As per popular belief, Christianity came to India in 52 AD via Apostle Saint Thomas, a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is said that Thomas sailed from Eastern Asia to Kerala and showed many miracles to the people there, after which they accepted the faith. Today, the country is speckled with churches and prayer houses that invite devotees from far and wide. The state of Goa is the best place to tread on a spiritual trail. Probably the most famous church in Goa and one of the most revered by Christians globally, the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa is famed for housing the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. This complex, along with some other churches of Old Goa, features on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Its exterior facade, built using black granite, is noted for Baroque architecture combined with Doric, Corinthian and composite influences.
 
Another stopover is the Church of St Francis of Assisi that was established by eight Franciscan friars who arrived in Goa in 1517. Retaining the Portuguese-Manueline style portal of its older structure, which was built in 1665, the Church of St Francis of Assisi, offers a fascinating visual contrast between its simple exterior facade and its lavish Baroque interior. Featuring Corinthian influences, the interior is beautifully decorated. The main altar is the highlight, with a large statue of St Francis of Assisi above it, along with another of Jesus Christ. It is flanked on either side by paintings on wood depicting the life and times of its patron saint.
 
Located in the state capital of Panaji, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church is believed to have been originally built as a chapel in 1541, to serve the religious requirements of the Portuguese sailors. The chapel eventually became a parish in 1600 and nine years later, it was replaced by a church. Its symmetrical zigzag stairway was constructed in the 18th century. The church is believed to have been modelled after the Bom Jesus de Braga in Portugal, with one middle and four side landings in perfect symmetry.
 
A beautiful Roman catholic cathedral in pristine white, San Thomas Basilica, in Chennai, has a Portuguese origin, and dates back to the 16th century. It was rebuilt in Neo-Gothic style in 1896 and is said to be the final resting place of St Thomas, the Apostle. A small cross on the tomb wall contains a tiny bone fragment referred to as the ‘Relic of St Thomas’. An underground tomb chapel is worshipped here and the devout believe that sand from the tomb has miraculous healing powers. A beautiful stained glass window at the basilica portrays the story of St Thomas and the central hall has 14 wooden plaques that depict the stations of the cross.
 
One of the eight magnificent Basilicas in India, Santa Cruz Basilica, in Kochi, Kerala, was constructed by the Portuguese in 1505. Boasting two lofty spires that can be seen from a distance, this pristine white structure has a contrasting vividly painted interior. The overwhelming arches and the altar add medieval touches to the church's architecture. Tourists would be especially awed by seven canvas paintings that have been inspired by the 'Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci. As you gaze at the mesmeric ceiling, beautifully adorned with paintings depicting scenes from the Via Crucis of Christ, you are left marvelling at the skill of the artisans of that time. Don't miss out the intricate wall carvings and stained glass windows that enhance the beauty of the church.
 
One of the oldest churches built by Europeans in India, St Francis Church, in Kerala, is known for its beautiful design and ambience. Boasting a lofty structure with a gable roof framed with timber and covered with tiles, the church has two steeped pinnacles on either side of the facade. It was built by Portuguese Franciscans friars’ group in 1503. 
 
Taking pride of place in Dalhousie's (in Himachal Pradesh) Subhas Chowk is the beautiful St Francis Church. It is a stunning structure boasting exquisite interior stoneworks and multicoloured Belgian glass decorations, making it a favourite haunt of art and architecture lovers. The exterior is the perfect representation of Victorian-era architecture and the church looks picturesque framed against tall deodar trees. Even the interior walls are adorned with words and illustrations narrating the history of the establishment.
 
Nestled amongst tall coniferous and pine trees is the St John in the Wilderness Church, in Chamba (in Himachal Pradesh), widely known for its architectural intricacies and Gothic style. The beautiful polished wood of the altar railings and the brass oil lamps along with intricate stained glass windows are particularly attractive and diminish the forbidding appearance of the stone building. A huge church bell near the entrance was brought specially from England in 1915. 
 
One of the oldest churches in Delhi, dating back to the 19th century, St James Church is a prominent site on the tourist circuit. Located amidst the bustling neighbourhood of Kashmiri Gate, the church has a serene and tranquil ambience that draws visitors from all over the area. It boasts a charming facade and has been built in a Renaissance Revival style on a cruciform plan. It boasts three exquisite porticoes entrances, an octagonal dome in the centre and delicate stained glass windows above the altar. Other notable features are a cross hanging on the top and a copper ball, both of which are believed to be inspired by the facets of a church in Venice.
 
One of the most prominent stopovers of Kolkata, the Armenian Church is located at Armenian Street, near the Howrah Bridge. It is believed to be the oldest church in the city and was built in 1764. The architecture of the church is a visual treat and the interior is decorated with marble, while the overhead gallery is adorned with mural tablets. There is a cross at the altar of this church, with the Gospels and 12 candlesticks representing the Christ and the Apostles. Besides, you will find three oil paintings that represent the Holy Trinity. 
 
Cathedral Mary Help of Christians is the primary place of worship for Catholics in Shillong. It is one of the oldest churches in the archdiocese and in all of Northeast India. The church was built over 50 years ago and invites people of all cultures and creeds. With its high arches and stained glass windows, the church is said to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the city of Shillong.