St. George's Simhasana Church

Interesting things to Visit

Ameda Serpent Temple:

Dharama Bharathi Ashram:

This Ashram founded by Swami Sachidananda Bharathi is functioning as a spiritual and training centre. This place is located in a place of scenic beauty. People come from different part of world here to get an orientation to a new world vision.

Kanjiramattom mosque:

The Kanjiramattom mosque is the right example of antique beauty of mazhars and dargahs. It is believed that the great muslim saint Baver has prayed in this Mosque and attained eternal bliss. It is believed that the mosque was erected over the mortal remains of a Muslim saint, Sheikh Parid. Another great Muslimsaint, Baver is supposed to have prayed here and attained salvation.

Njandukadu:

Njandukadu is small island surrounded by back water. This place is already attracting foreign tourists who are interested in village home stays surrounded by backwater. 7 km from Mulanthuruthy town.

Sri Narayana Guru Temple

The temple is not an old structure but it is a replica of the temple at Shivagiri, the Samadhi place of Sri Narayana Guru. The temple was opened to the public on 15-05-05. It is located 200 mtrs away from Mulanthuruthy town.

Vallakurishu:

There is Cupola the basement of which is of a long countryside boat. It is located 250 mtrs away from Mulanthuruthy.

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.

Jewish Synagogue:

The Synagogue at Mattancherry built in 1568 is the oldest Synagogue in the Common Wealth Countries. It was partially destroyed in the war of 1662, but was rebuilt by Dutch.

Thiruvumplavil MahaDevaKshethram:

Thiruvumplavil MahaDevaKshethram , Anicadu an ancient temple which attracts a huge crowd on the Sivarathri and the Pithrutharpanam .It’s kulambutheertham (water coming out as a stream from a hole in the shape of feet of a cow in the rock) which serves the water for the kshethrakkulam is considered holy.

Triveni:

This the centre of the where these three rivers joins Thodupuzha river, Kaliyar river and Kothamangalam river.

Maniyanthram hills:

Maniyanthram hills 22 km from Muvattupuzha near to Vazhakulam, We can really enjoy the beautiful series of gentle hills, valleys and green slopes from the top station of Maniyanthram hill!

Puzhakkara Kavu temple:

The Puzhakkara Kavu, one of the most important temples dedicated to Bhagawati, is situated on the banks of the Muvattupuzha.

Bhoothathankettu dam:

Bhoothathankettu dam is a scenic dam site and tourist spot situated in the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam, Thattekad and 50 kms away from the main city of Ernakulam. 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.

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.

Paittingattilkadavu:

Paittingattilkadavu a very nice place to have bath and sight seeing. River-side Park with rare Butterflies Near Latha Theatre boating through river.

Check Dam at Rakkad:

Check Dam at Rakkad six Kilometres from Muvattupuzha town. It is a very beautiful place with a waterfall across Muvattupuzha river. You can see Sreekrishna swami Temple near the river.The check dam situated in rackad,rackad is a beautiful village.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

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

Bharat Hotel(BTH)
D.H.Road, Ernakulam
Kerala 682016
Tel:0484 2353501 or 0484 3295090.

The Old Courtyard Hotel
Princess St, Fort Kochi
Cochin, Kerala 682001
Tel:0484 2216302.

Serena Spa Koder House
Tower Rd, Kunnumupuram
Cochin, Kerala 682001
Tel:0484 2218485.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Tripunithura Police Station
Tripunithura, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Hill palace police station
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Panangad Police Station
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Police Station Edappally
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Fort Cochin Police Station
Ernakulam,Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Hail Mary Hospital
Near Perumpilly Church
Mulanthuruthy
Ernakulam, Kerala 680314
Tel: 0484 2740315.

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 or 0484 2304480.

Ranjini Eye Hospital
Near Powerhouse, Vyttila
Kochi, Cochin, Kerala 682019
Tel: 0484 2301922 or 09746400936.

R C M Hospital
Hill Palace Road, Tripunithura
Ernakulam, Kerala 680301
Tel: 0484 2776319.

Kandamkulathy Ayurveda Hospital
Near Ymca, Chittoor Road
Ernakulam, Kerala 680035
Tel: 0484 2384399.

Location info

• **Address: Perumpilly,Ernakulam district, Kerala, India.
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• District: Ernakulam district.

• **Nearest City: Kalady, Kothamangalam,Thodupuzha and Ernakulam(kochi) .
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• **Best time to visit: October to April.
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Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pump
Panampilly Nagar Avenue
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
NH 49, Puthencruz
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Wellington Island
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Kadavanthara
Ernakulam, Kerala.

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 St. George’s Simhasana Church

The best time to visit St Georges Simhasana 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 St. George’s Simhasana Church

St Georges Simhasana 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 St. George’s Simhasana 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.