Parumala Church

Interesting things to Visit

Koothambalam:

Kadayanickadu Dharmashastha Temple:

The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and is located in a beautiful and peaceful place. It is about 4 km from Manimala Town.

Forane Church:

Forane Church perunal is very famous. It runs for a week and worshippers from all over the neighborhood from all casts attend the procession from Karikkattoor junction all the way to church which is about 4 kilometers.

Kaviyoor Hanuman Temple:

A Hanuman Temple is also located in the temple complex of Kaviyoor Temple. This is one of the famous major temples of Travancore Devaswam Board.

Pandalam Valiyakoyickal Temple:

This temple is located 15 kms away from Pathanamthitta on the banks of Achankovil river, is the Valiyakoyickal Temple of Sri Dharma Sastha. Believed to be constructed by the Raja of Pandalam, this Ayyappa shrine has been modeled on the Sabarimala temple. Pilgrims usually stop here to worship before proceeding to Sabarimala. One of the major events associated with the ‘Makaravilaku’ festival is the procession carrying the ‘Thiruvabharanam’ (sacred ornaments) of Lord Ayyappa from the Valiyakoyical temple to Sabarimala. This is performed three days prior to makaravilakku.

Sabarimala temple:

Sabarimala temple is located on the top of the hills of the Western Ghats. The holy shrine in Sabarimala is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Thousands of devotees visit Sabarimala during the months of November-January when the main festival takes place.The devotees who visit the temple during the festival walk barefoot through the uneven road to reach the temple.

Perunthenaruvi Waterfall:

The Perunthenaruvi Waterfall from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira on the banks of the Pamba River about 10 km from Erumely, Perunthenaruvi is about 36 km from Pathanamthittais a natural fall down a rocky path into a ravine about 100 feet deep. Ideal for an outing, this place is a popular picnic spot.

Ranni:

Ranni alias the queen of hill lands is one of the most beautiful villages blessed with beautiful nature, rivers, hills, forests, good climate and atmosphere. This fast developing tourist place, situated in a high range about 14 km from Pathanamthitta

Nearest Visiting places

Cherukolpuzha:

Ayiroor Cherukolpuzha religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukole on the banks of River Pamba, usually in Feb every year. This famous convention is attended by a large number of people and addressed by prominent religious scholars and cultural personalities.

Malikapurathamma Temple:

Malikappurathamma Devi temple alias Malikapuram Temple is situated on a small hill just 100 meters away from Sabarimala. According to legend, Malikapuram temple is the place where the demon Mahishi rests in eternal wait. The temple complex houses the shrines of the Devi and Kaduthaswamy and also the the shrines of the snake god, Nagaraja and goddess, Nagayakshi. Here coconuts are offered only after rolling them on the ground.

Niranam:

The powerful ancient church situated at Niranam, dates back to 52AD. This monument is believed to have been erected by Apostle St.Thomas and is considered the oldest Christian church.

Konni (Elephant Training Center):

The hilly area of Konni, located just 11 km from Pathanamthitta, is the gate-way to the forest bordering the district. Surrounded by acres of thick forest, it is an adventurous tourist spot where one can go for thrilling elephant safaris and trekking. Konni has the largest number of wild elephants in the state and is a major elephant training center. In the past, wild elephants caught from the forests were brought here and put in wooden cages known as ‘anakoodu’ (Elephant Cage) till they were properly trained.

Aranmula Boat Race:

The stretch of river Pamba at aranmula is the venue of the famous snake boat race. It is more a pageantry than a race. The snake boat is of an exrtra ordinary shape with a length of about 100ft. The rear portion towering to a height of about 20ft. and the front portion tapering gradually. The boat resembles a snake with its hood raised. the race is held on the last day of the week long Onam festival to commemorate the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna.

Parumala:

Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, a Saint of Malankara Orthodox Church is burried here. This is also a famous Christian pilgrim centre .

Pandalam:

Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala, in sanctity and significance. Lord Ayyappa, the presiding diety of Sabarimala had his human sojourn as the son of Raja of Pandalam. It is believed that Raja constructed a temple close to his palace on the banks of river Achankoil modeled on the Sbarimala shrine which is the present Valiya Koickal temple. Pilgrims usually wiorship here before proceding to Sabarimala. Three days prior to Makaravilakku, the chest containing Thiruvabharanam (the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa kept here) is taken in a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala.

