Chennai, India: Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Thomas the Apostle
About Saint Thomas and Chennai:
Certainly the first Christian to visit India, Saint Thomas arrived here around 52 AD. The city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras, was founded by British colonialists in the 17th Century. After the end of colonial rule, the name was changed back to Chennai.
About the Basilica of St. Thomas in Chennai:
Thomas was martyred here on a hill at the outskirts of the city which is now known as “St. Thomas Mount.” His body was buried on the spot over which the present Basilica stands. There is a museum associated with the Basilica that has several artifacts as well as a video on the life of the Apostle.
Traveling to Chennai:
Chennai is a fairly large city and is served by many airlines. There are flights connecting from the U.S. and Great Britain through major European cities.
Several airlines in the Middle East and Asia offer non-stop flights as well. From Australia there are several one-stop flights via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
Address: 38, San Thome High Road, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
GPS coordinates: 13° 1′ 52.7916” N, 80° 16′ 38.1144” E
Tel: +91 44 2498 5455
The official website of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Thomas in Chennai, India is not online at this time.
My husband and I will like to stay in a Catholic church accomodations for a week in the beginning of February of 2020