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Exploration of the Top 16 famous churches in Kerala

1. St. Mary’s Basilica, Ernakulam

2. Malayattoor Church

3. Parumala Church

4. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kochi

5. St. George’s Forane Church, Edappally

6. Kottayam Cheriapally (St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church)

7. Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam

8. St. Antony’s Forane Church, Ollur

9. St. Mary’s Church, Manarcad

10. St. Sebastian’s Church, Palayur

11. St. George’s Church, Puthuppally

12. St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam

13. St. Anthony’s Church, Kothamangalam

14. St. Thomas Marthoma Church, Kothamangalam

15. Vallarpadam Church

16. St. Thomas Church in Palayoo

What To Expect while visiting the Keralian churches?

1. Exploring the ancient and historical cultures in Kerala

2. Experiencing the local culture and history

3. Scenic features and beauties

Explore 16 Famous Churches In Kerala: Must Visit Sacred Sites

Q: Which is the biggest church in Kerala?

The biggest church in Kerala is St. George’s Forane Church, Edappally and it is situated in the sub-urban place of Edappally in Kochi. This church is known for its large size and magnificent architecture. It can be counted as the cultural center in Kerala. Moreover, it is a must-visit place during visiting in Kerala.

Q: Are these churches open to visitors?

Yes, most of the churches are open to all visitors. However, some have specific times of visiting during the day. Visitors are mostly attracted due to their scenic beauty, architectural values, and religious offerings. It is needed for all visitors to maintain silence and dress decorum while visiting such places.

Q: What are some of the famous churches in Kerala?

Some of the famous churches in Kerala are St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi, Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, St. Mary’s Basilica, Ernakulam and St. George’s Forane Church, Edappally.

Q: Are any Christian festivals or events celebrated in Kerala’s churches?

Yes, Kerala’s churches celebrate different Christian festivals throughout the years. The birth ceremony of Jesus is joyously celebrated in Kerala churches, with lights and decorations. Churches host midnight Mass, carol singing, and nativity scenes during the Christmas season. The annual feast of St. George at Edappally Church is one of Kerala’s most remarkable Christian festivals. Easter is also celebrated in these churches with holy offerings and processions. Along with that, the Feast of Saint Sebastian is celebrated in various parts of Keralian churches and attracts many people around the world.

Did you know that the oldest church, rather than the 1st ever church that was built in India was the St. Thomas Church in Palayoor district of Kerala? What’s more astonishing is that this church was built in the 1st century, way before the Western colonizers even had set foot in India.

Thus, exploring the ancient churches in Kerala is something not to be missed in your Kerala Trip Package. The colonial architecture of these churches not only takes you back in history but also provides a sense of peace with their perfect setting amidst nature.

Exploration of the Top 16 famous churches in Kerala

Kerala is a versatile state in southern India and is famous for its natural scenic beauty. It is popularly called “God’s own country” as its landscape is dotted with lakes, lush tropical vegetation, and earthy backwaters.

Several places to visit in Kerala attract thousands of travelers from around the world as this state offers a perfect combination of nature, heritage, culture, relaxation, and of course food! The must-visit churches here add an extra layer that showcases the influence of the Western colonizers, thus adding more to your amazing Kerala holidays.

So, here’s a list of some of the most beautiful and must-visit churches in Kerala for you:

1. St. Mary’s Basilica, Ernakulam

Our journey will begin at St. Mary’s Basilica in Ernakulam. This can be termed a place of devotion and during visiting Kerala, it is a must-visit. It has such abilities to take you back to the 9th century. It is still there as a testament to the Christian heritage in Kerala. We can be greeted there by towering spires, stone walls, glass windows, and golden hues within the ornate altar. We can spend all of the morning with the hymn of holy prayers. It is one of the famous ancient churches in Kerala.

Location– Church Street High Court Junction, Broadway, Marine Drive, Ernakulam,
Nearest railway station– Ernakulam Junction
Timing- 10.00 am to 10.00 pm

2. Malayattoor Church

Malayattoor Church can be an amazing experience while visiting Kerala. The murmuring of prayer can fill the soles with a sense of purity and reverence. This place is considered one of the oldest churches in Kerala. You can Come to Malayattoor Church in Kerala for peace, then go out to see all the cool activities Kerala has!

Location- Malayattoor, Kochi, Ernakulam District,
Nearest railway station- Angamaly Railway Station
Timing- 6.30 AM to 9.30 AM

3. Parumala Church

During this visit, you can expect a new story in every scenery. This place is counted within the list of Catholic churches in Kerala. This place is known for its gothic style crafting and this place is counted within the list of the most iconic Famous Churches in Kerala.

