Looking
for a destination to visit churches? If so, Kerala, which is earnestly renowned
as the ‘God’s Own Country’, is just for you.
Being the southern state of India, this charming destination, which is located
along the coastline of the Arabian Sea, is thought
as one of the top destinations of India
famous for churches.
Top 10 Most Popular
Churches in Kerala
Kerala
is the state, which is home to three major religions – Hinduism, Christianity
and Islam. In this state, you would get the chance of paying a visit to several
architecturally beautiful and most ancient churches. Here is a list of the top 10 Most Popular Churches in this
tourist destination.
Our Lady of Dolours Syro-Malabar
Catholic Basilica, Thrissur
Situated
in the Thrissur city, the Our Lady of Dolours Syro-Malabar Catholic Basilica,
which is a minor basilica of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, is the third
highest church in Asia. Being popular for its architecture of the Gothic style,
this church, which was erected in the excellent Indo Gothic style, is the
largest church in India. Inside it, you can find the excellent specimens of
scenes from the scriptures, images of saints and specimens of murals.
Our Lady of Lourdes Syro-Malabar
Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, Thrissur
Counted
among the largest churches in Kerala, the Our Lady of Lourdes Syro-Malabar
Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, which is nestled in the center of the Thrissur
city, is famous for its imposing interior. This cathedral church, which is
dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, is visited by thousands of pilgrims every
month. Being a masterpiece of architecture, this Catholic church has an
underground shrine.
St. Peter's and St. Paul's Church of Parumala
(Parumala Pally), Pathanamthitta
Located
in the Pathanamthitta district, the St. Peter's and St. Paul's Church, Parumala
(Parumala Pally), which is a renowned parish church, is the Malankara Orthodox
Syrian Church in Kerala. Named after the incredible saint named Saint
Geevarghese or Parumala Thirumeni, this chapel is visited by thousands of
people every year.
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort
Kochi (Fort Cochin)
Regarded
as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala, the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica,
which is situated at Fort Kochi, is counted among the most impressive and
finest churches in India. Being one of the eight Basilicas in India, this grand
church is thronged by several people all the year round. Serving as the
Cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin, this basilica, which is erected in the architecture of the Gothic style, is a
place of devotion as well as a center of historic importance.
Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom,
Vallarpadam-Ernakulam, Kochi
Being
a renowned center of devotion, the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, which is
situated in the Vallerpadam island in the Ernakulam district, is dedicated to
Mary, the mother of Jesus, famously called ‘Vallarpadathamma’. Erected in 1524
A.D. by the Portuguese, this basilica is visited by the people of all types of
religions, caste, creed from every nook and corner of Kerala as well as
outside.
St. Francis CSI Church, Fort Kochi
(Fort Kochi)
Originally
constructed of timber in 1503 A.D., the St. Francis CSI Church, which is
located in Fort Kochi (Fort Cochin), is the most ancient church in India.
Having a great historical importance, this grand church, which was later
rebuilt in the stone masonry, is counted among the most visited churches in
Kerala. In 1923 A.D., this historical church has got the status of a Protected
Monument.
St. George Syrian
Church, Kadamattom
Situated
in Kadamattom close to Kolenchery, Moovattupuzha in the Ernakulam district of
the southern Indian state of Kerala, the St. George Syrian Church, which was erected in the 9th
century, is one of the oldest churches in India. Constructed in the style of
the Indo Persian architecture, this church, which has an ancient Persian cross,
has the fine look to be viewed by several people coming here from every nook and
corner of Kerala as well as outside.
St. Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal
Originally
erected by the Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century, the St.
Andrew's Basilica, which is officially called the Arthunkal St. Andrew's Forane
Church, is nestled in Arthunkal in the Alappuzha district. This church, which
was reconstructed in 1584 A.D., was provided with the status of the first
basilica in the diocese of Alleppey and the 7th basilica in entire
Kerala. This church also boasts of being the 3rd basilica of the Roman Catholic Latin Church in the
southern Indian state of Kerala.
Vimalagiri Cathedral, Kottayam
Also called the ‘Vimalagiri Cathedral’ and ‘Angathattu
Palli’, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral, which is situated in Kottayam,
is counted among the most visited churches in Kerala. Constructed in the
architecture of the Gothic style, this church, which is the cathedral of the
Diocese of Vijayapuram, was completely built in 1964 A.D. Having its tower with
the height of 172 feet, this church, which is regarded as one of the most
beautiful churches in India, is counted among the highest church towers in
whole Kerala.
St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic
Church, Malayattoor
Being
one of the most famous Christian pilgrim centers in the Malayattoor village of
the Ernakulam district of the southern India state of Kerala, the St. Thomas
Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, which draws the kind attention of a large number
of devotees from every nook and corner of India as well as the world, is
counted among the top churches in Kerala. This hilltop church is the most
ancient church in this state.
Summary
Overall, it can be undoubtedly said that Kerala is a suitable destination for paying a visit to the churches in India. In case of having a desire to escape to this beach destination to take the fine glimpse of the churches and feel the holiness of Christianity, you can Cheap Kerala Honeymoon Tour Packages. All of these holiday packages, which are available at reasonable prices, can also be customized according to the choice of the clients.
