20 Legendary Famous Churches in India To Explore Christianity

The famous churches in India are the treasure of wonderful architectural marvels. These beautiful churches are the center of spiritual presence and peace. Churches in India have stood tall for centuries and represent the culture and heritage very well.

Come across these Most famous churches in India

This article will provide a list of the most famous churches in India to explore.

Must-Visit Famous Churches in India: A Guide To Travellers

Se Cathedral Church

The Se Cathedral Church de Santa Catarina also known as Se Cathedral Church is located in Goa and is the cathedral of the Latin Church Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. This Cathedral has five bells, the famous Golden Bell, the biggest in Goa, and one of the best in the world.

This cathedral church is among the most famous churches in India. dedicated to St.Catherine of Alexandria. One of the most ancient and celebrated religious buildings of Goa, this magnificent 16th-century monument to the Roman Catholic rule in Goa under the Portuguese is the largest church in Asia. 

• How to reach Se Cathedral Church? The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport it takes 26 Km to reach the Se Cathedral Church. The nearby Railway Station is Madgaon Railway Station which is 35.4 Km away from the Church. The closest Bus Station to Se Cathedral Church is Margaon Bus Terminal which is 29.7 Km.
• What is Se Cathedral Church Famous for? Se Cathedral was built in the lop-Portuguese-Manueline Style. The architecture of its exterior is in Tuscan style which is famed for its plain appearance and simplicity.
• Best time to visit Se Cathedral Church? The best time to visit is from November to February.

Christ Church

Christ Church located in Shimla, was all forest uphills when the Europeans came in the 1820s. It was designed by Colonel J. T. Boileau in 1844, and the cornerstone was laid on 9 September 1844 by Bishop Daniel Wilson, Bishop of Calcutta.

The church contains five fine stained glass windows. One represents the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience, and Humility. The Church holds a great collection of holy books and ancient scriptures.

• How to reach Christ Church? The nearest airport is Shimla Airport which is 23.3 Km away. The nearby railway station to Shimla is Kalka Railway Station 87.6 Km. The closest Bus Station is ISBT Shimla which is 359 Km from the Christ Church.
• What is Christ Church famous for? Christ Church is one the oldest churches in India and it was built by the British in 1857 to serve the large Anglican British community in the area. The majestic appearance of the church and its stunning location make it a prime attraction in Shimla.
• Best time to visit the Christ Church? The best time to visit the Christ Church is from March to July.

All Saint Church

All Saint Church is established in Coonor town Tamil Nadu. It was constructed in 1854 in the British era. The church is 163 years old and built in the English-style Anglican church.

It is a reformed protestant church with an eye-catching interior and stained glass windows that never fail to attract tourists of all ages. Besides this, the church has antique wooden work and an ancient pipe organ that enhances its overall look.

• How to reach All Saint Church? The nearest Airport is Peelamedu Airport which is located in Coimbatore and takes about 44.4 Km to reach Coonor. The nearby Railway Station is Mettupalayam Station which is 32.5 Km from Coonor. The closest Bus Stand is Connor Bus Stand which takes 2.1 Km to reach the All Saint Church.
• What is All Saint Church famous for? All Saints Church is one of the ancient churches of the hill station. it is widely popular for its beautiful architecture, the church offers a serene setting to relax your restless mind and is a perfect base for experience seekers and history buffs. 
• Best time to visit All Saint Church? The ideal time to visit the All Saint Church is from November to March.

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St. George’s Cathedral Church

St. George’s Cathedral  Church is situated in Chennai.  The cathedral was built in 1815. It occupies an important place in the history of Christianity in India. The Church was inaugurated on 27 September 1947. It marked the breaking down of ecclesiastical barriers between Protestants of various traditions.

The architecture of St. George’s Cathedral is commendable for its tall pillars, marble statues, mural tablets, and memorials inside. The cathedral is a piece of architectural grandeur resting on a step-tier. The governors of Fort St. George and their families, the Viceory also worshipped here when they visited Madras in British India.

