St.Mary's Cathedral Church

About St.Mary’s Cathedral Church

St Mary’s is a small church in Vazhappally Village, part of the Cathedral church and the Arch Diocese of Changanacherry, Kerala. It was first established in 1177, and reconstructed and consecrated in 1887.More than 125 families are gathering here for daily masses and other prayers.The Cathedral church is located on Market Road, about half KM from Changanassery town. A new semi-circular section was added to the rear of the building in the 60s to accommodate a growing congregation. Outside, at the head of the building, stands the tallest structure in the town, namely, the bell tower. The ringing of the bell can be heard throughout the city.

Interesting things to Visit

Mahavishnu Kshetram:

The Mahavishnu Kshetram at Thrikodithanam is one of the five ancient “Pancha-Pandava” temples in Kerala and is specially associated with Sahadeva, youngest of the five Pandava princes. This temple is also counted among the 108 Temples & Celestial Abodes of Vishnu, which make a Vaishnavite`s pilgrimage itinerary, in India.

Kidangoor Skanda temple:

Kidangoor Skanda temple is located at Kidangoor in Kottayam District of Kerala. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya. According to legends, the temple was originally constructed for Lord Vishnu, but a sequence of events, recounted in local legends, caused this structure to be dedicated to Lord Subramanya.

Vazhappally Mahadevar Temple:

Vazhappally Mahadevar Temple 1km west of MC Road, at Madhumoola. Even though Mahadeva temple, prominence is to Sree Maha Ganapathy.

Perunnai Subramanya Swami Temple:

More than 1000 year old very famous temple and is known as ‘Dakhina Pazhani’. The temple situates south side of town 500m from the MC Road. Numerous devotees are visiting this temple from various parts of Kerala in all seasons

Nearest Visiting places

Kumarakom backwaters:

Kumarakom backwaters is the major backwater stretch is in Kottayam district, where a network of rivers and canals empty into the great expanse of water called the Vembanad Lake. Located at Kumarakom 16 km from Kottayam town, the Vembanad Lake, an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourism destination, provides boating and Fishing.

Vembanad Lake:

Vembanad Lake offers an enchanting experience to the tourists. The lake is the best picnic spot, where you can relax your mind and body. While the water gives the place a cooling effect, trees and shrubs act as a respite to the parched eyes. The lake is an excellent family-picnic destination too. While seniors can laze around the lake reading a book or talking.

The Driftwood Museum:

This museum is well stored with a huge collection of driftwood sculptures collected from the islands of Andaman and Nicobar. The museum is the only one of its kind in the country. The works displayed here shows the artistic excellence and mere hard work of past generations. One can find here a huge collection of root sculptures of various shapes and designs. The most attractive driftwood sculptures here includes a tribal Jarva women, a handicapped family, Monkey, Lion, and Elephant. There are even sculptures depicting the Kargil War, fought between India and Pakisthan. The museum also showcases an amazing collection of flowers and buds.

Pathiramanal:

Located near Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal is also called ‘Sands of Night’. It is a small island that is easily reachable using the water route. The journey to reach the island is an exhilarating one. Both sides of the lake have breath-taking beauty that would remain etched in the mind of the tourists. The island is home to some rare varieties of migratory birds, serving as a bird watcher’s paradise.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:

The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is highly rich in its sheer scenic beauty. It is rightly known as a heaven to birds. The great collection of birds here is a remarkable thing. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise.

Alleppey:

Fisherman paddling canoe in Kumarakom BackwatersThe beautiful coastal town of Alleppey lies close by. With its labyrinth of canals, bridges, silver beaches, makes Alleppey an ideal spot to spend your holidays.

Vazhikkadavu:

This hill station of rocky terrains is on the outskirts of the district. On one side of the main rock are extremely tall and steep rocks and on the other is a valley of fearful depth. Bordering this crude landscape like a silver lace is the Meenachil River. During the months of December/January the landscape comes alive in a riot of colours with orchids and wild flowers.

Kallara:

This quaint little village is located about 20 km northwest of Kottayam town. The place can be easily accessed from Kottayam by road as well as rail.Kallara and the neighboring villages of Kaduthuruthy and Thalayolaparambu has unending stretches of lush green paddy fields crisscrossed by numerous canals that drain into the backwaters of Ezhumanturuth and fall into the mighty Vembanad lake. In ancient days, large barge like country boats transported goods from Alapuzha to Thalayolaparambu and Kaduthuruthy through these intricate networks of waterways.

Ithipuzha:

As you travel form Vaikom to Ernakulam by road you pass three bridges in succession. As you look out, you are greeted by lush green scenery on either side. It is the river Muvattupuzha and its numerous branches that drain into the Vembanad Lake at this spot creating picture post card scenery all round. And this village is called Ithipuzha.You can relax yourself on a country canoe ride - floating on the gentle ripples of the rivers and watching the fishermen carrying their catch in small canoes. lthipuzha can easily be accessed from Kochi.

Pallam Backwaters:

Pallam is located to the south of Kottayam town and is accessible via the Main Central Road. The setting is typical Kerala rural with quiet villages escorted by scenic backwaters and vivid green all along. Migratory birds come seeking this verdant landscape every summer and frolic in the natural splendors till the end of the season. A boat ride in this river Kodoorar to Kumarakom via Pallom backwaters is a great way to relax and enjoy nature’s bounties.

