Mar Thoman Cheriapally Church

Interesting things to Visit

Boothathankettu Dam:

It is a popular picnic sport with Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary near by. A myth connected with the origin of this place says that this natural fortification of forests and hills was built by Bhoothams (spirit/ghosts) overnight. Hence the name Bhoothathankettu (fort of the spirits). Later, this natural topography helped in building a dam here. Lying close to Bhoothathankettu is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Thattekkad . Trekking through the forests here is an exhilarating experience for adventure lovers.

Muvattupuzha river:

Muvattupuzha is the river there cutting the city into three segments. This river is a union of three streams, Thodupuzha river, Kaliyar river and Kothamangalam river.These three small rivers conglomerate at Muvattupuzha to transform to the big Muvattupuzha river and there from flows smoothly to rest at the Vaikom backwaters embracing the various interior areas of Ernakulam and Kottayam districts.

Kalady:

Situated on the banks of River Periyar, 45 km from Kochi is Kalady a pilgrim centre and the birth place of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Indian Philosopher of the 8th century AD. There are two shrines in memory of Adi Sankaracharya, one dedicated to him as Dakshinamurthy and the other to the goddess Sharada maintained by Sringeri Mutt. On the same premises there is also a spot (Brindavan) where Adi Sankaracharya`s mother Aryamba was cremated. In addition to it there is an ancient Shri Krishna Temple close by which was me family temple of Adi Sankaracharya.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary:

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is about 13kms from Kothamangalam and about 71kms from Kochi Airport. Without guide or special permissions it’s a dead end.The sanctuary was notified in 1983 based on a recommendation made by Dr. Salim Ali many years previously. Ali described Thattekad in the 1930’s as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with the eastern Himalayas. Since then much of the forest has been diverted to cultivation and teak and mahogany plantation but what survives gives a glimpse of the phenomenal bird diversity of the once widespread lowland forests of Kerala.

Birds Lagoon Village Resort:

Birds Lagoon Village Resort Thattekkad bird sanctuary is spread over an area of about 25 sq. km. and lies between the tributaries of the river Periyar. Birds Lagoon have fully furnished Cottages with an ethnic ambiance and with modern facilities, like Fridge, Television, Telephone, and attached toilets with natural Ventilation.

Periyar:

Periyar is known as `Chhoorni Nadhi’ in Sangham poetry. It was also known as Thamraparni Nadhi’ (Sukasandesam –stanza 66). A land route existed in the Sangham age from Muzuris (present-day Kodungalloor) to Madurai which passed near the banks of the river Periyar.

Nearest Visiting places

Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura

This is now the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and is the official residence of the Kochi royal family. The complex is a reflection of traditional architectural style of Kerala. Full-fledged ethno-archaeological articles and artifacts belonging to the Kochi royal family are all a luxury that the visitors to the place get to relish. In addition there are numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants around the area.

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.

Madhavan Nayar Foundation:

It is situated about 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edapally. It has life size figures revealing the historic episodes and events from the Neolithic to the neoteric era. The art gallery has 200 original paintings and sculptures, which are the works of the contemporary Indian artists. The light and sound shows with English and Malayalam commentaries attract a number of visitors.

Malayatoor:

Malayatoor is famous for the Catholic Church built on the 609 m high Malayatoor hill. This hill is dedicated to St. Thomas. Thousands of devotees visit this shrine to participate in the annual festival of Malayatoor Perunnal, in the month of March. St. Thomas is believed to have prayed at this shrine.

Chendamangalam:

Chendamangalam is a rare geographical combination of three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of green plains. The Paliam Palace, abode of the Paliath Achans, hereditary Prime Ministers to the erstwhile Maharajas of Kochi, represents the architectural splendour of Kerala.

Mangalavanam-“ The green lung of Kochi city“

The ecologically sensitive Magalavanam is safely tucked away behind the Ernakulam High Court. This evergreen forest land in the heart of Kochi is a green oasis for many migratory birds as a nesting ground. Visitors to Mangalavanam are captivated by the sheer variety of migratory birds that have nested atop the huge trees.