• How to reach St. George’s Cathedral Church? The nearest airport to reach the Church is Madras International Meenambakkam Airport which takes 15.4 Km. The nearby Railway Station is Chennai Central Railway Station which is 20 Km from the Church. The closest Bus Station is Chennai Koyambedu Bus Stand which is 10.8 km from the Church.
• What is St. George’s Cathedral Church famous for? The interior of the Cathedral is filled with many statues and memorial stones. The church, frequently visited by the Governors and Viceroys of the British Empire, is filled with the memorials of those who fought and died for the empire.  
• Best time to visit St. Cathedral Church? The best time to visit the Church is from October to January.

Mount mary Church

Mount Mary Church also known as Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount. It is a basilica shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in the Bandra neighborhood of Bombay or Mumbai, India. Established in 1640 and restored in 1761, it is one of the biggest churches in India. The church stands overlooking the magnificent Sea making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the globe.

It has a semi-gothic architecture. The architecture is designed to transform a chapel into a church. The inside murals of the church depict the Life of Mary are found. A strong stone base supports the teakwood columns. These columns hold the weight of the loft and even the main ceiling.

• How to reach Mount Mary Church? The nearest Airport to the Church is Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport which takes about 10.2 Km. The nearby Railway Station is Bandra Station which is 2.4 km from the Church. The closest Bus Station is Bandra Bus Station 250 M from the Church.
• What is Mount Mary Church famous for? The Mount Mary Fair or Bandra Fair is an 8-day event to celebrate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The fair is believed to be 300 years old. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims visit the shrine of Mount Mary every year. 
• Best time to visit Mount Mary Church? The best time to visit the Mount Mary Church is from November to April.

St. Philomena’s Church

St. Philomena Church was Built in 1840, earlier it used to be called the St. Joseph Chavez, which was later changed to its present name. It is based in Mysore Karnataka the Mysore ruler Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar built the church to cater to the needs of the European people who were residing in Mysore then.

It is Constructed in the Victorian style, this church draws its inspiration from the Cologne Cathedral of Germany. The church is said to be designed by a French artist Daly. This church has been made in the shape of a cross, with the congregation hall also referred to as the nave being the longest end of the cross.

• How to reach St. Philomena Church? The nearest airport is Mandakalli Airport in Mysore which takes 12 Km to report the Church. The nearby railway station to the Church is Mysore Junction 2.1 Km. The closest bus station is Mysore bus stand which takes 3.3 Km to reach the Church.
• What is St.Philomena Church famous for? St. Philomena’s Church is one of the most distinctive landmarks of Mysore.  The church also runs an orphanage that is situated inside its premises.
• Best time to visit St. Philomena Church? The best time to visit the St. Philomena Church is from November to March.

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Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Immaculate Conception Cathedral Church is located in the Union territory of Puducherry. The church is also known as Samba Kovil in Tamil, Saint Paul’s Kovil where Kovil means church. It is a 300-year-old mother church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore.

Its architecture renders it more beautiful than its original construction style. The gorgeous central aisle is replete with golden pillars and blue-tinted ceilings with snippets from the life of Jesus Christ. The Church consists of a bell tower, an open space, and a luxurious display of colors.

• How to reach Immaculate Conception Cathedral Church? The nearest airport to the Church is Puducherry Airport which is 5.7 Km away. The nearby railway station is Puducherry Railway Station which takes 1.4 km to reach the Church. The closest Bus Station is Puducherry Bus Station which takes 2 Km to the Church.
• What is Immaculate Conception Cathedral Church famous for? It is one of the oldest tourist sites in Puducherry, visited by Mother Teresa during her round to Puducherry.
• Best time to visit Immaculate Conception Cathedral Church? The best time to visit is from October to January.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a Catholic basilica located in Goa. It is one of the oldest churches in Goa, a 300-year-old church. The church is dedicated to Bom Jesus which means  ‘good Jesus’ or ‘infant Jesus. Thousands of people visit this Basilica each year.

This legendary church is recognized by UNESCO as the World Heritage Site, The construction of the Church, which houses St. Francis Xavier’s mortal remains, is heavily influenced by the Portuguese.