Location– Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta
Nearest railway station– Chengannur Railway Station
Timing– 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM.

Also Read: A Gastronomic Journey Of The Best Dishes In Kerala Cuisine

4. Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kochi

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica ob, Kochi one of the best churches in Kerala, can be an amazing place to view the silent sentinel of the colonial history of Kerala. One can enjoy, a warm cup of tea, by being a spectator of this Portuguese masterpiece of architecture. One can enjoy, the scenic beauty and smell of history with a bowl of Appam here. It is one of the famous churches in Kochi. It is one of the oldest churches in Kerala.

Location– Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta
Nearest railway station– Chengannur Railway Station
Timing– 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM

5. St. George’s Forane Church, Edappally

St. George’s Forane Church, Edappally will be the next destination of our journey. It is devoted to the warriors and patron saints. It is situated in the middle of the green Keralian Valley and holds the aura of spirituality and the smell of ancient history. It is covered with the hymn of history and a serene ambiance makes this place significantly different from other places. Edapally is the patron saint whose name has been used to title this church, the gothic structural attributes and euro-Kerala architecture are admirable and make the tourists spend a night here. This is accounted as the oldest catholic church in Kerala as also listed in counting the Must-visit Churches in Kerala. This church in Kerala is like a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by beautiful hills. It’s a special place where you can feel yourself close to God while enjoying the stunning views of Kerala’s top hill stations.

Location- Edappally, Kochi,
Nearest railway station- Edappally
Timing- 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM.

6. Kottayam Cheriapally (St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church)

This church is referred to the list of the most Famous Churches in Kerala and it is a must-visit place. The rich Keralian heritage can be felt through this area and it is a testament to mentionable Keralian architecture. Within the Kottayam Cheriapally (St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church), The experience of peace and calm can add one more pearl to your visiting Kerala tour plan as it is accounted as the ancient churches in Kerala and one of the most famous churches in Trivandrum. It can be stated that November is the most preferable time to visit this church in Kerala for its dreamy scenic beauty.

Location– Cheriapally P.O, Kottayam
Nearest railway station– Kottayam Cheriapally
Timing– 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM. and 3 PM to 5 PM

7. Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam

Vallarpadam will be the final place of our visit in the Kerala tour plan. It is such a place where the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom stays. The afternoon sun every day spreads orange light here and increases the biblical symbolism. It is accounted as the symbol of hope, healing, and rejoicing for all thousands of devotees. It stands on a picturesque island within the waters of the Arabian Sea.

Location– Vallarpadam, Kochi,
Nearest railway station– Ernakulam Junction
Timing- 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM.

Also Read: 17 Beaches In Kerala: Surreal Sunsets And Sunrise

8. St. Antony’s Forane Church, Ollur

It is accounted as the most recognized place or sacred sanctuary throughout many centuries. The visiting of Kerala experience must become rejoiced by seeking blessings from the virgin marry herein St. Antony’s Forane Church, Ollur. It can be stated that the intricate carvings of this place attract travelers from far distances and it is one of the accountable ancient churches in Kerala and also can be accounted as one of the famous churches in Trivandrum.

Location– Ollur, Thrissur
Nearest railway station– Thrissur Railway Station
Timing– 8 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm

9. St. Mary’s Church, Manarcad

It is one of the Famous Churches in Kerala and in the early days, there were about ten or twelve Christian families in the Manarcad area. When they acutely felt the need for a church to offer prayers and receive the holy sacraments they assembled in prayer and spent days fasting. It is one of the famous churches in Trivandrum. It is accounted as one of the ancient churches in Kerala and is famous for the inscriptions on stones engraved here. St. Mary’s Church in Manarcad, Kerala, is famous for its annual feast known as “Manarcad Perunnal” and savory Pazham pori is the most famous dish here. You can have it also in different restaurants in Kerala.

Location– Manarcad, Kottayam
Nearest railway station– Kottayam Railway Station
Timing– 8 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm

10. St. Sebastian’s Church, Palayur

With its ancient roots and spiritual significance, it remains a place of faith and pilgrimage for Christians across the world. It is one of the ancient churches in Kerala and famous for its ancient spiritual significance. Being a Catholic church in Kerala it holds a memorable and glorious past and is situated by holding memories of many historical events. It is accounted as one of the best churches in Kerala.

