In the morning, you will be driven to Madurai. En-route take a halt at Trichy and visit Church Of Our Lady Of Lourdes and ST. John's Church. 
 
Upon arrival in Madurai, check into a hotel. Take rest for a while. After that you will visit St. George's Church. Return to the hotel after sightseeing.
 
Overnight stay in Madurai.
 
Day 05: Madurai – Trivandrum (By Road-312 Kilometres)
 
After having an early breakfast, drive towards Trivandrum. Check into a hotel on arrival in Trivendrum.
After freshen up, proceed to visit such as St. Joseph's Cathedral, Christ Church and Botanical Gardens, etc. Return to hotel for overnight stay. 
 
Overnight stay in Trivandrum.
 
Day 06: Trivandrum – Quilon (By Road-65 Kilometres)
 
Post breakfast, proceed to Quilon by road. Upon arrival, check in to your pre booked hotel. After freshen up, proceed to visit major sightseeing of the town such as Diocese of Quilon, St. Antony's Church, Kollam Town, Achankoil, Mayyanad, etc. After sightseeing, return to hotel
 
Overnight stay in Quilon.
 
Day 07: Quilon - Kottayam (By Road-95 Kilometres) – Cochin (By Road-62 Kilometres)
 
After breakfast, proceed to Cochin. En route, visit Kottayam, known for its beautiful churches. Visit Cheriya Palli and Valiya Palli . After visiting the churches, you will be driven to Cochin. Upon arrival, Check into a hotel. Evening is free at leisure.
 
Overnight stay in Cochin
 
Day 08: Cochin Sightseeing
 
The day will be reserved for seeing the various tourist spots of Cochin. During the tour, you will visit Dutch Palace at Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, St. Francis' Church, Jewish Synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica, Chinese fishing and Malayatoor Church. Return to hotel.
 
Overnight stay in Cochin.
 
Day 09: Cochin – Goa (By flight)
 
In the morning, you will, proceed to Cochin airport to take a flight to Goa. Check into a hotel. After freshen up, proceed for sightseeing tour of Goa and visit Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Mary Immaculate Conception, Church of St. Monica and Church of Our Lady of the Rosary.
 
Also visit Dona Paula Beach and Candolim Beach. Return to hotel. 
 
Overnight stay in Goa.
 
Day 10: Goa – Mumbai (By flight)
 
After breakfast, proceed to Goa airport to take flight to Mumbai. Check into a hotel on arrival. After freshen up, proceed to visit the various tourist spots such as Mt Mary Church, St Michaels Church, St Thomas Cathedral, The Gateway of India, Siddhivinayak Temple.
 
Overnight stay in Mumbai. 
 
Day 11: Mumbai Departure
 
Today is the last day of the tour, after breakfast, get transferred Mumbai airport/ railway sation to board a flight or train for your onward journey.
Tour Highlights

Tour Highlights

Tour Highlights:

  1. Visit St. Mary's Church and Santhome Basilica.
  2. Explore the major attractions of Chennai including Gandhi Memorial, Marina Beach and Kalakshetra. Theosophical society and Fort St. George
  3. Visit Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni
  4. Visit Church Of Our Lady Of Lourdes and ST. John's Church
  5. St. Joseph's Cathedral, Christ Church and Botanical Gardens.
  6. Visit Kottayam, known for its beautiful churches. Visit Cheriya Palli and Valiya Palli .
  7. Visit major attractions of Quilon including Diocese of Quilon, St. Antony's Church, Kollam Town, Achankoil, Mayyanad.
  8. Visit Dutch Palace at Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, St. Francis' Church, Jewish Synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica, Chinese fishing and Malayatoor Church
  9. Visit the major churches of Goa including Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Mary Immaculate Conception, Church of St. Monica and Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
  10. Visit the major attractions of Mumbai including Mt Mary Church, St Michaels Church, St Thomas Cathedral, the Gateway of India, Siddhivinayak Temple
Where Stay

Hotels Accommodations Envisaged:-

Subject to availability at the time of booking or else similar hotels will be suggested:-

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