• How to reach the Basilica of Bom Jesus? The nearest airport to the Church is Dabolim Airport which is 25.8 Km away. The nearby railway station is Margaon Railway Station which is 31.9 Km from the Church. The closest bus station is Panjim Bus Stand which takes about 10.9 Km to reach the Church.
• What is the Basilica of Bom Jesus famous for? The Basilica has an art gallery where various biblical tales are shown. 
• Best time to visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus? The best time to visit is from November to February.

St. John in the Wilderness, Chuch

St. John in the WIlderness, Chuch was built in 1852, it is Located near Dharamshala and on the way to Mcleodganj, one of the most prominent churches in Himachal Pradesh.

It is dedicated to Lord Elgin, the Viceroy of India from 1862-1863. The church also boasts two magnificent stained glass panels, and a bell, cast brought from England.

• How to reach St. John in the Wilderness? The nearest airport to the Church is Kangra Airport which is 21.2 Km away. The nearby railway station is Kangra Railway Station which is 28.6 Km from the Church. The closest Bus station is Dharamshala Bus Stand which takes 8.6 Km to the Church.
• What is St. John in the Wilderness famous for? This Timeless church, which has a Christian cemetery surrounding it, has lovely glass windows and boosting architectural design. It is ideally situated in the majestic ‘Deodar’ forest in the wilderness.
• Best time to visit St. John in the Wilderness? The best time to visit is from February to June.

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St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral Church is located in Kolkata West Bengal. The construction was completed in 1847. It is said to be the largest church in Kolkata and the first Anglican cathedral in Asia, also the first built cathedral in the overseas territory of the British Empire.

The premises follow Indo-Gothic style and its structure is complete with a cascading white edifice, towering spire, and colorful tinted windows. It has a huge nave and majestic altar with carvings and paintings depicting great moments and events of Christian history. 

• How to reach St. Paul’s Cathedral Church? The nearest airport to the Church is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport 19.1 Km away. The nearby railway station is Kolkata Railway Station which is 9.1 Km away from the Church. The closest bus station is Kolkata Bus Stand which is 9.3 Km distant from the Church.
• What is St. Paul’s Cathedral Church famous for?  On Christmas Eve, the cathedral performs a midnight mass and toast which is very prominent.
• Best time to visit St. Paul Cathedral Church? The best time to visit the Church is from December to March.

St. Francis Church

The Saint Francis Church located in Kochi originally built in 1503, is one of the oldest European churches in India and has historical significance as a witness to the European colonial ambitions in the subcontinent.

Vasco Da Gama who discovered the sea route from Europe to India died in Kochi in 1524, when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were relocated to Lisbon and interred at Jerónimos Monastery.

• How to reach St. Francis Church? The closest airport to the Church Cochin International Airport is 36.5 Km from the Church. The nearby railway station is Ernakulam Junction which is about 13.4 Km away from the Church. The nearest bus station is Ernakulam Bus Stand which is 9.4 Km away.
• What is St. Francis Church famous for? It is considered one of the oldest European churches in India.
• Best time to visit St. Francis Church? The best time to visit the St.Francis Church is from November to March.

All Saints Cathedral

The All Saints Cathedral Church is located in Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh. it is an Anglican cathedral built by the British during their rule in India.  the architect who constructed the Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, also designed this cathedral in 1871.

This famous church in Uttar Pradesh is a remarkable example of the architecture of colonial India. The glass and marble work of the cathedral is perfectly preserved even after more than 125 years. 

• How to reach the All Saint Cathedral? The nearest airport to the Church is Prayagraj Airport which is 12.1 Km away. The nearby railway station is Prayagraj railway station which is 1.0 Km from the Church. The closest bus station is Civil Lines Bus Station which takes 1.7 Km to reach the All Saint Cathedral Church.
• What is All Saint Cathedral famous for? The church is often entitled as Pathar Girjaghat which refers to ‘Church of Stones’. The architecture was executed brilliantly in cream-colored stone along with fine red sandstone dressings, while the roof was covered with red local tiles to give a pleasing character to the Cathedral.
• Best time to visit the All Saint Cathedral Church? The best time to visit the Church is from November to March.

