Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church

Interesting things to Visit

Thommankuthu:

Thommankuthu is one of the most nature rich areas of kerala. It is an ideal place of adventure tourism, trekking and picnic.Come and see the rocks mountain and a dip in the crystal clear water of Kannady River, coming from the mineral springs of sahyan ranges.

Plapothu Cave:

It is a large and wide natural rock cave capable of accommodating about 30 people at a time. A Jackfruit tree of 200 years of old can be seen near the cave.

Ilaveezhapoonchira:

Ilaveezhapoonchira is a hilly hamlet near kanjar,about 15 kms. from Thodupuzha,which is fast emerging as a major tourist destination.Surrounded by three enchanting hillocks – Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala and Thonippara.

Nadukani:

The pavilion here presents a bird’s eye view of Moolamattom town, Malankara lake and near by places.

Kumily:

This is a noted town, close to the Periyar sanctuary. Acres of lush plantations constitute most of the town. Plantation town is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar sanctuary.

Murikkady:

Murikkady is a beautiful location that is known for its well looked after coffee plantations. Cardamom and pepper are also extensively grown here.

Mangala Devi Temple:

This is a famous temple in Idukki. The temple is a classic example of temple architecture of ancient Kerala. The well preserved relics of this ancient Devi temple is situated upon a hillock that stands about 1337 m above sea level.

Hellarkovil:

This is a beautiful village that shares its borders with Tamil Nadu. The place presents visitors with a fantastic opportunity to observe the typical life of simple people settled in the villages at high ranges

Nearest Visiting places

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique thorny scrub forest with numerous xerophytes species. Chinnar is well known for the habitat of the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India.

Kuthumkal Waterfalls:

The Kuthumkal waterfall provides a picturesque view of the water, cascading down from dazzling heights. The utter beauty of the place attracts thousands of tourists every year. This is truly nature at its best!

Top Station:

Top Station, the tranquil hill station is located about 32 km from Munnar, on the Munnar-Kodaikanal Road. Perched at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level, Top Station is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal Road and one of the most famous hill spots in Kerala.

Lock Heart Gap

This is a location in Mattupetty. The place is ideal for adventure tourism and trekking. The fresh mountain air, the mist-clad hills and panoramic view make it worthy of a visit.

Chellarkovil:

This is a beautiful village that shares its borders with Tamil Nadu. The place presents visitors with a fantastic opportunity to observe the typical life of simple people settled in the villages at high ranges. The scenic extravaganza including acres of luxuriant fields, plains and gurgling waterfalls make it a much sought out tourist destination.

Kuttikanam:

This place is ideal to for treks and other adventure sports like mountain climbing or simply a walk among the winding paths that lead up the steep hills. The place is famous for cardamom plantations and one can really smell cardamom in its air.

Mattupetty:

Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Mattupetty is also well known for its highly specialized dairy

Rajamala:

Rajamala is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr. Half the world population of this rare mountain goat is found here, which is fast becoming extinct.

Pothamedu:

Pothamedu is one of the major plantation hubs of Munnar. Views of coffee, tee, and cardamom plantations are excellent from this place. It is an ideal place for trekking and hiking amidst lush mountains, rolling hills, and breathtaking scenery.

Devikulam:

This idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air is a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot.

Pallivasal:

Pallivasal is situated around 8 km from Munnar. It has the distinction of being home to the first hydropower project in Kerala.It is a place of immense scenic beauty.

Echo point:

As its name suggests, the place has a natural echo phenomenon. Echo point is on the way to Top Station from Munnar.

Nyayamakad:

Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls of Kerala. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters.

Kundala:

Kundala is a town on the way to Top Stations. The Golf Course which belongs to Tata Tea Ltd. is located here. The Kundala artificial dam is another attraction.Aruvikkad waterfalls is also near Kundala.

Power House waterfalls:

This waterfall on the way to Thekkady from Munnar cascades down a steep rock, 2000m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic western mountain ranges, and is an ideal place for a break on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.

Attukal:

A panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills, Attukal, located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes. The place is also ideal for long treaks.

Chithirapuram:

Chithirapuram is having sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram still exudes an old-world charm.Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.

Ramakkalmedu:

This place is about 16 km from Nedumkandam on Munnar - Thekkady route this hamlet bordering Tamil Nadu gives a vantage view of legendary Madurai plains. The Wind Energy station of Kerala is to come up here.

Nadukani Tower

Panoramic view of Moolamattom Power house, hills and villages over a vast area of Thodupuzha taluk is available from this tower.

Nearest Petrol Pump

BP Petrol Pump
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
SH 32
Pala,Kerala.

Jawahar Petrol Pump
Kothamangalam, Ernakulam
Kerala State.

Petrol Pump
NH 49, Puthencruz, Ernakulam
Kerala.

BP Petrol Pump
Muttuchira, Kaduthuruthy, Kottaya
Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Taj Residency
Ernakulam, Ernakulam, Kerala
0(91-484) 2371471

Hotel Abad Plaza
M.G Road, Kochi, Kerala 682035
0484 2381122.

