| About: |
St. George Forane Church is located in Edappally, about 10 kms from the city of Kochi. It is accessible by road from any part of India. Two national highways NH 47 and NH 17 join the bypass junction at Edappally which begins and continues up to Panvel, Maharashtra, in India. The nearest airport is
Nedumbassery International Airport, hardly 22 km from Edappally. Edapally is also connected by rail, and there is a railway station at Edappally. Edappally
is a fast growing suburb of Cochin City in Kerala state, southern India.The St.George’s Forane Church has a glorious history of 14 centuries.The church is
famous for its annualy held 9 days feast in May. Since the old church was found to be too small to accomodate the overgrown congregation in A.D. 1080 a
new church was built in the present location.the Edappally Church also came to be known as the St. George’s Church. The statue of St. George placed
prominently for worship at this church shows the Saint mounted on his horseback with his spear piercing the ugly head of the monstrous serpent lying under the hooves of his horse. It is believed to be symbolic of the faith and courage of the Saint who overpowered the devil. There is also an Italian legend that the Saint was rescuing a noble damsel who was offered to the monster as his daily quota of food. St. George is a great symbol of popular faith and a dependable source of succor. The miracles worked by the saint and his infinite kindness captivate the minds of thousands thronging this church. The continuous and steady flow of pilgrims to St. George’s Church, Edappally, clearly indicates this truth.The statue of St. George is placed for worship in a small shrine in front of the church by the side of N.H.47. Everyday hundreds of vehicles from all over
Kerala, both new and used, are brought here to be blessed. Thousands of people came from and is still flowing from different parts of the state to pray to
god at this ancient historic church. amazing was the crowd more amazing is the feeling you have after being there. The fireworks were simply great. More
fireworks to be seen on coming days the ending day of the feast is what I’m actually waiting for. That is the day i can witness the biggest firework of the feast.Innumerable miracles have worked through the intercession of St. George, a fact which amply proves his powerful mediation before the throne of
God. From very ancient times, people from far and near have flocked to this place with sentiments of genuine gratitude for the favors received. |
| Location info: |
| Address:Edappally, Ernakulam, kerala, India. |
| District: Ernakulam district |
| Nearest City: Kochi, kottaym,Thrissur , Aluva and Chalakkudy. |
| Best time to visit: January to March. |
| Climate/Weather: |
| Tropical climate and Temparaure rangers from Summers: 36°-20° and in Winters: 16°-32°C. |
| History: |
The St.George’s Forane Church has a glorious history of 14 centuries. Fourteen centuries ago, there was no nation called India. Nor a state called Kerala.
And no city called Cochin. Much of what is called the city of Cochin today simply did not exist and the waters of the Arabian Sea reached all the way up to
the shore of Edappally. Edappally was then a small hamlet, a part of the princely kingdom of Elangalloor. The people of Edappally lived a simple life, the
comforts of life being non-existent at that time. The Catholic congregation at Edappally was rather small and they were all descendants of the Hindus converted into Christianity by St.Thomas the Apostle (alias Dideemos) who came to India to preach the Gospel.The old church was found to be too small to accommodate the overgrown congregation in A.D. 1080 a new church was built in the present location. The
main altar and the facade of this church was later renovated. The altar renovated by incorporating the picture of Virgin Mary which was surrounded by
sculptures, angels and vines. The paintings depicting the heaven on the wall behind the altar fills one’s heart with joy and piety. |
| Interesting things to do: |
| you can see the Shrine of the God and join the Feast at Edappally St.George Forane Church once in a year. |
| Interesting things to Visit: |
Edappally palace temple:The Mahaganapathy Temple is one of the most important Ganapathy temples in the state visited by devotees from allover the stateThis is the part of