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MacFarlane Memorial Church

MacFarlane Memorial Church is situated in the Kalimpong region of West Bengal. In 1870, William MacFarlane became the first Scottish Missionary to visit Darjeeling and Kalimpong he fell in love with the place and the people, and to uplift the conditions of the marginalized Tibetan community he set up Scottish Missionary schools. 

In 1890, the grandest church was built in Kalimpong and was set up in his name, which almost became synonymous with grand feasts, programs for the needy, and celebration of all things beautiful. It is among the oldest churches in Kalimpong.

• How to reach MacFarlane Memorial Church? The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport which is 105.2 Km from the Church. The closest railway station is  New Jalpaiguri Railway Station which is 138.9 Km from the Church. The nearby bus station is Kalimpong Bus Station which is about 200m away from the Church.
• What is MacFarlane Memorial Church famous for? The Church is Visible from almost every region of Kalimpong, the church stands as an exceptional visual delight and a remarkable landmark located near the heart of town.
• Best time to visit MacFarlane Memorial Church? The Best time to visit the Church is from March to May.

Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral

Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral is located in the core of Thrissur town in Kerala, South India. The Church has been adorned with combined features of an Indo-European facade with pink spires. The Centenary of this church was celebrated during the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Thrissur in 1986.

  Sir Fr John Maliekkal is said to have planned and constructed this church. The exterior of the church features an Indo-European facade with white spires.

• How to reach Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral? The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport which is 50.1 Km away from the Church. The closest railway station is Thrissur Railway Station which is 3.4 Km from the Church. The nearby bus station from the Church isv
• How to reach Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral? The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport which is 50.1 Km away from the Church. The closest railway station is Thrissur Railway Station which is 3.4 Km from the Church. The nearby bus station from the Church is KSRTC Thrissur Bus Terminal is 3.1 Km.
• What is Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral famous for?  The church has a magnificent Indo-European facade with white towers. Its centenary was marked during Pope John Paul II’s historic visit in 1986.
• Best time to visit Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral? The best time to visit is from September to March.

St. James Church

St. James’ Church also known as Skinner’s Church was once the official church of the British Viceroy of India in Delhi, India. It was constructed in 1836 for Colonel James Skinner and is one of the oldest churches in the city. It remains part of the Church of North India Diocese of Delhi.

During the 1800s, when the British Resident at the Mughal court controlled Delhi’s power politics, and the city played host to a swelling number of Europeans and their families, all adding to the rich diversity of Delhi’s life – St James Church was their focal place for worship and weddings and social gatherings.

• How to reach St James Church? The closest airport to the Church is Indira Gandhi International Airport which is 19 Km away. The nearby railway station is New Delhi Railway Station which is 7 Km away from the Church. The nearest bus station is Kashmiri Gate ISBT which is 400 M from the Church.
• What is St James Church famous for? The church features “original European stained-glass windows depicting the crucifixion, ascension of Christ and his resurrection, a painting titled ‘The Prodigal Son’, original work of Italian painter Pompeo Batoni.
• Best time to visit St James Church? The best time to visit the Church is from December to February.

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Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tirunelveli

The Holy Trinity Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral based in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. It is the seat of the Diocese of Tirunelveli and one of the oldest cathedrals in India. The church was built in 1846 by French missionaries and has been declared a national monument by the Government of India.

The architecture of the Church has a unique blend of Indian and European styles. The church is adorned with beautiful frescoes and murals depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the saints. The cathedral also houses a museum which displays artifacts from the French colonial period.

• How to reach Holy Trinity Cathedral? The nearest airport to Tirunelveli is Tuticorin Airport which is 37.2 Km away from the Church. The nearby railway station is Tirunelveli Junction railway station which is 2.7 Km from the Church. The closest Bus station is Tirunelveli New Bus Stand which is 3.7 Km away from the Church.
• What is Holy Trinity Cathedral famous for? The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tirunelveli is one of the most beautiful and spiritual places in all of India and the interior of the cathedral is just as magnificent as the exterior.
• Best time to visit Holy Trinity Cathedral? The best time to visit the Church is from December to April.

