5 churches in India to visit during Christmas
Christmas is just round the corner and if your itinerary for Christmas Eve and Christmas only include going to a club or a house party, you are not doing it right. Visit a church this 25th. It's a Sunday, the weather is great in most parts of the country; and India has quite a few beautiful churches that you can pay a visit to this Christmas.
(It's too late for this Christmas, but if you plan to travel abroad during the end of December in future, earmark these Christmas markets.)
Check out some of the famous churches in India:
- Sacred Heart Cathedral, New Delhi
This is one of Delhi's oldest churches, located at Connaught Place. It is also best known for its Christmas Vigil service, which takes place an hour before midnight on Christmas Eve, December 24.
- Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu
This church is situated in a small town called Velankanni in Tamil Nadu. Locals believe that they have witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary here. It is also known for its architecture: gothic-style, with white and red tiles.
- Christ Church, Shimla
Christ Church is one of the oldest churches in North India and, in fact, one of the best churches to visit during Christmas in India. The British established it in 1857 to serve the area's considerable Anglican British community. It is the most well-known landmark in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, and one of India's most obvious relics of British colonialism. The church was created in the neo-Gothic architectural style, painted yellow.
Famous Bollywood films, including Black and 3 Idiots, which were shot here, have made its popularity soar even further among tourists.
- St Paul's Cathedral, Kolkata
Christmas is an altogether different vibe in Kolkata and Kolkata's St Paul's Cathedral is one of the most famous tourist spots in the city during the Christmas week. It is Asia's first Episcopalian church, built primarily to serve Calcutta's growing Christian community. The church's history dates back to colonial times, and it is especially beautiful during the Christmas season when the cathedral, nearby gardens and neighbouring streets are all decked up. (Travel tip: If you're in Kolkata during Christmas, don't miss the celebrations at Park Street.)
- Moravian Church, Leh, Ladakh
Moravian Church in Leh, Ladakh, is one of India's highest churches, standing at an elevation of almost 11,000 feet. The church is the most primitive and one of India's tiniest protestant denominations. It is a terrific venue for city residents to celebrate Christmas at.
(What have you planned for Christmas? Let us know in the comments.)