Konni (Elephant Training Center):

The hilly area of Konn is located just 11 km from Pathanamthitta, is the gate-way to the forest bordering the district. Surrounded by acres of thick forest, it is an adventurous tourist spot where one can go for thrilling elephant safaris and trekking. Konni has the largest number of wild elephants in the state and is a major elephant training center. In the past, wild elephants caught from the forests were brought here and put in wooden cages known as ‘anakoodu’ (Elephant Cage) till they were properly trained.

Mannadi:

This place is located 13 km from Adoor , Mannadi is the place where the renowned freedom fighter of Travancore, Veluthampi Dalawa spent his last days. He became a martyr on march 29, 1809. The Govt. of Kerala acquired 1 acre and 27 cents of land here, and built a monument in memory of Veluthampi Dalawa.

Vijana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre:

Louba Schild, a French scholar under the Indo-French Cultural Exchange Programme, who started this centre with UNESCO support, founded this famous cultural centre. Those interested in culture and art, gather from different parts of the country over here. The centre offers residential training courses, in Kerala’s traditional arts & crafts like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Kalaripayattu, Music, wood carving etc.

Kaviyoor:

The Kaviyoor Mahadeva temple which was constructed in the early years of the 10th century is one of the oldest of the Mahadeva temples in Kerala. References are there in the Kaviyoor Shasanas of 950 A.D. about the gifts that were offered to this temple.But it is believed that he darusilpas seen around the temple belong to the 17th century.Thekekudi Cave Temple in Kaviyoor panchayat is one of the rare cave temples of Kara It is assumed that this temple is constructed in the Pallava architectural style and was built in the 8th century. Apart from Ganapathi, Maharshi, Dwarapalaka idols in the sreekovil which in inside the cave,

Omallor:

Omallor is known to outsides for the famous ‘Rakthakantha swamy Temple’ and the annual cattle fair known as Vayalvanibham, which is held on the Malayalam month of Meenam. Peoples from very distant places and even from outside the state participate in this fair. Omallore is five kms south of the District headquarters.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Petrol Pump
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Kozhencherry, Pathanamthitta
Kerala.

Sri Krishna Fuels and Petrol Pump
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Eraviperoor Petrol pump
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

HP Petrol Pump
Adoor, Pathanamthitta
Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Kumarakom Lake Resort
Kumarakom North
Kottayam, 686566
Tel: 0481 2524900.

Hotel Amala
Pathanamthitta
Kerala

Park Hotel
Kozhencheri, Pathanamthitta
Kerala.

Hotel Lals Residency
Puimoodu junction NH 220, Adoor
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Hotel Italia
Adoor, Pathanamthitta
Kerala.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police station
Pandalam, Pathanamthitta
Kerala.

Pulincunnoo Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala
Tel: 0477 2222222.

Mavelikara Police Station
Mavelikkara, Alappuzha
Kerala.

Police Station
Pathanamthitta, kerala.

Ponkunnam Police Station
NH 220, Ponkunnam
Kottayam, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Pushpagiri Medical College and Hospital
Pushpagiri Buildings
Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Tel: 0469 2700755.

Tiruvalla Medical Mission Hospital
Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Tel: 0469 2630144.

Govt.Hospital
Thiruvalla, Kottayam
Kerala
Tel: 0469 2602757.

AncySibi Pandisserry House
Ramankary, Alappuzha
Kerala 689595-
Tel: 09780892400.

GK Hospital
Kavumbhagom
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Central Research Institute For Homeopathy
Chethipuzha Kurichy Road
Kottayam, Kerala.

Government Hospital
Kottayam, Kottayam
Kerala State
Tel: 0481 2462550.

Society/Community Phone Number

Contact Address:
Parumala St. Peter’s & St. Pauls Orthodox Church
Parumala P.O, Thiruvalla
Pathanamthitta District
Pin:689 626
Phone : 0479-2931202/2312328
Fax : 0479-2310894.

Location info

• Address: Mannar,Near Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India

• District: Pathanamthitta District

• Nearest City: Trivandrum, Ernakulam, Thiruvalla, and Kozhencherryi.

• Best time to visit: October to November.

Things to do at Parumala Church

Watch the Parumala church and St. Paul’s Orthodox Church on the event of festival.

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.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

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 Parumala Church

The best time to visit Parumala 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 Parumala Church

Parumala 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.

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.