Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes Poondi: Neo-Gothic shrine tour
A 220-foot Gothic tower, a relic of the True Cross, and one of three original statues from Lourdes
This tour takes you from your Trichy hotel to the Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes in the village of Poondi, an hour's drive away, where you'll see a 19th-century neo-Gothic shrine built by an Italian Jesuit missionary. The Basilica stands 220 feet high and holds a relic believed to be the True Cross, plus one of three original statues carved in France after the apparition at Lourdes. A live English-speaking guide leads the visit, and lunch at a local restaurant is included before the drive back to your hotel.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Visit Basilica and return to hotel
- Pick up from hotel in Trichy
- Drive to Poondi village
- Visit Basilica Of Our Lady Of Lourdes
- See Gothic and French architecture
- View statue of Our Lady of Lourdes
- Observe relic of the True Cross
- Enjoy included lunch at local restaurant
- Drive back to Trichy
- Drop off at hotel
The experience
How do you reach a pilgrimage site without arranging your own transport? Hotel pickup from Trichy settles that: a private air-conditioned vehicle collects you and drives the hour to Poondi, where the Basilica sits in a small village. The building itself is the draw: neo-Gothic and French in style, with a main tower that rises 220 feet and a row of statues of the 12 Apostles, St. Francis Xavier and Fr. C.J. Beschi standing above the portico. Inside the dome is the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, one of only three original statues made in France after the apparition. The Basilica also houses a relic of the True Cross, the one Catholics believe was used in the crucifixion.
The shrine was declared a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1999 and draws pilgrims year-round. After your visit with the guide, lunch at a local restaurant follows (beverages are not included), and then the drive returns you to your Trichy hotel. Two bottles of mineral water per person come with the tour. A dress code applies: no shorts or sleeveless tops. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Trichy.
- private air-conditioned vehicle transport.
- English-speaking guide.
- lunch at a local restaurant (beverage excluded).
- two bottles of mineral water per person.
Before you book
Prices and times updated 14 days ago
Operated by SITA World Tours
Is this one for you?You'll be picked up from your Trichy hotel, so you don't need a car or local transport to reach Poondi. The driver handles the hour's journey and brings you back after lunch, leaving you free to focus on the shrine itself.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.
What is the Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes in Poondi?
The Basilica is a neo-Gothic shrine built in 1890 by an Italian Jesuit missionary, Fr. C.J. Beschi, and declared a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1999. It stands 220 feet high and holds a relic of the True Cross and one of three original statues carved in France after the apparition at Lourdes.
How long does the drive from Trichy to Poondi take?
The drive from your Trichy hotel to Poondi is about an hour each way, with the full tour lasting around four hours including the visit, lunch and return transport.
What does lunch include on this tour?
Lunch is served at a local restaurant and is included in the tour price. Beverages are not included. Two bottles of mineral water per person are provided throughout the day.
What dress code applies when visiting the Basilica?
A dress code is required: no shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Is a guide included, and what language do they speak?
A live guide in English is included with the tour and leads the visit to the Basilica.
Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes Poondi: Neo-Gothic shrine tour
4h · EN
from US$ 196 per person