Elaveezhapoonchira - Walk in the rain clouds:

Skirting the Kottayam district are beautiful valleys of Elaveezhalpoonchira, spread over thousands of acres in Melukavu village. The pristine beauty of nature is preserved almost intact here in the imposing mountain ranges with rocky cliffs. The verdant landscape is punctuated by five gigantic hills viz. Vindhyan medu, Hidumbanmedu Mankallumudi, Kolanimudi and Mukalanthumudi each rising to around 3200 ft. Elaveezhapoonchira means valley where leaves don’t fall and is named so because the place has no trees. T During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils another beautiful slice of nature.

Kannadipara:

As the name suggests, the valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with a mirror like perfection. This is also the highest point in Elaveezhapoonchira. Three km from here is the Pazhakakanam Plateau nourished by the Kadapuzha River. Bamboo groves, meadows and wild flowers make this place exotic. An added attraction here is the Kazhukankulimali Waterfalls that playfully cascade down the mountain and greet the river below with a magnificent splash.

Mankallu Mudikal:

The three hills in this region lie close to each other, their flat hilltops covered with lush grasslands. An aerial view of these resembles a traditional clay oven. With no trees around, the hilltops give you the feeling that you are walking in the clouds.

Kootickal:

This quaint hamlet situated in the Western Ghats is located 5km north of Mundakkayam in Kottayam District. The majesty of the mountain ranges combined with the beauty of the forest and the artificial lake created by the check-dam of the Manimala River makes the spot linger in your mind. Amruthameda, famous for medicinal plants is nearby. Kootickal is located only 12km from the pilgrim centre of Erumeli.

Kurisumala:

Three km from Vazhikkadavu is this renowned Christian pilgrim centre where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Monastery at the top of the hill, the silence of the hills, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul. On the eastern side of the hill is Muruganmala housing a rock cut temple dedicated to Murugan (son of Lord Shiva).

Bharananganam:

Bharananganam is an important pilgrimage center for the Christians. It is located next to the St. Mary’s Church. The church is a thousand years old and has a well-carved cavern of Virgin Mary.

Matrumala:

Matrumala is located in Kooropada village and is about 8 km from Vennimala. The place can be accessed from Kottayam through Pampadi. Matrumala is a hill top that offers stunning views of the entire surroundings.The place got its name as it has a small temple on its top dedicated to Goddess. The temple is believed to have been built by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala who installed idols of the seven Goddesses (Saptamathas) here.

Champakara (Ayurvedic Centre):

Champakara is just 18 kms from Kottayam is Champakara, which is an important Ayurvedic Centre for ‘Thirummuchikilsa’ in Kerala. Sreerangam CVN Kalari Chikilsa Kendram attracts people from all over Indiaand abroad.

Kesari Waterfalls

The Kesari waterfalls is also known as Valanjamkanam falls, it lies between Kuttikanam and Murinjapuzha on the Kottayam-Kumaly route. Valanjamkanam is a 3 hr journey from Kottayam by any bus to Kumaly.

Mannanam:

This place is about 8 km north of Kottayam is Mannanam, a small town but a great pilgrimage centre for Syrian Christians. Thousands of Syrian Christians gather each year at Mannanam to attend a religious convention that is one of the largest in Asia.

Manimalkkavu Bhagavathi Temple:

This is the “Bharadevatha” of Manimala’s native people. Once the temple owned the whole properties including Manimala and Vellavoor village areas. The Vanjippuzha Palace (Head Quarters situated in Chenganoor) dedicated this landed properties to the Manimalakkavu Devaswam (Temple).

Kangzha MahaDevar Temple:

The Kangazha Mahadevar Temple is one of the most important temples in this area. The main Deity is Lord Shiva. Kangazha Mahadevar is a very powerful Deity.

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.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Indian Oil Petrol Pump
Kottayam, Kerala

Petrol And Diesel Pump
Changanassery, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Puimoodu junction NH 220
Kottayam, Kerala.

Eraviperoor Petrol pump
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Indian Oil Petrol Pump
Manarcadu Thenganal Road
Puthuppally, Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Vani
SH 1, Changanassery
Kerala.

Bamboostix
Alleppey backwater, punnamada
alleppey, Kerala 688006
Tel: 09995821014 or 09995821015.

Pozhiyoram Beach Resort
Jry Road Thumpoly,
Alleppey, Kerala 688008
Tel:0477 3024281.

Kumarakom Lagoon
Ambika Market P.O, Vechoor
Kottayam, Kerala 686144
Tel:09811165753.

Kumarakom Hotels
Boat Jetty Rd, Alleppey
Kerala 686563
Tel:09447023966.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Chingavanam Police Station
Kerala State.

Pulincunnoo Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala
Tel: 0477 2222222.

Police station
Pandalam, Kerala.

Thrikkunnapuzha Police Station
Thattarambalam Thrikkunnapuzha Road
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

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

Central Research Institute For Homeopathy
Chethipuzha Kurichy Road
Kerala.

Nairs Hospital
Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass
Ernakulam, Kerala 682304
Tel:0484 2302666 or 0484 2304480.

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

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

Link:

Location info

• Address: Vazhappally Village, District, Kerala, India.

• District: Kottayam District

• Nearest City: Changanacherry, idukki and Kottayam.

• Best time to visit: October to March.

Climate & weather

The weather ranges between 5 °C (41 °F) and 10 °C (50 °F) in winter and 15 °C (59 °F). Here the climate is cool.

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 St.Mary’s Cathedral Church

The best time to visit St Marys Cathedral 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.Mary’s Cathedral Church

St Marys Cathedral 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.Mary’s Cathedral 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.