Medak Cathedral

Medak Cathedral church is one of the largest churches in India present in Medak in Telangana was consecrated on 25 December 1924. This  Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop in Medak for the Church of South India and Anglican missionary societies.

The cathedral is 100 ft wide and 200 ft long and conforms to the Gothic Revival style. The mosaic tiles were imported from Britain and are of six different colors. Italian masons from Bombay were engaged for laying the decorative flooring.

• How to reach Medak Cathedral? The closest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad which is 146 km far from Medak. The nearby railway station is Medak Railway Station which is 2.7 Km away from the Church. The nearest bus station is Medak Bus Station which is 450 M away from the Church.
• What is Medak Cathedral famous for? he Medak Church is appreciated for its large pointed stained glass windows that tell the story of the Bible in a kaleidoscope of colors though visible only in solar light.
• Best time to visit Medak Cathedral? The best time to visit the Church is from January to April.

Velankanni Church – Velankanni

Velankanni Church is Located in the coastal town of Velankanni, Tamil Nadu. This church is often referred to as the Lourdes of the East. It was Originally built in the 16^th century and is one of India’s largest Catholic churches.

Vailankanni is the most important destination and almost the synthesis of all Marian Sanctuaries for the pilgrim of the world. The crowds of pilgrims come here regardless of creeds and languages. 

• How to reach Velankanni Church? The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli Airport which is 155 km from the town of Velankanni. The nearby railway station is Velankanni Railway Station which is 1.1 Km away from the Church. The closest bus station to the church is Velankanni Bus Stand which is 260 M from the Church.
• What is Velankanni Church Famous for? The Gothic style of architecture is a unique feature of the Church. The church building has inspiring architecture.
• Best time to visit Velankanni Church? The best time to visit the Church is from December to February.

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St. Cajetan Church, Goa

The St. Cajetan Church is also called the Church of Divine Providence. Its construction was completed in 1661, Churches and convents of a church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman located in Old Goa.

It is also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The church is built of laterite blocks covered with lime plaster. Although small compared to the other Goan churches, it is heralded as the epitome of art and craftsmanship.

• How to reach ST. Cajetan Church? The closest airport to the church is Goa International Airport which is 26.1 Km away. The nearby railway station is Margaon Railway Station which is 35.2 Km. The nearest Bus Station is Margaon Bus Stand which is 29.9 Km from the Church.
• What is ST. Catejan Church Famous for? The Corinthian-style facade of the church has four granite statues of Saints Peter, Paul, John the Evangelist, and Matthew.
• Best time to visit ST. Catejan Church? The best time to visit the Church is from November to February.

Church of the Cross of Miracles

In the old city of Goa the Church of the Cross Miracles is located. It lies on a hill on the southern outskirts of Old Goa, built in 1619 to house the Cross of Miracles which has decayed and then the present Church was rebuilt in 1674 at the same place. 

The architectural work of the Church resembles that of medieval Europe. The Church of Cross of Miracle is built of laterite and plastered with lime mortar. The Convent and The Church of the Cross of Miracles were built in Renaissance and Gothic architectural patterns.

• How to reach the Church of the Cross Miracles? The nearest airport is Goa International Airport which is 25.4 Km from the Church. The closest railway station is Margaon Railway Station which takes 35.2 Km to reach the Church. The nearby bus station is Margaon Bus Stand which is 32.4 Km away from the Church.
• What is the Church of the Cross Miracles famous for? In the 17th century, people of Old Goa reported spotting a human figure resembling the image of the crucified Jesus on a hill. Such tales are popular amongst the locals.
• Best time to visit the Church of the Cross Miracles? The best time to visit the Church is from December to March.

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In conclusion, Churches in India are the prime source of spiritual seeking. The other distinctive aspect is the architectural wonders representing the rich culture and great historical tales of the ages. Plan your heart-warming trip by visiting these Churches in India.

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