6 Famous and Beautiful Churches To Visit in India

As Christianity is one of the popular religions in India – it contributes to 3 percent of its total population. On the eve of this beautiful festival, churches in India turn really gorgeous. To celebrate Christmas in India, you should visit these most famous churches where this festival shows a whole outlook about Christianity to people of other religions.

Most of the churches in India date back to 52 AD. It is said that St.Thomas introduced this new religious faith in India by founding few churches in Kerala. He motivated others to construct these places of worship in all over India to make them aware about Christianity. Due to the huge migration of Europeans, including British, Dutch, French and Portuguese, many churches were established in India. They introduced this new type of architectures that resulted in offering India some superb churches. At present, many of them have become a must visit place on Christmas Eve.

# Se Cathedral Church, Goa

Se Cathedral is supposed to be one of the largest churches of India, which is devoted to Catherine of Alexandria. This church was constructed to celebrate the victory of Portuguese over a Muslim army, leading to take over the Goa city in the year 1510. The day of this triumph was on the feast of Saint Catherine. So, the church was dedicated to her. The construction of this cathedral started in 1562 and completed by 1619. The church is 250 meters high and 181 meters wide. The key draw of attention of this church is its 'Golden Bell', which is supposed one of most beautiful bells of the world. There are some old paintings on main Altar of the church dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria. The church also houses the Cross of Miracles.

# St. George's Syro – Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Champakulam

It is one of the oldest Roman Catholic Churches in Kerala. It is the mother church of about all Catholic Syrian churches in Alleppey district of Kerala, which was considered to be established in AD 427. The building of this church has gone through several renovations since its construction time. Many archaeological artifacts were discovered around the church related to its history. In one of the renovations that this church has gone through, the picture of this Virgin was enclosed by sculptures and angels were included with the altar. There is a painting of Heaven over the wall behind the altar.

# Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni

Also known as Velankanni Church, Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is possibly one of the most admired churches in India. It is located in small Velankanni town of Tamil Nadu state. As per a local belief, apparitions of Mary have been witnessed. There is no historical record about the apparitions of Mary at Vailankanni. The Basilica features a Gothic style of architecture and boasts of three chapels. The whole architecture of this church is white in color, except some top part that is built of remarkable red color tiles.

# Roman Catholic Archdiocese, Imphal

Also known as St. Joseph's Cathedral, Roman Catholic Archdiocese is one of the most beautiful churches in India. It was founded as Diocese of Imphal on 28th March, 1980. The church is located at a distance of 5 km away from the main city of Mantripukhri, Imphal. Its splendid architecture turns into one of the most visited attractions of the city. The stunning building of the church enjoys hills in its backdrop giving enchanting and soothing effect.

# Basilica of the Holy Rosary Church, Bandel

The Basilica of the Holy Rosary is usually recognized as Bandel Church. It is one among the oldest Christian churches in the state of West Bengal. The church is a live proof of the Portuguese settlement in West Bengal. It was founded in 1599 and is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. It is a parish church, which is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta. Badel Church is one of the most remarkable historical churches not only in West Bengal but whole India as well.

# Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pondicherry

Immaculate Conception Cathedral is the cathedral mother church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Puducherry (formerly known as Pondicherry) and Cuddalore. It is famous as Samba Kovil, which derived from 'Saint Paul's Kovil'. The church has gone through several renovations and reconstructions. Current structure of the church has a strong similarity with a church in France. It was built in 1791 over the ruins of the previous church. The striking portico of the church features paired Doric columns. There is an iconic statue of Our Lady with little Jesus in her arms in front of the church.