Vellore Visit 2026

The Diocese of Vellore, Church of South India

The Diocese of Vellore was formed in January 1976, from the Diocese of Madras.  The diocese centres around the town of Vellore in the north of Tamil Nadu.  Vellore is about 3 hours away from Chennai (Madras).  It is the home of the world famous Vellore Christian Medical College and hospital, and also the Vellore Institute of Technology.

The diocese’s vision is to reach to all the poorest and to offer them the love of Christ through education, training, help with farming practices, support for the environment as well as through sustaining village churches.  There is particular support for women and girls.

While we are in Vellore we will join in the Golden Jubilee celebrations with our friends.

We will find out more about the history of the Christian church in that area of India, and share something of our history and the history of the Christian church in Cambridgeshire as well.

We will find out what life and a life of faith looks like in Vellore and in Cambridgeshire

We will look together at the challenges we face in the future.

Some of our time will be meeting lay leaders in the Diocese of Vellore.  If you have particular interests that you would like to explore, let us know.

Join us if you would like to:

• Get to know other Christians in another country and another culture.

• Listen and learn together about our countries.

• Spend some time in prayer, and worship.

• Enjoy the sights and sounds of generations of history.

• Take the risk that your life might be changed.

The Cost 

£2,500 per participant, to cover all food, transport and accommodation and transport from a central point to the airport.  We request a deposit of £200 at the time of booking.

In addition, you will need: 

• To ensure  your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel.

• To arrange to receive the recommended inoculations.

• A visa to visit India (we will support you with this).  We will not buy plane tickets until visas have been obtained.

• Appropriate travel insurance, ensuring that all pre-existing conditions are covered.

• To be adaptable.

• To be willing to commit to some preparation sessions, at times to suit the whole group (these are important).

• To be open to all that God might offer to you and all God’s church through this encounter with other people.

• Listen respectfully in a country where Christians are in a minority.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be in modest hotels, with a degree of comfort and running water (most of the time).
Most meals will be Indian.

Booking

To book a place or to request more information download the booking form.