India has been ruled by the British, French, Dutch, and Portuguese for a long time, and due to the colonial influence, numerous churches were constructed in various parts of the country. If you are of the view that all churches look the same, it is time to start exploring the best-known and oldest churches in India to see their exceptional craftsmanship and amazing beauty.
Some of these churches date back to the day of the British Raj and still look stunning to this date. The architectures of the churches exhibit the richness of various cultures and how they have still been maintained. Therefore, let us discuss a few famous churches in India that you must visit across the country. Depending on the region you plan to explore, book car rental services in that area to make your trip smooth and hassle-free.
| Name of the Church | Location | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| St. Paul’s Cathedral | Kolkata, West Bengal | October – February |
| Christ Church | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh | December – January |
| St. John in the Wilderness Church | Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh | October – March |
| Basilica of Bom Jesus | Old Goa, Goa | November – February |
| All Saints Church | Coonoor, Tamil Nadu | November – February |
| St. Andrew’s Basilica Arthunkal | Alleppey, Kerala | November – March |
| Santa Cruz Basilica | Kochi, Kerala | October – February |
| Immaculate Conception Cathedral | Pondicherry | November – February |
| Velankanni Church | Velankanni, Tamil Nadu | December – February |
| Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours | Thrissur, Kerala | November – March |
When you step into one of India’s famous churches, it feels like walking into the past that is wrapped in divine peace, as if you are stepping into history infused with divine tranquillity. These architectural marvels seem to exist in a time of their own, with their tall spires, stained-glass art, and ageless beauty. Although they are of great importance to the believer, they are also places of significance to every traveler, historical enthusiast, and seeker of cultural discovery.
Here is a list of some of the best churches in India that you must explore:
Let’s learn more about them:
St. Paul’s Cathedral is the first Episcopalian church in Asia. It is located in the heart of the city and built by the Britishers in an Indo-Gothic style. The church looks stunning during Christmas. It is visited not only by the Christians in the city but by tourists of all religions. This is one of the old churches in India, worth visiting.
The natural beauty of Shimla is mesmerizing. The hill station looks even more beautiful during the winter season, especially at the time of Christmas. If you want to experience snowfall on the eve of Christmas, Shimla Christ Church is the right destination for you. It is the second-oldest church in Northern India. It took 11 years to complete this church, and it is now a popular destination for tourists from across the country. The church shows the Neo-Gothic style of architecture and looks magnificent in winter.
Built in 1852, St. John church in Dharamshala is one of a kind and is rated among the best church in India. It is dedicated to John the Baptist and located amid deodar forests. The Belgian Stained-glass windows make this church unique and one of the most popular churches in North India.
The construction of this church started in 1594 and was completed in 1605. Situated in Goa, you can see the baroque architecture in this church. The church is around 400 years old and has now been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The old charm of churches can still be found in the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and that is why it attracts tourists from all corners of the country.
All Saints Church in Coonoor was built in 1854. It is an Anglican church that is known for its beautiful wooden interiors. The stained glass windows will take you back to the British colonial era. The building has a massive dome-like structure and is surrounded by Pine trees. This church does not usually witness a huge crowd; therefore, you can experience the tranquil environment here and enjoy some moments of peace and serenity.
It is the most significant shrine of Saint Sebastian in the world. One of the famous churches in India, St. Andrew’s Basilica at Arthunkal, was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese missionaries. The church features ancient architecture, complemented by intricate woodwork in its interiors.
If you want to visit one of the most beautiful Christian religious sites in India, plan a trip to Santa Cruz Basilica in Kochi. It is the second cathedral that the Portuguese built. You will find frescoes in the columns, while seven huge canvas paintings and the stained glass windows add to the aesthetics of the place. You can also find some of the most beautifully painted images of the Via Crucis (Latin for ‘Way of the Cross’) of Christ.
Established in 1686, Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pondicherry is one of the famous tourist attractions in India. This church is dedicated to St. Peter’s and initially served as a small chapel. At the time of the British invasion, this was the only structure that survived.
It is difficult to take one’s eyes off the Velankanni Church in the town of Velankanni in Tamil Nadu. Placed on the sandy shores of the Bay of Bengal, this city has been declared holy by the Pope. Devotees and tourists from across the world visit this church. If you ever get a chance, do not miss visiting this beautiful monument, a must-visit church.
While you are looking for famous churches in South India, you must visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores in Thrissur. Built in 1875, the murals on its walls as well as ceilings will surely impress you. The church has a 140-foot-long steeple, which can be seen from any corner of the town.
While you are enthusiastic about your trips to these and many other beautiful churches in the country, make your journey easier by taking a self-drive car rental service from Revv. Once you have your vehicle, you can plan the trip according to your convenience.
Get started to explore the old-world charm of these beautiful churches in India. You can easily book a car rental from Revv through their website or by installing and using the Revv app, available on the Google Play Store and iOS App Store.
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