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San Thome Cathedral, India - Things to Do in San Thome Cathedral

Things to Do in San Thome Cathedral

San Thome Cathedral, India - Complete Travel Guide

San Thome Cathedral, located in Chennai (formerly Madras), Tamil Nadu, stands as one of India's most significant Christian pilgrimage sites and architectural marvels. Built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have brought Christianity to India in 52 AD, this neo-Gothic cathedral attracts thousands of devotees and history enthusiasts from around the world. The current structure, completed in 1896, replaced an earlier 16th-century Portuguese church and serves as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore. Chennai, India's fourth-largest city and the capital of Tamil Nadu, seamlessly blends ancient Dravidian culture with modern metropolitan life. Known as the 'Detroit of India' for its automobile industry and the 'Cultural Capital of South India' for its classical music and dance traditions, Chennai offers visitors a rich tapestry of experiences. From its pristine beaches along the Bay of Bengal to its magnificent temples, vibrant markets, and thriving arts scene, the city provides an authentic glimpse into both traditional and contemporary Indian life.

Top Things to Do in San Thome Cathedral

Explore San Thome Cathedral and Museum

Visit the magnificent neo-Gothic cathedral built over St. Thomas's tomb, featuring beautiful stained glass windows, intricate architecture, and a fascinating museum. The underground chapel houses the saint's remains, while the museum displays ancient artifacts, manuscripts, and religious relics that tell the story of Christianity's arrival in India.

Booking Tip: Entry to the cathedral is free, but the museum charges a nominal fee of ₹10-20. Visit during early morning (6-8 AM) or evening (5-7 PM) for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Photography inside may require permission.

Discover Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Explore this stunning 7th-century Dravidian temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in nearby Mylapore. The temple features a magnificent 37-meter tall gopuram (tower) adorned with colorful sculptures and hosts vibrant festivals throughout the year, offering insight into Chennai's rich Hindu heritage.

Booking Tip: Temple entry is free, but camera fees apply (₹50-100). Visit during evening aarti (7-8 PM) for the most atmospheric experience. Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering. Local guides available for ₹200-300.

Stroll Along Marina Beach

Walk along one of the world's longest urban beaches stretching 13 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal. The beach offers stunning sunrise views, local street food vendors, and various recreational activities, making it a perfect spot for evening relaxation and people-watching.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free. Best visited during early morning (5-7 AM) or evening (4-7 PM) to avoid heat. Avoid swimming due to strong currents. Street food costs ₹20-100 per item. Horse riding available for ₹100-200.

Experience Fort St. George and Museum

Visit India's first British fortress, built in 1644, which now houses a museum showcasing colonial artifacts, weapons, and historical documents. The complex includes St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India, and offers fascinating insights into Chennai's colonial past.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs ₹15 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM. Photography charges extra (₹25-50). Allow 2-3 hours for complete exploration. Audio guides available for ₹100.

Savor Local Cuisine in Mylapore

Embark on a culinary journey through Chennai's food capital, sampling authentic South Indian delicacies like filter coffee, idli, dosa, and traditional Chettinad cuisine. The area around San Thome offers numerous restaurants and street food stalls serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialties.

Booking Tip: Street food costs ₹30-100 per dish, restaurant meals ₹200-800. Best food tours operate 6-9 PM. Book through local operators for ₹1500-2500 per person. Always choose busy stalls for freshest food. Carry hand sanitizer.

Getting There

Chennai is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Chennai International Airport (MAA) is about 16 km from San Thome Cathedral, with regular flights from major Indian cities and international destinations. The city has two main railway stations - Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore - both connected to San Thome via local trains and buses. From the airport, take the metro, taxi (₹400-600), or bus (₹70-100) to reach the cathedral. The nearest metro station is Thirumayilai, about 2 km away.

Getting Around

Chennai offers various transportation options including the efficient metro system, suburban trains, buses, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber. The metro is the most convenient for tourists, with air-conditioned coaches and reasonable fares (₹10-60). Auto-rickshaws are ideal for short distances but negotiate fares beforehand (₹20-150 for local trips). City buses are economical (₹5-25) but can be crowded. For comfort, use app-based cabs or rent a car with driver (₹2000-3000 per day).

Where to Stay

Mylapore (near San Thome Cathedral)
Marina Beach area
T. Nagar (shopping district)
Anna Nagar (upscale residential)
Egmore (budget-friendly, near railway)
Adyar (riverside, peaceful)

Food & Dining

Chennai's culinary scene centers around authentic South Indian cuisine, with Mylapore area near San Thome offering excellent traditional restaurants and street food. Must-try dishes include masala dosa, filter coffee, Chettinad chicken, and fresh seafood from Marina Beach vendors. High-end restaurants in hotels serve multi-cuisine options, while local eateries like Saravana Bhavan and Murugan Idli Shop offer authentic vegetarian fare. The area around San Thome has numerous small restaurants serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian South Indian specialties at affordable prices (₹100-400 per meal).

Top-Rated Restaurants in Chennai

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Annalakshmi Restaurant

4.5 /5
(12566 reviews) 3

Kailash Parbat- Pure Vegetarian Restaurant

4.7 /5
(7743 reviews) 3

Avartana

4.7 /5
(4955 reviews)

Savya Rasa

4.5 /5
(3820 reviews) 4

Broken Bridge Cafe Indian Restaurant

4.6 /5
(2530 reviews) 3
cafe meal_takeaway

Dakshin

4.6 /5
(2213 reviews) 4

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When to Visit

The best time to visit San Thome Cathedral and Chennai is from November to February when the weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C and low humidity. This period coincides with the festival season, including the annual feast of St. Thomas (July 3rd, but celebrated throughout the year). March to May can be extremely hot and humid (35-45°C), while June to October brings monsoon rains. December and January are ideal for sightseeing, with comfortable weather for exploring outdoor attractions and attending cultural events.

Insider Tips

Visit San Thome Cathedral during the evening mass (6:30 PM) to experience the spiritual atmosphere and hear beautiful hymns in Tamil and English
Combine your cathedral visit with exploring the traditional Mylapore neighborhood, including the weekly market on Thursdays and the ancient Kapaleeshwarar Temple just 500 meters away
Try the famous filter coffee at Saravana Bhavan or local street vendors near the cathedral - Chennai's coffee culture is legendary and costs only ₹15-30 per cup

Explore Activities in San Thome Cathedral