[2025 Chennai Attraction] Travel Guide for Santhome Cathedral Basilica (Updated Jul)

Thomas is believed to have travelled outside the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel, travelling as far as Tamilakam which are the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in present-day India. San Thome Church, also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Thomas is a Roman Catholic minor basilica in Santhome, in the city of Chennai. It was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, over the tomb of Saint Thomas. In 1893, it was rebuilt as a church with the status of a cathedral by the British. I was fortunate enough to have visited this place.

📍 Destination Vibes Chennai, the heart of Tamil Nadu, is a beautiful blend of ancient temples, colonial history, sandy beaches, and spicy street food! Whether you're into heritage walks, shopping, or spiritual escapes – Chennai has something for everyone! ✨ Top Attractions You Can’t Miss 1. Marina Beach – One of the world’s longest urban beaches! Perfect for sunrise walks, horse rides, and snacks like murukku & sundal! ⛱️ 2. Kapaleeshwarar Temple – A colorful Dravidian-style temple in Mylapore, filled with divine energy and intricate carvings. 🛕 3. Fort St. George – A peek into British colonial history and the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. 🏰 4. Santhome Cathedral Basilica – A serene white church built over St. Thomas the Apostle’s tomb. ⛪ 5. Government Museum, Egmore – Explore bronze sculptures, Amaravathi art, and ancient coins. 🖼️ 6. Vivekananda House – Where Swami Vivekananda stayed in 1897, now a museum of his life. 🧘 7. Shopping at T. Nagar – Sarees, gold, bangles, and souvenirs galore! 🛍️ 8. DakshinaChitra (Nearby) – A cultural village showcasing South Indian traditions. Perfect for families! 🎭 🍽️ Foodie Delights Breakfast: Idli, dosa, pongal & filter coffee at Murugan Idli Shop or Ratna Cafe Lunch: Traditional Tamil thali at Saravana Bhavan or Sangeetha Street Food: Sundal, bajji, parotta stalls on Marina Beach Sweets: Jigarthanda, Mysore pak, filter coffee ice cream! Pro Tip: Don’t miss the banana leaf meals! 💰 Budget Breakdown (Approx. for 2 Days / 1 Night) Hotel Stay – ₹2,000 – ₹5,000/night (mid-range) Food – ₹500 – ₹1,000/day Local Travel – ₹300 – ₹800 (Auto, Metro, Cabs) Entry Tickets – ₹200 – ₹500 total Total: ₹3,000 – ₹7,000/person Budget-friendly and full of experiences! 🛬 How to Reach Chennai By Air: Chennai International Airport (MAA) – well connected to all major cities By Train: Chennai Central & Egmore Stations – iconic railway hubs By Bus/Car: Excellent roads from Bangalore, Pondicherry, and Andhra Pradesh Local Transport: Use autos, Ola/Uber, or Metro Rail for easy travel around the city. 📸 Insta-Worthy Moments Sunrise at Marina Beach Temple bells and kolam designs at Kapaleeshwarar Selfies in traditional wear at T. Nagar Filter coffee cheers at a roadside stall #chennai #chennaifoodie #chennaitravels #chennaigetaway #tamilnadu #india #incredibleindia #travel #couplestrip #beachlife #naturalwonders #thingstodo #seascapes #museums #citydaytours #myitinerary #afternoonteatime #localfood

Chennai, India, is home to one of only three precious cathedrals in the world. 《Santhome Cathedral Basilica》 Built in the 16th century, it was rebuilt in the 17th century in the current neo-Gothic style. The pure white cathedral and the large red cross are distinctive. The cathedral is built on the tomb of the Apostle Thomas, a direct disciple of Christ. There are only three cathedrals in the world built on the tomb of an apostle, making it a very precious place. I was surprised to find that there is a precious Christian site in India. 🍀 There is also a museum behind the cathedral. 📍Address: 38, Santhome High Rd, Santhome, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004, India 🕰️Opening hours 5:00-20:00 💰Price per person: Free #Introducing beautiful overseas views #Indian travel #Chennai #chennai