South India is an exquisite paradise where nature abounds. The historically and architecturally significant South Indian temples and monuments have already captured the fascinated attraction of tourists. Further, history buffs, architectural enthusiasts and spirituality seekers are in for a treat as South India is also home to some of the most stunningly beautiful churches in the world. The breathtaking South Indian church architectures reveal the taste of British, Dutch, Portuguese and French.
Christianity in South India dates back to the arrival of St. Thomas, the disciple of Jesus Christ who has landed at Kodungallur in Kerala in AD 52 and established a couple of churches in Kerala and borders of Tamil Nadu. As the religion of Christianity spread all across, beautiful Churches embellished every nook and cranny of the country.
1) CSI Mateer Memorial Church, Kerala
Mateer Memorial Church in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala is of extraordinary beauty and is known for its unique architecture which is in the simple Hallenkirche (Hall Church) style. Dedicated in 1906, CSI Mateer Memorial Church is recognized as one of the oldest congregations in South India. The Church is named after Rev. Samuel Mateer who was a committed missionary of the London Missionary Society and the first missionary who endeavored to grow an indigenous Church.
Mateer Memorial Church is one of the few churches in India which is fully built-in granite. The square bell tower with a vestibule beneath and a roof supported by Gothic arches add to its grandeur while the stone-cut Celtic cross commemorates Rev. Mateer’s Irish background. Unlike the usual churches in Kerala with white-washed exteriors and large imposing facades, Mateer Memorial Church looks simple and elegant and resembles the ones you find in European countries.
Nearest Tourist Attractions:
- Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
- Napier Museum.
- Kanakakunnu Palace.
- Veli Tourist Village.
- Trivandrum Zoo.
- Kovalam Beach.
Location: CSI Mateer Memorial Church is located at the heart of the bustling city Trivandrum in Kerala.
2) Medak Cathedral, Telangana
The gorgeous Medak Cathedral which is built in the Gothic Revival style serves as the seat of the Bishop of the Church of South India. It is one of the largest churches in India with 200 feet length and 100 feet width and is capable of accommodating over 5000 people at a time. It is also remarkable for being the single largest diocese in Asia and the second-largest in the world after the Vatican.
The stained glass windows with the paintings of Christ’s life incidents is an added charm of Medak Cathedral. The church also boasts an impressive 175 feet high bell tower. The walls adorned with mosaic tiles of six different colours that are imported from Britain and the roofs with hollow sponge fittings which makes the church soundproof are the other highlights.
Nearest Tourist Attractions:
- Medak Fort.
- Singur Dam.
- Pocharam Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Edithanur Cave.
- Archaeological Museum.
Location: Medak Cathedral is situated at Medak in Telangana.
3) St. Philomena’s Church, Karnataka
Another highlight is the giant sculpture of a rosary over the rails of the two twin towers touching a flower-like artwork and it looks simply awesome. Inspired by the stunning Cologne Cathedral of Germany, St Philomena’s Church is built in the Neo-Gothic architectural style. Interestingly, the floor plan of the church resembles a cross and the long end of the cross is the congregation hall called the nave.
Nearest Tourist Attractions:
- Mysore Palace.
- Mysore Zoo.
- Rail Museum.
Location: St. Philomena’s Church is located at Mysore in Karnataka.
4) Velankanni Church, Tamil Nadu
Built-in Gothic style, this grand white structure is a marvelous spectacle that has vestiges of Portuguese architecture as well. The red-colored tile of the roof adds to the stunning contrast with the white walls of the church. The church is situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and its mesmerizing beauty admires everyone.
Nearest Tourist Attractions:
- Velankanni Church Museum.
- Velankanni Beach.
- Nagapattinam.
Location: It is situated in the quaint little town of Velankanni in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu.
5) Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
Another must-visit beautiful church in South India is the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa. It is a renowned World Heritage Site in India. This 400-year-old church is said to be India’s first minor basilica and also holds the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.
