PLACES: COCHIN BACKWATER | TRICHY | TANJORE | VELLANKANI | PONDICHERRY | CHENNAI | GOA This unique 16-day pilgrimage traces the Apostle St. Thomas’s journey across India, blending sacred sites, ancient churches, and spiritual experiences with the cultural richness of South India. Beginning in Cochin, where tradition holds that St. Thomas first arrived in AD 52, the journey follows his footsteps through Kerala and Tamil Nadu before continuing to Pondicherry, Chennai, and Goa. Along the way, discover living traditions of faith, UNESCO monuments, and serene ashrams that reflect India’s deep spiritual heritage. Walk in the footsteps of the Apostle Thomas across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Visit ancient churches founded by St. Thomas – Paravur, Kodungallur, Palayoor, Malayattoor, and Kokkamangalam. Experience a serene Alleppey backwater cruise with traditional Kerala lunch. Immerse in spirituality at Shantivanam Christian Ashram. Savour an authentic Chettinad lunch at a heritage mansion. Pray at Velankanni Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health – the Lourdes of the East. Explore San Thome Basilica, Little Mount, and St. Thomas Mount in Chennai – sites of the Apostle’s tomb and martyrdom. Discover the grand churches of Old Goa, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, housing the relics of St. Francis Xavier. Blend of faith, heritage, and leisure with time in Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram, and Goa. On arrival at Cochin International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to a hotel near the airport. The rest of the day is at leisure to recover from your journey and prepare for the days ahead. Meals: Dinner Overnight in Cochin (near the airport). Begin your pilgrimage along the Apostle’s footsteps. Drive north to Kottakkavu Church, Paravur, one of the original seven churches established by St. Thomas. Continue to Kodungallur (ancient Cranganore), the historic port believed to be his landing site in AD 52. The day concludes at Palayoor Church, where local tradition recalls his early conversions among Jewish settlers. As you return to your hotel, reflect on how faith first took root on Indian soil. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight in Cochin (near the airport). Start early today and travel inland to Malayattoor Hill, a sacred site where St. Thomas is believed to have spent days in prayer and solitude. Pilgrims still climb this hill every year, carrying a deep sense of devotion. This experience includes a 1.5-hour one-way climb. Continue to Cochin downtown, where you will stay in the city for two nights. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight in Cochin (city hotel). Today, explore Cochin’s blend of European, Jewish, and Indian influences. Walk through Fort Kochi to see the iconic Chinese fishing nets, visit St. Francis Church (Vasco da Gama’s first burial place), and admire the grandeur of the Santa Cruz Basilica. In Jew Town, visit the historic Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace. If time permits, the day also includes a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight in Cochin (city hotel). Drive towards Alleppey (1.5 hrs), pausing at Kokkamangalam St. Thomas Church, another of the Apostle’s early foundations. In Alleppey, board a traditional houseboat for a serene backwater cruise with a freshly prepared Kerala lunch served on board. Later return to Cochin for a light. Supper before boarding the overnight train to Trichy (9–10 hrs). Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight on board a train (air-conditioned sleeper) – Train: Ers Kik Express (2225-0805 hrs) Arrive in Trichy, a city of contrasts between towering Hindu temples and colonial churches. Visit the vast Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, climb up to the Rock Fort Temple for sweeping views, and step into the quiet precincts of St. John’s Church. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight in Trichy. Spend the day at Shantivanam Christian Ashram, founded by French Fathers Jules Monchanin and Henri Le Saux. Here, Christian monastic traditions blend harmoniously with Indian spirituality through prayer, meditation, and silence. Return to Trichy in the evening, carrying the serenity of the ashram with you. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight in Trichy. Depart Trichy and drive through the countryside to Chettinad, famed for its palatial mansions and fiery cuisine. Pause for an authentic Chettinad lunch in a restored heritage mansion, where you’ll experience the hospitality and flavours that made this region legendary. Continue to Tanjore, the cultural heart of the Chola dynasty. Visit the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswara Temple, the Royal Palace, and its Art Gallery of bronzes and murals. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight in Tanjore. Drive south to the Velankanni Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, one of Asia’s most revered Marian shrines, often referred to as the “Lourdes of the East.” Pilgrims throng here in devotion, offering a glimpse of faith’s power in India. Continue along the coast to Pondicherry. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight in Pondicherry. Discover Pondicherry’s French charm. Visit the Sacred Heart Basilica, wander through the French Quarter and its seaside promenade, and explore the spiritual world of Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville, the international township dedicated to human unity. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight in Pondicherry. Travel north via the scenic East Coast Road. Stop at Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), a UNESCO site where the Shore Temple and intricate rock-cut monuments tell stories in stone. Continue to Chennai, where we will stay for the next two nights. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight in Chennai. Dedicate the day to the Apostle’s legacy in Chennai. Begin at San Thome Basilica, built over his tomb. Visit Little Mount, where a small cave recalls his preaching, and climb St. Thomas Mount, believed to be the site of his martyrdom. In the evening, enjoy a heritage walk in Mylapore, blending temples, churches, and bazaars. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight in Chennai. Transfer from the hotel to the airport to board your flight for Goa. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Overnight in Goa. Spend the day in Old Goa, once the capital of Portuguese India. Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus (housing relics of St. Francis Xavier), the imposing Se Cathedral, the ornate Church of St. Cajetan, and the haunting ruins of St. Augustine. Later, proceed to the spice plantation visit with lunch. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Overnight in Goa. A free day to relax on the beaches, shop for souvenirs, or take an optional excursion into Goa’s hinterland. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Overnight in Goa. Transfer to the Goa International Airport for your onward flight. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation on twin / double sharing basis for 15 nights in value for money hotels (Mix of 3* plus and 4* hotels) as mentioned above or similar in the event of any hotel being sold out. Breakfast and Dinner are included at all places. 02 Lunches are included as mentioned in the itinerary at the Houseboat & in Goa. All transport by air-conditioned vehicle. Entrances as per the programme. Accompanying English-speaking Trip Leader cum manager for the tour till Chennai, and a local English-speaking guide for the Goa city tour. Foreign Tour Leader Hosting the tour. Customary tips to local guides, drivers, and hotel staff. Day cruise with Lunch at Alleppey. Toiletries for the train journey. Train ticket in AC sleeper class (2 Tier) from Cochin to Trichy. Airfare between Chennai and Goa. Assistance at the airport for arrival/departure and check-in / check-out. All the applicable taxes. Early check-in or Late check-out at all places (subject to room availability). Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, telephone calls, laundry, and tips. Camera fees, medical & travel insurance etc. Any meals unless specified above. Domestic and International airfare. Indian Visa fees. Travel Insurance. It is strongly recommended to buy comprehensive travel insurance, which includes trip cancellation/disruption situations as well. The quote is in American dollars and is worked out based on the minimum pax in the group, as mentioned in the cost grid above. In the event of a particular hotel not being available, we will make an alternate arrangement that will be similar to or higher than the quoted hotel. The price in USD reflects current exchange rates and prevailing ground realities. In the event of significant fluctuations (i.e., beyond ±5%) in currency or operating costs, we reserve the right to revise the quote, provided the tour has not yet been booked and paid for in full. The cost is based on currently applicable taxes and tariffs. Should these change due to factors beyond our control, we will revise the pricing accordingly to reflect the new reality. Once the tour gets booked, we need the full name along with the date of birth of the guests to secure the accommodation. Overview
Highlights & Key Experiences
Detailed Itinerary
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Notes on The Quote
Envisaged Hotels
Date of Stay
City
Hotel
Room Category
Price Advice (valid for travel between 22 Jan – 06 Feb 2026)
Particulars
Price in USD per person on a twin-sharing basis