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Medak Cathedral travel guide

Medak Cathedral is the best-known sight in the small town of Medak, north of Hyderabad. Built in a Gothic Revival style with a tall spire and rows of stained-glass windows, it is one of the largest churches in India and the seat of the CSI Diocese of Medak, often called Asia's largest single diocese. It is a calm and impressive place to visit, whatever your faith.

Medak Cathedral
Consecrated
1924
Size
About 200 ft long and 100 ft wide
Capacity
About 5,000 people
Best time
October to February
Nearest airport
Hyderabad

History

The church was built under the direction of Charles Walker Posnett, a Methodist missionary from Britain who worked in the region, and was consecrated in 1924. Construction took place over several years and is remembered locally for providing work and food to people during hard times.

What to see

The building is about 200 feet long and 100 feet wide and can seat around 5,000 worshippers. Grey stone pillars support the galleries, and the floor is laid with coloured mosaic tiles brought from England. The stained-glass windows show scenes from the life of Christ and glow beautifully in early morning and late afternoon light.

The roof uses special vent covers and sound-absorbing material, so speech and music carry clearly through the huge hall. Outside, the bell tower and spire can be seen from well across town.

Tips for your visit

Dress modestly and keep noise low, especially during services. Photography is usually allowed outside, but ask before taking pictures inside. Christmas and Easter bring very large crowds; on other days the church is quiet, and early mornings are the most peaceful. Allow around an hour to walk around the building and grounds. October to February is the most comfortable season for travel in Telangana.

How to reach

Medak lies roughly 100 km north of Hyderabad, which has the nearest airport and main railway stations. Regular buses run between Hyderabad and Medak, and a car takes around two to three hours. You can combine the cathedral with Medak Fort in the same day, and we can arrange a car from Hyderabad.

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