Constructed with laterite stone brought from Bassein which is 300 Km away from Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the admirable examples of baroque architecture and Portuguese Colonial architecture in India. The intricately carved basalt embellishments and elaborately gilded altars are worth the appreciation. The mausoleum of St. Xavier is another great work of Italian art (the marble base) and Hindu craftsmanship (the silver casket).
Nearest Tourist Attractions:
- Se Cathedral.
- Candolim Beach.
- Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount.
- Church of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Location: Basilica of Bom Jesus is located in Old Goa which is just 10 Km east of Panaji.
6) Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Pondicherry
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Pondicherry is 100 years old. The Church has very spacious interiors adorned with chandeliers, floodlights and focus. The beautiful stained glass panels depicting events from the life of Christ and saints of the Catholic Church are captivating.
Nearest Tourist Attractions:
- Pondicherry Beach.
- Auroville.
- Promenade Beach.
- Jawahar Toy Museum.
- Arikamedu.
- Raj Nivas.
- Statue of Dupleix.
Location: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is situated in Pondicherry on the south boulevard of the town.
7) Our Lady of Dolours Basilica, Kerala
Beautiful murals, Images of various saints, and stories from scriptures inside the church is a visual treat. The 260 feet Bible Tower with amazing murals that depict various phases of Christ’s life and 40-feet high two bell towers gives the church a majestic appeal.
Nearest Tourist Attractions:
- Vadakumnathan Temple.
- Shakthan Thampuran Palace.
- Paremmelkavu Temple.
- Snehamtheeram Beach.
- Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple.
Location: Our Lady of Dolours Basilica is perfectly set at the heart of Thrissur district of Kerala.
8) Se Cathedral, Goa.
This Golden Bell of Se Cathedral is said to be one of the world’s best church bells and is the largest in Goa. The main altar of the church displays few pictures of St. Catherine and also, you could find the Chapel of Cross of Miracles to the right of the altar which is the main attraction here. It is believed that a vision of Christ has appeared in the middle of the cross in the 17th century.
Nearest Tourist Attractions:
- Basilica of Bom Jesus
- Candolim Beach.
- Museum Of Christian Art
- Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount.
- Church of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Location: Se Cathedral is situated on the banks of Mandovi River in Old Goa.
9) San Thome Basilica, Chennai, Tamilnadu
Featuring contemporary Neo-Gothic architectural fashion, this stupendous church is a marvelous feat. The Church exhibits a tremendous charisma with beautiful white facades adorned with long arched windows, flawless white spires, wooden domes, and elegant roof. The interiors look simply spectacular with gorgeous paintings and frescoes.
Nearest Tourist Attractions:
- St. Thomas Museum.
- Tomb Chapel.
- Marina Beach.
Location: San Thome Basilica is located at Mylapore in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
10) Santa Cruz Basilica, Kerala
The incredibly beautiful panels and the pulpits are the captivating features of this church. The stained glass windows and towering ceilings that have the paintings showing the scenes from the Via Crucis of Christ is remarkable. Another highlight is the awe-inspiring altar, decorated by the renowned Italian painter Fr Antonio Moscheni and his disciple De Gama of Mangalore.
Nearest Tourist Attractions:
- St. Francis Church.
- Paradesi Synagogue.
- Mattancherry Palace.
- Jew Town.
- Marine Drive.
- Indo-Portuguese Museum.
- Chinese Fishing Net.
- Fort Kochi Beach.
Location: Santa Cruz Basilica is located at Fort Kochi in Kerala.
South India which is a melting pot of different beliefs and faiths is a spiritual seeker’s paradise. A pilgrimage vacation to a spiritually significant destination like South India which is home to some of the most spectacularly beautiful Churches, Cathedrals and Basilicas enriches you from within.
Let South India be your next pick for a spiritual getaway to explore and experience its amazing religious sites. Visting the spellbinding churches in South India during the joyous Christmas season and New Year’s eve is an added delight.
Leave Your Comment: