
Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 47 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai worth booking?
Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai is a 4-hour experience in Chennai, India, from $85 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 47 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (47)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $85 per person
Tours are led by cultural ambassadors who will bring alive the history and culture of the times when St Thomas came to India in the first century AD.
What you get
About this experience
Tours are led by cultural ambassadors who will bring alive the history and culture of the times when St Thomas came to India in the first century AD.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- Guide
- Pick up and drop to Chennai hotel
What you'll see and do
Santhome Cathedral Basilica
We visit the famous San Thome Basilica, the principal church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madras and Mylapore. In the 10th century AD Christians from Persia, founded this Christian village of Santhome, and then they built a Church and tomb over the burial site of St.Thomas. Built in neo gothic style the present structure was built by the Portuguese explorers in the 16th century. The Shrine preserves a small bone of the Saint and the head of the lance with which the Saint was pierced. We will also get to see an ancient painting of Our Blessed Mother St. Francis Xavier used to pray.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Little Mount Shrine
Little Mount is our next destination in this St Thomas Tour. It is a cave in which St.Thomas hid in AD 68 and did penance. There is an opening to the east of the cave through which St.Thomas escaped when his pursuers caught up with him here. The palm print and hand print near the tunnel’s entrance are believed to be those of St.Thomas himself. We will also see the masonry cross cut at the top of the hill which is believed to be the cross before which St.Thomas prayed. Another interesting aspect of this cave is the spring inside the hill which is perennial and is supposed to be the miraculous creation of the St. Thomas himself.
45 minutes here · Admission included
St. Thomas Mount National Shrine
On 21st december AD 72, St Thomas was murdered on this hillock. The hill has a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Expectation which was built in 1523. The altar of this shrine was built on the spot where St. Thomas was murdered. A gateway of four impressive arches surmounted by a cross bearing the inscribed date 1547 is the other interesting relic of St Thomas Mount.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- St Thomas in Chennai Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 47 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
47 verified traveler reviews for Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
3 fantastic churches and stories
We saw 3 amazing churches. The Santhome basilica was majestic and we also were privileged to see relics of the apostle. Little mount had interesting stories about how he escaped from a jealous priest and St Thomas mount was poignant. Very highly recommended
via Tripadvisor
Terrific half-day tour learning about the beginnings of Christianity in India
The tour was exactly what I had hoped it would be. Hareesh is a great guide, and I am happy that he was with me. The traditional south Indian breakfast he recommended was tasty and fueled the rest of the day. The price is reasonable for the area and the specific focus. I had a great time.
via Tripadvisor
A personal tour tailored to our interests
My tour of Chennai my first full day in India was way beyond my expectations. I have taken city tours before and I think this is my favorite ever. Our tour guide made it so personal that I felt like I was sharing an experience with an old friend. The tour lasted longer than I expected, but only because we were so engaged with what we were learning. He showed no irritation at all with adding an hour to our expected tour. My companion who had never been to India before and I both considered this tour a life enhancing experience. I cannot recommend our tour guide any more highly than I am.
via Tripadvisor
Thomas in India 🇮🇳
What a special experience! The tour was insightful, colourful and professional! We loved learning about Thomas, the church in India and religion in this beautiful country!
via Tripadvisor
Following St Thomas journey
The tour around St Thomas in Chennai was very enjoyable. Our guide picked us in a clean car with a safe driver from our hotel lobby. The 3 key places - Santhome Basilica, Little Mount and St Thomas Mount were all very serene and personally moving. The handprint of St Thomas was amazing to see. There is a lot of history here which is not well known. I would highly recommend this to anyone coming to Chennai.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $85 to $101
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 16
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chennai.
How much does Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai cost?
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Prices start at $85 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chennai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chennai is not rushed.
Is Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 47 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chennai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai?
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Around 16 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chennai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chennai and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chennai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chennai?
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On Outty we rank every Chennai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Gods of Mylapore walking tour: Journey Through Living Traditions, Chennai tour in car with guide-winner of traveller's choice award, Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chennai?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chennai?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai?
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Included: Snacks; Guide; and Pick up and drop to Chennai hotel. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 8 listed pickup locations in and around Chennai. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Following the foot steps of St Thomas in Chennai?
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Across 47 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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