Island Holiday
Surya Complex,Velloorkunnam
Muvattupuzha, Kerala, In dia
ph:09895114134.

Hotel Gemini Gardens
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

HighRange Hotel
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
Thodupuzha, Idukki, Kerala

Police Station
Kaduthuruthy, Kottayam
Kerala.

Ettumanoor Police Station
MC Road - SH 1
Ettumanoor
Kerala State 686631.

Ponkunnam Police Station
NH 220, Ponkunnam
Kottayam, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Samaritan Hospital
Pazhanganad, Kizhakkambalam
Ernakulam, Kerala 680562
Tel: 0484 2680511.

Rcm Hi-Tech Multi Speciality Hospital
Rcm Hospital Complex
Hill Palace Road, Tripunithura
Ernakulam, Kerala 680301
Tel: 0484 2776318.

St George’s Church Muthalakodam
Hospital Road, Thodupuzha
Idukki, Kerala, India.

Government Hospital
Muvattupuzha
Thodupuzha, Kerala

Archana Hospital
River View Road
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

Mount Senai Hospital
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

Chazhikattu Hospital
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

Karuna Hospital
Thodupuzha, Idukki
Kerala.

Society/Community Phone Number

Address: Thiruvalla, Kerala, India - 689 101
Telephone: 0469 - 2630449
Fax: 91-0469-2630327

Location info

• Address: Thodupuzha, Idukki District, Kerala, India

• District: Idukki District

• **Nearest City: Thiruvananthapuram, Thekkady, Kochi, Munnar, Madurai, Coimbatore, Kodaikannal, Thodupuzha .
  **

• Best time to visit: September to March.

Climate & weather

Here there is a moderate climate, temperature ranging between 23 to 25° C.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Kerala’s towns and cities offer diverse food ranging from traditional Kerala sadhya to multi-cuisine restaurants. Kochi has a thriving food scene with influences from Arab, Portuguese, and Jewish traders. Temple festivals feature traditional Kerala vegetarian feasts.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Kerala has some of India’s finest church architecture. The Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church, where Vasco da Gama was first buried), and the numerous Syrian Christian churches across the backwaters feature distinctive Kerala-style facades mingling European and local design. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light.

Best time to visit Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church

The best time to visit Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church is during the Christmas season (December) when churches are beautifully decorated and midnight Mass celebrations are special. The annual feast days of individual churches are also ideal times to visit. November to February offers the most comfortable weather.

Timings & opening hours

Churches are generally open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. Mass timings vary — typically morning Mass around 6:00 AM–7:00 AM and evening Mass around 5:00 PM–6:30 PM. Visitors are welcome outside of service times. Some historic churches close for lunch (12:30 PM–2:30 PM).

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to churches is generally free. Donations are welcome. Some historic churches with museums may charge a nominal entry fee of INR 10–20. Camera fees may apply for interior photography.

Duration needed

30 minutes to 1 hour for a regular visit. During feast days and services, plan accordingly. Guided heritage walks in church complexes may take 1.5–2 hours.

Safety tips

Maintain silence inside the church. Dress modestly (shoulders covered, no shorts). Photography rules vary — check signage before taking pictures. Be respectful duringMass services. Keep your belongings secure during crowded festival events.

Things to carry

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, a shawl or modest scarf, a camera (check interior photography policy), and an umbrella for weather protection. Head covering may be required in some churches (scarves are usually available at the door).

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church

Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church represents the ancient Christian heritage of Kerala. Christianity in Kerala dates back to 52 AD when St. Thomas the Apostle is believed to have arrived on the Malabar Coast. The churches of Kerala showcase a unique architectural blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and local Kerala styles. Syrian Christian traditions, liturgical practices, and the integration of local cultural elements make Kerala’s churches distinct from other Christian traditions in India.

Things to do at Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church

Attend Mass or a prayer service to experience Kerala’s Christian traditions, admire the unique blend of European and Kerala church architecture, study the altar art and stained-glass windows, visit the church museum (if available), explore the surrounding heritage precinct, photograph the facade and interiors (where permitted), and learn about the church’s historical significance from local guides.

Frequently asked questions

Are visitors welcome during Mass? — Yes, visitors are welcome to attend Mass services. Maintain silence and respect the service. Non-Catholics are welcome to observe but generally do not receive communion. Photography is usually not allowed during Mass. What is the history of this church? — Kerala’s Christian heritage dates to 52 AD with the arrival of St. Thomas. Each church has its own history and significance — ask the caretaker or check for information boards. Is there a dress code? — Modest dress is appreciated: shoulders covered, no shorts or mini skirts. Some churches provide shawls or wraps at the entrance. Photography restrictions? — Photography is generally permitted in the church interior without flash. Video recording may require permission. Some areas may be restricted, especially during services.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Kerala
• Category: Church

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.