Edappaly Kottaram.Punnakkal Bhagavathy Temple:Manikyamangalam Sree Punnakkal Bhagavathi Temple is celebrating ‘Perumkaliyatta Mahotsavam’ after a long period of one and half centuries. It is
festival of region more than faith and belief. The Mahotsavam is celebrated by all the people of region irrespective of religion and caste. It gives freshness and peace to life and thoughts of people.Historical Museum :Important scenes of Kerala history are portrayed through through Sculptures. Greeting the visitor outside is a statue of Parasurama ,the mythological safe
who is said to have created Kerala.Bastion Bunglow :Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667 AD, Bastion Bungalow get its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of
the old, Dutch fort.Bolghatty:Bolghatty palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by K.T.D.C. The
grounds have a small golf course & several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour & the sea.Cherai Beach:
Cherai Beach offers a unique combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms.Children’s Park :A high-tech children’s Park with Non-Conventional Energy Museum and Musical Fountain. The Children enjoy a lot with the facilities available here. |
| Mobile range info: |
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| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station:Edapally Railway Station and Ernakulam Central railway station. |
| Nearest Airport:Kochi International Airport. |
| Road Transport:It is accessible by road from any part of India. Two national highways NH 47 and NH 17 join the bypass junction at Edappally which begins and continues up to Panvel, Maharashtra, in India. |
| Nearest Visiting places: |
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace):Built by the Portuguese in 1557, the Palace was presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi (Cochin). The palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. On display here are beautiful Murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata and some of the puranic Hindu legends.Chinese Fishing Nets:The fixed and cantilevered Chinese Fishing Nets are the icon of Cochin sea trade. The fishing nets like these are not found anywhere else in India. Some
traders brought these huge cantilevered fishing nets here from the court of Kublai Khan.Santa Cruz Basilica Church:This Roman Catholic church, built in 1503 and situated near the St. Francis Church, is a specimen of the Portuguese architecture. Frescoes and mural paintings decorate its ceiling and interior parts. The Gothic architecture and the lofty spires give it a unique grandeur.Cherai Beach:This lovely beach bordering Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. There are a couple of simple cafes and guesthouses too. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.Kaladi:Legend holds that one day, the widowed mother of Little Sankara, Aryadevi, fainted after walking three kilometers for her daily bath in the Periyar river.
Feeling helpless, Little Sankara prayed to Lord Krishna. The tears of the child moved Krishna, who blessed him thus: ‘the river will flow where your little
feet marks’.Marine Drive:Marine Drive is a picturesque promenade in Kochi, Kerala, India. It is built facing the backwaters, and is a popular hangout for the local populace. Ironic to
its name, no vehicles are allowed on the walkway.Princess Street :Flowerpot-laden window sills, bronze stucco walls and peeling pastel – these all are the symbols of colonial style buildings. See them in Princess street – a back street.Now filled with antique shops,homestays and hotels,with out disturbing the orginality. Fort Kochi really revels in moody pastimes.Thanthoni Aqua Farm :Thanthoni Aqua Farm launched in Thanthoni island of Kochi recently is a new edition of tourism attraction in Kerala. The Farm is in two-acre Island with
natural beauty retained in tact. The place is amazingly nice to unwind, to fish and to imbibe cool breeze let loose liberally.Indira Gandi Boat Race :It is Conducted in August-September during Onam. Scores of sleek snake-boats with over100 oarsmen in each vie with to touch the finishing point first. The furious and sporadic paddling will turn the Marine Drive water front into frothing melee in tune with the Onam revelry.Cochin Carnival :Impromptu competitions and the white paper buntings adorned everywhere – streets, homes, shopts etc.in the last 10 days of the yearHill Palace:12 km away at Thripunithura. The palace is now a museum, the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Different types of sculptures, collection of rare