Cochin Carnival:

Cochin Carnival, December 2 to the New year day, attracts a number of domestic and international tourists each year.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow:

Founded in 1862, this graceful colonial abode, a blend of Portuguese, Dutch and native building style, was the office of the coffee merchants, the Pierce Leslie and Company.

Santa Cruz Basillica Church:

This is Built by the Portuguese, this church was elevated in its rank to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558, and later was declared as a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.

Old Harbour House:

Fishner Net, Cochin TravelThis elegant old bungalow built in 1808 is in the possession of Carrit Moran & Co., renowned tea brokers, who now use it as their residence. The house was once a boat club.

Vasco House:

Believed to have been the residence of Vasco da Gama, this is one of the oldest Portuguese residences in Fort Kochi.

Chottanikkara Temple:

Numerous stories attest to the early history of this 10th century temple, where tormented devotees found solace in the diety, Bhagavathi. Today it remains one of the most popular pilgrim sites in Kerala, devotees still floak here seeking liberation from torment.

Parikshith Thampuran Museum:

This museum houses a collection of coins, bronzes, copies of murals and megalithic relics of Kerala.

Vamanamoorthy Temple:

Inscriptions from the 10th to the 13th century are found in this temple in Thrikakkara, near Ernakulam.

Santhanagopala-Krishnaswamy Temple:

The original foundation of this temple was laid in 947 AD according to the inscriptions found here.

Dutch Palace:

Originally built by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century, the Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace is located at Mattancherry. It was presented to the Kochi Maharaja in 1555 AD and later taken over by the Dutch who carried out repairs.

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.

Marine Drive

Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful part of Kochy city. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbour from here is excellent.

Madhavan Nayar Foundation:

It is situated about 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edapally. It has life size figures revealing the historic episodes and events from the Neolithic to the neoteric era. The art gallery has 200 original paintings and sculptures, which are the works of the contemporary Indian artists. The light and sound shows with English and Malayalam commentaries attract a number of visitors.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Jawahar Petrol Pump
Kothamangalam, Ernakulam
Kerala State.

Petrol Pump
SH 16, Perumbavoor, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Perumbavoor, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Petrol Pump Pattipara
Aluva Munnar Road
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Aluva Munnar Road, Edathala
Aluva, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
NH47, North Kalamassery
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Aj Residency
Ernakulam, Ernakulam
Kerala
Tel: 0484 2371472

Hotel Abad Metro
Rajaji Rd, Ernakulam
Kerala
Tel: 0484 2364032.

Hotel Delight
1/662, Parade Ground Post Office Road
Fort Kochi, Ernakulam
Kerala 680001
Tel: 0484 2217658.

KAVERY TOURIST HOME
Near Matha Theater, Kothamangalam
Kerala 686691
Tel: 0485 2862847.

Kerala Hotels, Kerala Resorts, Kerala Tours
Kombathan Bldg, karukapadam
kotamangalam
Kerala 6866914
Tel:09847777155.

Cloud 9 Hotels, The best Transit
Munnar - Airport Road,
Kothamangalam, Kerala 682024
Tel: 0485 2828231.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Kuruppampady Police station
Kuruppampady, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Perumbavoor Police Station
Perumbavoor, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Tripunithura Police Station
Tripunithura, Ernakulam,Kerala.

ET North Police Station
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Kalady Police Station
Kalady Malayattoor Road.

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.

Nairs Hospital
Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass
Ernakulam, Kerala 682304
Tel: 0484 2302666.

MBMM Hospital
NH 49, Kothamangalam
Ernakulam, Kerala
Tel: 0485 2522963.

Govt Hospital
Kothamangalam, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Public Health Center
Pindimana,Kothamangalam
Ernakulam, Kerala State.

Location info

• Address: Kothamangalam, Ernakulam(kochi), Kerala, India.

• District: Ernakulam district.

• Nearest City: Cochin, Muvattupuzha, Adimali and Perumbavoor

• **Best time to visit: October to May.
  **

Climate & weather

The climate is tropical and average maximum temperature of 36°C in summer and minimum 18.0°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.