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4 hours
Mobile ticket
Visit a Minor Basilica situated in the small village of Poondi in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The Basilica dates back to the 18th century when an Italian Jesuit missionary, Fr. C.J. Beschi, visited India to spread Christianity. The present day Basilica was built in 1890 and is a brilliant piece of neo-Gothic architecture.
Highlights
• Gothic and French architectural style
• Relic of the True Cross
• Statue of our Lady of Lourdes
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for participants with back problems.
Consider wearing comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Poondi Madha Church
You will be picked up from your hotel in Trichy and driven to the village of Poondi, an hour’s drive away. The Basilica is a great piece of Gothic and French architectural styles and has a main tower that is 220 feet high. A row of statues of the 12 Apostles along with statues of St. Francis Xavier and Fr. C.J. Beschi stand above the portico of the Basilica. Under the dome of the Basilica is the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, one of the three original statues that were made in France after the apparition of Our Lady at Lourdes. The Basilica also contains a relic of the True Cross, believed to be the one on which Christ was crucified. The shrine was declared a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1999 and is a pilgrimage center for Catholics. After your visit, enjoy lunch (own expense) at a local restaurant. After lunch you will be driven back to Trichy and dropped off at your hotel.
Price per person for 1-8 travelers Pickup included
Bottled water
02 bottles of mineral water per person
Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food or drink, unless specified
Gratuities
Guide
Select a pickup point
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
James R,Feb 15, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
It is a place of pilgrimage and devotion for Catholics from all over peninsular India. Extended and renovated a couple of years ago, it also has the tomb of the Marian visionary Fr. Lourdu Xavier. The altar is very well made. And behind the altar is the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes Poondi. The place is about 50kms from Trichy.
Operated by SITA World Tours