Charming Churches in India – My Top 5 List
I love visiting places of worship not for spirituality but for history and architecture. What I love about churches is the quietness inside, besides of course the artistry – the frescoes, tinted glass and paintings. Here’s a list of the most beautiful churches in India that I’ve seen. Please feel free to suggest your favorites in the comments section.
Table of Contents
St Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
St Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata. Photo taken in May 2019. A memorable trip with my mom-dad
One of the most austere architectures I have seen in Indian churches, St Paul’s Cathedral is built in “Indo-Gothic” style. IT’s the French Gothic style of architecture suited to Indian climate. Located in the heart of the city surrounded by other architectural marvels like Victoria Memorial, Birla Planetarium and Prinsep ghats, you should not miss this place on your trip to Kolkata. The garden is as impressive as the church itself.
The interior of the church (where photography is prohibited) has a huge nave, an altar and chancel, along with carvings and paintings depicting events of Christian history. The cathedral complex also houses several memorabilia of past congregants and a library where books as old as the church’s foundation time still exist donated by founding member Bishop Wilson.
Check out the complete Kolkata travel guide.
Mount Mary’s cathedral, Mumbai
Mount Mary’s Church, Mumbai. Photo taken in the Christmas 2011. The crowd was overwhelming!
Located on a small hillock at about 80 metres above the sea level in Bandra, Mount Mary Church is an architectural landmark of Mumbai. We visited the church on Christmas eve , beating a huge queue outside. The magnanimous size of the cathedral overwhelmed me at the very first sight.
The current structure of the basilica is 100 years old however, the original chapel had existed since the 16th century and the original statue of the Virgin Mary was shipped in from Portugal by a Jesuit priest. This too is an impressive semi-Gothic structure with intricate designs carved all over.
St. Philomena’s Church, Mysore
St. Philomena’s Cathedral in Mysore. CC. Pixabay. I lost the pics from my trip to this church
St. Philomena’s Cathedral located in the heart of the city is one of the most impressive churches in India. It was built in 1936 in Neo-Gothic style inspired by the Cologne Cathedral of Germany. Don’t miss visiting this stunning piece of architecture on your trip to Mysore.
Bassilica of Bom Jesus
Inside the Cathedral. Photo taken on December 2018
The churches and convents of old Goa have been accorded with the UNESCO world heritage status. Built in the 16th and 17th centuries they are some of the finest Portuguese architecture in the world. You must include a trip to this church in your Goa itinerary.
The most attractive structure here is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, also called St. Francis Xavier’s tomb which was completed in 1605. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the subcontinent. The other two important structures which are a part of the World UNESCO group of monuments in Goa are the Se Cathedral and St Augustine’s tower both of which lie opposite to the Basilica.
Our Lady of Immaculate conception, Goa
When in Panjim you cannot miss the beautiful church of “Our Lady of Immaculate Conception” which was built in the 16th century. The church is whitewashed and so well-maintained that there is no way to say that it is so old. The church looked exceptionally beautiful decked with Christmas lighting when we visited. Close to it is the Panjim market, Miramar Beach, Mandovi river cruise and some of the best hotels to stay in Goa.
Special Mentions
The beautiful French colonial architecture of Pondicherry.
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Such a beautiful blog, loving it! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much.
My nani used to live at a walking distance from Mount Mary church. I have spent many a summer vacation evening lighting candles there. It’s one of my favourite churches <3
Thanks for your comment Suchita. The church is gorgeous.
Churches are the place where you will have peace all over. There is a humming tune of spirituality and your prayer will give you peace that you have been seeking for long. A very good collection from you Sinjana.
I’m such a fan of church architecture and really loved finding out about these churches!