The most beautiful churches to visit in India include the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral in Old Goa, Christ Church in Shimla, St Paul’s Cathedral in Kolkata, three historic churches in Kochi and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Puducherry. Most date from the Portuguese, French or British eras and are open to visitors.
We first published this list in 2021. This 2026 update corrects a few dates, adds the key details you need before you go and notes the 2024 to 2025 exposition of St Francis Xavier’s relics in Goa, the biggest church event India has seen in a decade.
Quick facts: beautiful churches in India at a glance
| Church | City | Built or consecrated | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basilica of Bom Jesus | Old Goa | Begun 1594, consecrated 1605 | Relics of St Francis Xavier |
| Se Cathedral | Old Goa | Begun 1562, consecrated 1640 | The Golden Bell |
| Christ Church | Shimla | Consecrated 1857 | Stained glass windows |
| St Paul’s Cathedral | Kolkata | Consecrated 1847 | 61-metre spire |
| St Francis Church | Fort Kochi | Originally built 1503 | Vasco da Gama’s first grave |
| Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica | Fort Kochi | Founded 1505, rebuilt and consecrated 1905 | Painted interiors |
| Immaculate Conception Cathedral | Puducherry | Consecrated 1791 | Local name Samba Kovil |
| Vallarpadam Basilica | Kochi | Present church after the 1676 flood | National pilgrim shrine |
1. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa is the most famous church in India. Work began in 1594 and Archbishop Aleixo de Menezes consecrated it in May 1605. It is a fine example of Baroque architecture and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the churches and convents of Goa.
The basilica holds the body of St Francis Xavier. Once a decade, the relics are taken out for a public exposition. The 18th Solemn Exposition began on 21 November 2024 and ran into January 2025, with the relics shown at Se Cathedral for veneration. The next one is expected around 2034.
2. Se Cathedral, Goa
A short walk from Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral is dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria. The Portuguese honoured her because Afonso de Albuquerque’s victory in Goa in 1510 fell on her feast day. Construction began in 1562, the building was completed in 1619 and it was consecrated in 1640.
It is a huge building, about 76 metres long and 55 metres wide. The tower holds the Golden Bell, known for its rich tone. The outside follows the Tuscan order and the inside is Corinthian.
3. Christ Church, Shimla
Christ Church stands on the Ridge in Shimla and is the town’s best-known landmark. Its foundation stone was laid in 1844 and Bishop Thomas Daltrey consecrated it on 10 January 1857. It is often called the second oldest church in North India, after St John’s Church in Meerut.
Look for the five stained glass windows, one of which shows Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience and Humility. Lockwood Kipling designed the chancel window. The clock was added in 1860.
4. St Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
St Paul’s Cathedral sits on the southern edge of the Maidan, close to the Victoria Memorial. The foundation stone was laid in 1839 and the cathedral was consecrated on 8 October 1847. Major William Nairn Forbes designed it in the Indo-Gothic style, adapting Gothic Revival to the Indian climate.
The spire rises about 61 metres. After the 1934 earthquake, the tower was rebuilt along the lines of the central tower of Canterbury Cathedral. The West Window by Morris and Co. follows a design by Edward Burne-Jones.
5. St Francis Church, Kochi
St Francis Church in Fort Kochi was originally built in 1503 and is one of the oldest European churches in India. Today it is known as St Francis CSI Church, under the Church of South India.
Its biggest story is Vasco da Gama. The Portuguese explorer died in Kochi in 1524 and was first buried here. About fourteen years later, his remains were taken back to Lisbon.
6. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kochi
The Portuguese laid the foundation of Santa Cruz on 4 May 1505. The British later demolished the original church, and the present building was commissioned in 1887 and consecrated on 19 November 1905. Pope John Paul II raised it to a basilica in 1984.
The white exterior with two spires hides a colourful interior. Inside, you will find frescoes, seven large canvas paintings of the Passion of Christ, a Last Supper painting modelled on Leonardo da Vinci’s work and stained glass windows. A granite pillar from the 1505 church still stands in the grounds.
7. Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Puducherry
This cathedral is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore. An earlier church on the site was destroyed by the British in 1761. The present building rose on its foundations and was consecrated on 20 June 1791. The bell tower came later.
Locals call it Samba Kovil, a twist on “Saint Paul’s Kovil”. It is one of the oldest tourist sites in Puducherry, and Mother Teresa visited it. Masses are held in Tamil and English.
8. Vallarpadam Basilica, Kochi
The National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom stands in Vallarpadam, a suburb of Ernakulam in Kochi. The earlier church was destroyed in a flood in 1676 and the present church was built on donated land. A sanctuary lamp is said to have burned day and night since 1676.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India declared it a national shrine in September 2004, and Pope John Paul II made it a minor basilica in December 2004. It draws about 5 million pilgrims a year. The main feast runs from 16 to 24 September.
Tips for visiting churches in India
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, especially during Mass.
- Check timings: many churches close to tourists during services.
- Plan Goa and Kochi as clusters: Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral are a short walk apart, as are St Francis and Santa Cruz in Fort Kochi.
- Feast days: Vallarpadam is busiest from 16 to 24 September, so plan around it if you want a quiet visit.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is the most beautiful church in India?
The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa is the most famous. It is a UNESCO World Heritage church that holds the body of St Francis Xavier.
Which is the oldest church in India built by Europeans?
St Francis Church in Fort Kochi, originally built in 1503, is one of the oldest European churches in India.
When is the next exposition of St Francis Xavier in Goa?
The exposition is held once a decade. The 18th one ran from 21 November 2024 into January 2025, so the next is expected around 2034.
Which church in Kolkata is most famous?
St Paul’s Cathedral, consecrated in 1847 near the Victoria Memorial, is Kolkata’s best-known church and a major city landmark.
Sources: Wikipedia: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Wikipedia: Se Cathedral, Vatican News, Wikipedia: Christ Church, Shimla.
