Things to Do in San Thome Cathedral

San Thome Cathedral sits over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle—one of only three churches worldwide built on an apostle's burial site. Chennai, India's fourth-largest city, stretches along the Bay of Bengal mixing ancient temples, colonial buildings, and modern urban energy. Total cultural chaos. The city anchors Tamil Nadu's cultural scene, where classical Carnatic music flows from concert halls and filter coffee mingles with sea breezes. The cathedral's white neo-Gothic towers rise against the coastal skyline, while intricate wooden carvings and stained glass windows inside tell the story of Christianity's early arrival in India. Worth the visit.

Authentic Tamil food dominates Chennai's dining scene, with crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, and aromatic sambar available everywhere from Saravana Bhavan to small local joints. The city takes filter coffee seriously. You'll find perfect cups at traditional coffee houses and modern cafes, while Chettinad food offers spicier options with rich gravies and unique spice blends. Street food thrives along Marina Beach and in Mylapore areas, where you can sample sundal (spiced legumes) to fresh coconut water—international food increasingly appears in malls and upscale neighborhoods.

Visit Chennai between November and February when temperatures stay manageable (20-30°C) and humidity drops significantly. March to May brings brutal heat and humidity with temperatures hitting 40°C, while monsoon season from June to September delivers heavy rains that disrupt travel but provide heat relief. Winter months are perfect. They coincide with the city's cultural season featuring numerous classical music and dance performances that add serious depth to your visit.