CHURCHES OF KERALA Major Churches : Malayattoor Church, St. Francis Church, St. Mary's Forance Church St. Peter : Known as the Father of Christianity in India Malayattoor Church : Bearing the footprints of St. Thomas St. Mary's Forance Church : The oldest church in Kerala

Churches of Kerala - Old Postcards of Christianity

Christianity is a major religion of Kerala state. That is one big reason that you will find many churches in Kerala making the state a popular Christian Pilgrimage site. The old churches of Kerala offer the travelers a spectacular view of the brilliant architecture of the state. If you also want to know about the historical past of Kerala then a visit to these churches is a must.

St.Francis Xavier's Church , Cochin - Kerala

Holy Sites In Kerala Jewish Synagogue

Churches In Kerala Pathanamthitta

Thiruvananthapuram

"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary.
To one without faith, no explanation is possible."

--- St. Thomas

Enjoy Kerala tourism to see the churches of Kerala. If you look back from the pages of history and ask yourself what is the most important and far reaching change that Indian society has experienced during the last thousand years, one of the unequivocal answers that you will face would be in relation to the formation of several communities based on a perceived religious identity. Christianity in Kerala is believed to be as old as the Christian era itself, thus giving some ancient churches in Kerala. It is a land which still reverberates with the dictums of the Apostle who said he would not believe in Christ's death and resurrection unless he saw the wounds of the risen Christ. It is he, who is believed to be the father of Christianity in India. Yes, it is no other than St. Thomas, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ. Legend has it that when Jesus sold him to Habban, a certain merchant from India, for twenty pieces of silver, he put his sacred feet at Maliankara, near Cranganore in 52 A.D. He preached Christianity first among the Jews and then converted twelve Brahmin families from whom the Syrian Christians eventually traced their pedigree. The pages of history has now been reshuffled and today there are almost 25 million Christians in India representing just below 3% of the total country's population.

Hallowed Be Thy Name

In Kerala, 'Marthoma' is a popular Christian denomination, 'Mar' for saint and 'Thoma' for Thomas. It is said that He established seven and a half churches in Kerala - Kodungallur, Palayur, Paravur, Kokomangalam, Niranam, Chayal, and Kollam. Each of these churches are unique in its own way. Visit the Malayattoor Church, located 52 kms from Kochi on Malayattoor Hill, is believed to be one of the ancient catholic shrines built by St. Thomas. The sacred site has footprints and a life-size statue of St. Thomas which is a must see for every tourist. Plan to visit the church on second Sundays, after the Vernal Equinox (March 21) and you can see pilgrims climbing the 2000 feet high hill to reach the church, affording a magnificent vista from the sprawling landscape. Drive 10 km from the main city of Ernakulam, to reach the granite church of St. Francis set amid the serene lawns of Fort Kochi. Originally named as Santo Antonio and presently owned by the Church of South India (CSI), the church presents a exquisite facade with multi curved sides; an indeed impressive marvel to behold. Plan a holiday vacation in Kerala and you can't miss visiting the tiny town of Bharanamganam in Kottayam district. Situated at about 14 miles from the Ettumanoor railway station, the trivial patch of land houses one of the most ancient but important hallowed places of Kerala, the St. Mary's Forance Church. Dedicated to the Holy Mother, this is a famous church in Kerala, that attracts thousands of pilgrims from every pockets of the country. Visit during November-January, and you can rejoice the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Feast of St. Sebastian, held during this time. Take up Kerala tours to see he famous churches of Kerala.

Church - Kerala

Reach The Home of God - Take Church Tours of Kerala

It is said that pilgrims eventually find their way to God. However, Kerala Government has done a lot to cut the distance between the sacred shrines and the hearts of the people. Most of these famous Catholic destinations are well connected to major cities of the state. It is easier to get a taxi and cover a few of these churches from the main city as nearby attractions. Mass Schedules are held on Sundays, starting at 0800 hrs in the morning, except the 3rd Sunday of each month. The famous chiurches of Kerala have been renowned as being the ancient churches as well.