DON’T MISS THESE HOLY CHURCHES TO VISIT IN INDIA DURING CHRISTMAS

Jingle bells, fairy lights, and bags filled with anticipation are the perfect way to usher in the Christmas season! December is here, and the air is already starting to feel festive. And what’s the better way to get into the holiday spirit than to visit one of India’s majestic cathedrals, which are decked up in holiday décor and are lit up like stars? You may also take advantage of the serene ambience by doing some meditation or singing along to Christmas carols! So, here is a list of a few secret churches you really must see during Christmas in India.

India is home to several ancient and revered churches. Let’s explore these top five churches with City First to visit during Christmas in India if you’re seeking a place to attend midnight mass as Christmas approaches.

JOHN IN THE WILDERNESS CHURCH, DHARAMSHALA
A historic Anglican church called St. John in the Wilderness Church is located in McLeodganj, a beautiful valley about 8 kilometres from Dharamshala. The church is renowned for its magnifi cent design and neo-gothic architecture. It is one of the nicest churches to visit during Christmas in India is without a doubt, St. John. St. John Wilderness Church, which is nestled in a stunning picturesque location, will undoubtedly provide you with a sense of serenity and calm, making it one of the ideal churches to visit during Christmas in India. Although it appears to be an ancient and abandoned structure from the outside, the interiors are well-kept and quite lively.

BASILICA OF BOM JESUS, GOA
India’s most distinctive example of baroque architecture is the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church in Goa. One of the nicest churches to visit during Christmas in India is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The beginning of Christianity in India corresponds with the construction of this church, which was started in 1594 and fi nished in 1605. The only church in Old Goa without the words “Holy Jesus” painted on the outside is this one. The Jesuit emblem, which stands for “Jesus, Saviour of Men,” is beautifully carved onto the triangular roof of the church as the initials “IHS,” which stands for “Jesus, Saviour of Men.” Check out the New Year Edition to learn about the interesting locations to visit in India as we enter 2022.

CHRIST CHURCH, SHIMLA
It is the most well-known landmark in Shimla and one of India's most obvious symbols of British rule. Anyone travelling to Shimla should visit this wonderful building, which is created in the Neo-Gothic architectural style. For additional information, please check out these 9 locations in India where you may see magnifi cent snowfall. The silhouette of the yellow structure in Shimla can be seen from miles away, and it is regularly fi lled with admirers of architecture. Shimla Christ Church features fi ve stained glass windows that represent different Christian qualities, a front porch, and church bells in a neo-gothic form. It is open every day for services and is now the only venue of worship for Christians.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL, PONDICHERRY
In Puducherry, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral is a well-known monument. Any visitor to the Cathedral would be mesmerised by its architecture, drawn to its serene surroundings and compelled to stay by its gorgeous interiors. The history of the church is intriguing. Before being demolished by different groups, it had been successfully erected three times. But once it was completed for the fourth time, it rose to prominence as one of Pondicherry's most signifi cant and stunning tourist destinations and one of the top places to go during Christmas in India. Check out the best road trip ideas for the new year to learn more.

PAUL CATHEDRAL, KOLKATA
This enormous colonial-era building in the centre of the city transports you back in time. This is one of the fi rst locations travellers want to see when they get to Kolkata. The Christmas season, when the cathedral, surrounding gardens, and nearby streets are all fl ooded with light and happiness, is when it is at its most beautiful. It is the fi rst Episcopalian church in Asia and was constructed largely to serve Calcutta's expanding Christian population. The Indo-Gothic architecture of the building has a cascading white superstructure, a lofty spire, and vibrantly coloured windows. It features a spacious nave, a spectacular altar, a chancel, and sculptures and paintings that illustrate pivotal moments in Christian history.