coins, old weapons, manuscripts in ancient lipis and collections from the Kochi Royal family exhibited here.Elephant Kraal at Kodanadu :The Kraal means training camp. The word is in Afrikaans. The training is a long and tedious process. It may take one to two years. The mahouts too get
training here. Every year half a million put their feet in Kodanadu to see the intricacies of elephant training.Boothathankettu Dam :This is located at 7/8 km from, Kothamangalam. The Dam is a wonderful picnic spot. There is well-maintained Children’s Park here. The Reservoir and
Park are big attractions.Edamalayar Lower Dam :This Dam is located at ahead of Boothathankett Dam on same route. The picturesque surroundings are great attraction here. The people from far and near throng here to enjoy the nature’s benevolence.Pallipuram FortPallipuram Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monoments in India. The Catholic church at Pallipuram is an
important pilgrim centre.Kerala Historical Museum:This “live” Museum is not just a retelling of the past but is a Light and Sound show of three-dimensional visuals. 87 figures who shaped the history and culture of Kerala in the last two thousand years have been represented here in Light and Sound Tableaus.Kodanad:It is one of the largest elephant training centres of South India. The beautiful river Periyar flows in the north of this place. The elephants are mainly trained
for Safari. There is also a small zoo here.Willington Island:This is artificial island named after Lord Willingdon, and a British viceroy to India is surrounded by beautiful, calm and serene backwaters. This sweet
getaway was created from the soil obtained while deepening the docks at the Kochi harbor. This small piece of land is the headquarters of the Southern
naval command and also an important trade center. Cruises along the gorgeous backwaters that surround the island are a luxury anyone would love to
indulge in.Thattakkadu Bird Sanctuary:This bird Sanctuary on the Kochi-Munnar road, about 20 km from Kothamangalam. This sanctuary is rightly named after its explorer Dr. Salim Ali, the
renowned ornithologist. A variety of native birds like the Malabar grey-horn bill, the woodpecker, the parakeet etc can be seen here. The Ceylon frog-moth
and rose-billed roller are among the rare birds found in this sanctuary. Various migrant birds also come here during the season. |
| Nearest Petrol Pump: |
Petrol Pump
NH 47A, Palarivattom
Ernakulam, Kerala.Petrol Pump
NH47, North Kalamassery
Ernakulam, Kerala.Petrol Pump
Kadavanthara
Ernakulam, Kerala.Petrol Pump
Binanipuram Road, Edayar
Aluva, Ernakulam
Kerala.Petrol Pump
Pookkattupady Kizhakkambalam Road,
Ernakulam, Kerala State. |
| Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
Hotel Paradise
NH47, Edapally,
Ernakulam, Kerala
Tel: 0484 2541969.Hotel Highway Garden
Bye Pass Road, Edappally
Ernakulam, Kerala 680024
Tel: 0484 233539.Kerala Honeymoon Packages
32/1822 A, Millennium Nagar
Edappally P O, Kochi,
Kerala 682024.Elsa Tourist Home
40/1084, Edappally
Ernakulam, Kerala 680024
Tel: 0484 2344419. |
| Things to carry: |
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| Tips & Suggestions: |
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| Help Line/Phone Number: |
Police Station:Kuruppampady Police station
Kuruppampady Ernakulam
Kerala.ET North Police Station
Ernakulam, Kerala.Police Station Edappally
Ernakulam, Kerala. |
Nearest Hospital:Edapally Dental Care
National Residency Edp
Edappally, Ernakulam
Kerala 680024 0
Tel: 484 2344212.Triveni Nursing Home
Opposite Gayathri Kalyana Mandapam
Edappally, Ernakulam
Kerala 680024
Tel:0484 2334335.Jo-Ans Medical Centre
Toll Junction, Edappally
Ernakulam, Kerala 680024
Tel:0484 2556573. |
| Society/Community Phone Number: |
Link:http://itzarun.blogspot.com/2008/09/st-george-geevarghese-sahada-traditions.html
http://allaboutkerala-anishpanthy.blogspot.com/2008/08/eranakulam-commercial-hot-spot-of.html
http://mazhavazhikaliloode.blogspot.com/2009/08/greater-kochin.html |
