Below are the Top 20 Churches in India of various Christian communities that are popular worldwide. Numerous devotees and tourists visit these pilgrim centers to offer prayers and see the massive, intricate constructions.
The following are the Top 20 famous Curches of India that all must visit.
01. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa – St. Francis Xavier
This is one of India’s most renowned holy places, and any tourist who visits Goa will never miss visiting this church. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is around 300 years old and still has St. Francis Xavier’s body remains.
Moreover, the Basilica of Bom Jesus design is baroque, attracting numerous vacationers.
Countless travelers and devotees gather here during the death anniversary of St. Francis Xavier, which is a huge festival.
Visit Goa is considered incomplete if you do not visit this church with the Miraculous, uncorrupted body of St. Francis Xavier.
02. St. Paul House of Prayer, Kolkata
This is the first Anglican church in Asia and Kolkata’s largest cathedral. St. Paul’s church, dedicated to Saint Paul, the Apostle, looks staggering and astonishing during Christmas.
The church’s architecture is in Indo-Gothic style, which suits the weather condition of India. Apart from the cathedral complex, people can also visit the library and see the display of plastic art forms and souvenirs.
The best and ideal time to make a trip here is between October to February.
03. Shimla Christ Church, Himachal Pradesh
This beautiful church, built-in 1857, is the second oldest church in North India, and the worship is conducted in two different languages, Hindi and English.
The Christ Church in Shimla is built in Neo-Gothic style and is located on the ridges. This is one of the popular landmarks in Shimla, and tourists who come to this beautiful hill station make time to visit the Christ Church as the church silhouette can be seen from a long distance around the locality of Shimla.
When you stop over at Shimla, never miss seeing this enduring Church built by the British.
04. Velankanni Church, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu
Velankanni Church is located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal and is dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health.
A few miracles that happened in the past made people believe that all illnesses will be cured by praying to the Lady of Good Health.
This is one of India’s most visited pilgrim centers, and you can see millions of devotees gather in this church during the nine-day Church festival.
To experience the grand festival, you must visit Velankanni between the 29th Aug to September 6th of every year.
05. Santhome Church, Chennai
This is another church that is constructed in the Neogothic style. It is believed that St.Thomas, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus, was buried in the same location where the church was built.
You can find people from different religions visiting this church, and this showcases the religious harmony here.
Santhome Church was built as a mausoleum when constructed, but later it was converted to a Basilica because of its popularity and significance.
The tall towers, angled windows, and wooden rooftops make this church an eye-catching structure.
06. Immaculate Origination Church, Pondicherry
Attractive beaches, French-style quarters, Aurobindo Ashram, and other attractions pull guests to Pondicherry.
You can see numerous travelers each season here to enjoy water sports and other beach activities and see French architecture.
Besides, the Immaculate Conception Church, set up in 1686, is devoted to St. Peters and is a favorite pilgrim center.
The church’s locality is very peaceful and relaxing, as it is located very close to the beach. The construction style combines Indian and French architecture, making this church uniquely beautiful.
The suitable time to visit this church is between November and February, as the climate will be cool.
07. St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Palayoor, Kerala
India’s oldest church is in the Thrissur district of God’s Own Country – Kerala. The significant reality about this church is that it was made in the 52nd A.D. by St. Thomas himself, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus.
The structural design of this church is a mix of Hindu and Persian styles, and you can quickly identify it by seeing it.
08. Santa Cruz Basilica, Kochi, Kerala
Santa Cruz Basilica is considered one of the heritage structures of Kerala and is a beautiful church built in Gothic style.
In 1505, the Portuguese constructed this remarkable church, and in 1558, it was raised to a Cathedral by Pope Paul 1V. But the British demolished this structure, and in 1887, Joao Gomes Ferreira built this new church.
In 1984, this church was announced as Basilica. The incredible feature of this shrine is the gothic style in pastel shades and the white-washed exteriors. This church is closer to Cochin International Airport, only around 45 km.
09. Rosary Church, Shettihalli, Hassan, Karnataka
Raised in the 1860s by French missionaries, this church was abandoned when Hemavati Dam and Reservoir was constructed. However, many tourists visit this location to see the old church submerged in the monsoon rain.
Thus the church is also known by the name The Submerged Church and the Floating Church. The ideal time to visit Shettihalli Rosary Church is from July –October to see the submerged church and once in December to May to see the emerging church.
10. St. Anne Church, Goa
Situated in the district of Santana in Goa, this church was built in Baroque architecture in the 17th century. In 1961, the Church of Anne was declared a national monument by the Archaeological Survey in India.
This church was recorded in the 2000 World Monuments Watch by WMF ( World Monument Foundation).
It is believed that while the construction work of the church was in progress, an old woman in the village had a vision of an old lady wearing a hat with a cane in her hand. This old villager strolled everywhere and said that the church which is being constructed was her home and intended to stay there.
Also, a miracle happened similarly when a Brahmin lady was cured of her severe illness. These words were spread to the village priest, who named the church in honor of St.Anne.
11. Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours, Kerala
This church is the third tallest in Asia because of the size of the towers. The church’s central tower is 79m, and the two towers at the front measure 45m.
The major attractions of this Indo-Gothic style church are the eleven altars, five on either side of the central altar, the rising spires, and double-storeyed aisles.
It took around eleven years to finish constructing this tremendous church, and it was Ambrose Gounder, the architect, who completed the construction.
This church is in the city, and you can see several shops on all sides of the road that leads to the church.
12. National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Kochi, Kerala
One of India’s most significant Marian churches is the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, and almost one million people worldwide visit this church at Vallarpadam every year.
Dedicated to Holy Mary, the Vallarapadam church was turned into a major pilgrim destination by the Union Government and was announced as a unique church by Pope Leo XIII in 1888.
The devotees believe that the Vallarpadam Amma (Mother Mary) has rescued many people from heavy storms. Therefore, numerous visitors worldwide, regardless of position and religion, come here to get blessings from Mary.
The idol of Mother Mary and Baby Jesus is positioned in the raised area of the church, which was brought by the Portuguese and controlled under Vasco da Gama in 1524.
13. Vallarpadam Church, Kochi, Kerala
This church is one of India’s most established European houses of worship. It is also prominently called “Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom.” This church, dedicated to Holy Mary, was turned into a major pilgrim destination by the Union Government and was announced as a unique church by Pope Leo XIII in 1888.
The devotees believe that the Vallarpadam Amma (Mother Mary) has rescued many people from heavy storms. Therefore, numerous visitors worldwide, regardless of position and religion, come here to get blessings from Mary.
The idol of Mother Mary and Baby Jesus is positioned at the raised area of the church, which was brought by the Portuguese and was controlled under Vasco da Gama in the year 1524.
14. St. Andrew’s Basilica Arthunkal, Alleppey, Kerala
St. Andrew’s Church is the place of worship of St. Sebastian and is the biggest shrine in the world dedicated to him.
In January, the annual feast of St. Sebastian is conducted, and the celebration continues for the entire month. During the festive season, millions of devotees visit here.
St.Andrew’s Church in Arthunkal faces the Arabian Sea, and the Portuguese constructed this church in the 16th century.
15. All Saints Church, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Established in 1854, this Anglican Church is located in the beautiful hill station Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.
The church looks beautiful with its antique wooden works, stained glass windows, and beautiful dome-like structure.
Next to this church is the elegant British-style architecture; the Taj Garden Retreat Hotel is situated in a beautiful garden.
16. St. Aloysious Chapel, Mangalore
This house of prayer was built in the year 1882, and the architectural style of this chapel resembles the famous Sistine church in Rome.
The key charm of this chapel is the beautiful paintings on the ceiling depicting Bible stories. The attractive paintings are either canvas or fresco work, making the church look spiritual and refined.
People can easily spot this chapel as it is positioned on Lighthouse Hill in the city’s heart.
17. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Delhi
This Roman Catholic Church is perhaps one of the oldest cathedrals in Delhi. Situated on 14 acres of land, the Sacred Heart church was constructed and planned by the English architect Mr. Henry Medd in the Italian style.
You can see an immense curved roof, broad arches, and polished stone floors within the church. The circular arcaded turrets rising above the roof and the white pillars add charm to the church.
The significant celebrations predominantly held at this Church are Easter and Christmas.
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18. St. John’s in the Wild Church, Dharamshala
St.John’s church, constructed in the NeoGothic style in 1852, is committed to John the Baptist. It is situated in an encompassed deodar tree, the major attraction.
This uniquely attractive church is famous for its Belgian stained-glass windows, which Lady Elgin donated.
During the Kangra earthquake, this church stood undestroyed even though the earthquake struck the building nearby. Therefore, the suitable time to visit here is between March and June, as the climate is charming and more agreeable.
19. St. Philomena Church, Mysore
This cathedral of the Diocese of Mysore in Karnataka is also called St. Joseph’s Cathedral, which was constructed in 1936 in the Neo-Gothic style, which the Cologne Cathedral inspired in Germany.
As you walk through the church’s aisle, you can see the statue of St. Philomena and stained glass windows with a picture showcasing the scenes from the birth of Jesus Christ.
Moreover, you can also see the images of the Last Supper, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the ascension of Christ.
20. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Goa
Located in Panjim in Goa, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is built in Baroque Style in 1541 with the sea behind and the front overlooking the city.
You can see an ancient bell on top of the church, which was removed from the Augustinian ruins in Old Goa. The church is painted in white to indicate the Immaculate Virgin Mary.
The church towers can be seen from a long distance and are also called the Crown of Panjim. The interiors are lively, and the church has two great gold-plated altars apart from the main altar of Mother Mary, which represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and Our Lady of the Rosary.
21. All Saints Cathedral, Allahabad
Made in the late 19th century, this church known as All Saints Cathedral is also known by the name Patthar Girja meaning church of stones.
This church is best known for its construction work with a marble altar and stained glass panels preserved impeccably even after 125 years.
All Saints Cathedral is the major tourist attraction in Prayagraj, and it houses various inscriptions depicting several British citizens’ deaths during their reign in India.
Conclusion
These are the best 21 Churches of worship in India, which numerous travelers from everywhere visit. Of course, there are many more holy churches in India, but the most appealing ones with unique architecture, history, and specialties are the ones that are stated here.
The superiority of these churches is exceptional, and is a must-visit pilgrim center of India. So, plan your next pilgrim tours to a few of these destinations to enjoy spirituality and sightseeing. You will be awe-inspired by seeing these beautiful churches’ intricate design works and the blend of architectural styles.