Location– Palayur, Thrissur
Nearest railway station– Thrissur Railway Station
Timing- 7 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm

11. St. George’s Church, Puthuppally

St. George’s Church in Puthuppally, Kottayam, Kerala, stands as a testament to centuries of holding Christian tradition and devotion. This place is famous for its striking architecture and vibrant religious community. Being a Catholic church in Kerala it is listed as one of the famous churches in Kerala.

Location– Puthuppally, Kottayam
Nearest railway station– Kottayam Railway Station
Timing- 7 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm

Also Read: Hidden Gems: 10 Unconventional Kerala Backwaters

12. St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam

St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam is one of the famous churches in Kochi. It is one of the best churches in Kerala due to its spiritual significance and historical values. This place can be listed as a Must-visit church in Kerala during the tour.

Location– Ernakulam, Kochi
Nearest railway station– Ernakulam Junction Railway Station
Timing– 7 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm

13. St. Anthony’s Church, Kothamangalam

It is one of the famous churches in Trivandrum and it is a roman catholic church famous for its yearly feast during Christmas. This place is addressed as one of the famous catholic churches in Kerala. It is situated on the coast

Location- Kothamangalam, Ernakulam
Nearest railway station- Aluva Railway Station
Timing- 7 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm

Also Read: 19 Amazing Places To Visit In Thrissur Kerala For A Fantastic Stay

14. St. Thomas Marthoma Church, Kothamangalam

The structures here can be a mix of both Portuguese and Indian cultures. Wooden ceilings, vibrant murals, and majestic arches are enough credible to give a sense of biblical ambiance while visiting Kerala. This is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. Kerala is such a must-visit place for anyone to acquire a green voyage towards nature and St. Thomas Marthoma Church is one of the Famous Churches in Kerala

Location– Kothamangalam, Ernakulam
Nearest railway station– Aluva Railway Station
Timing– from 8 am to 2 pm and 3 pm to 5.30 pm

15. Vallarpadam Church

This church is named as one of the famous churches in Kochi and it is also accounted as the Must-visit Churches in Kerala. This place is quite different from the other Keralian churches. The murmuring sound of the holy offerings is quite silent here and it is one of the well-known churches in Kochi. It is accepted that this place is one of the best churches in Kerala. Vallarpadam Church is one of the Famous Churches in Kerala and a must-visit place.

Location- Vallarpadam, Kochi
Nearest railway station- Ernakulam Junction Railway Station
Timing- 8 am to 5.30 pm

16. St. Thomas Church in Palayoo

This is the oldest church in India and is situated on the west coast. This church was named according to Saint Thomas Christian tradition, the Syrian church was established in 52 AD by St Thomas. This place is one of the must-visit places while visiting the Keralian coast. It is one of the famous churches in Trivandrum as well as in Kochi.

Location- Vallarpadam, Kochi
Nearest railway station- Ernakulam Junction Railway Station
Timing- 10 am to 6.30 pm

Also Read: 15 Offbeat Places In Kerala: Explore The Unexplored

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What To Expect while visiting the Keralian churches?

1. Exploring the ancient and historical cultures in Kerala

Captivating culture in Kerala stands with historical churches. While visiting Kerala, you are highly subject to visit all the iconic churches, such as St. Francis Church in Fort Kochi, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and believed to be one of the oldest European churches in India and one of the most famous churches in Kochi.

2. Experiencing the local culture and history

Churches are the sign of ancient histories and culture that need not be overlooked during the Kerala tour. Local food diverse religions and the different cultures of this place can enhance your tour experience. Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu, Puttu, and Kadala Curry are must-haves when visiting Kerala Churches

3. Scenic features and beauties

Most of the churches in Kerala are placed in picturesque locations, that are significantly unforgettable. It is a must-do during visiting Kerala, to have amusement by exploring vantage areas to have a rejoice of the Kerala’s countryside tour experience.

With the incorporation of activities, one’s visit to Kerala curches can become more rejoiced and a deeper appreciation of the Keralian culture and scenic beauties can be attained effectively. These churches stand as a mentionable testimony of the rich Keralian culture from ancient times.

During the Kerala church tour, you can become mesmerized by the light of candles, the smell of incense, and the murmuring of the prayer everywhere. I am sure, you can’t resist yourself to light candles and pray for blessings for your deepest desires. This experience can add one more pearl to your visiting Kerala tour plan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q:Which is the biggest church in Kerala?

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Q:Are these churches open to visitors?

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Q:What are some of the famous churches in Kerala?

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Q:Are any Christian festivals or events celebrated in Kerala’s churches?

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