St. Mary's Church Kandanad

Interesting things to do

Bolgatty Island:

SIVA TEMPLE :

Located near the old Collectorate in Park Avenue, this is one of the largest temples in Kerala.

Bolgatty Island:

This old Dutch palace is located on Bolgatty Island which is a brief boat ride away from the mainland. In fact, boat rides are available at regular intervals all day long. This building may have been a royal palace in the past, but in modern times it has been converted into a hotel quality hotel. This hotel is now run by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).

Cherai Beach:

Cherai Beach offers a unique combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms.

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.

Ernakulam Backwaters:

Ernakulam at kochi is More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake.Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest and the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Gritish have all left their mark here.natural harbours in the world.

St. Francis Church:

It is the first European Church in India. Vasco da Gama, the first European to come to India was buried here at the St. Francis Church. St. Francis Church was originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, the patron Saint of Portugal. Situated 2 Km west of Mattancherry in Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church is a living historical monument and one of the main tourist attractions in Fort Kochi.

Hill Palace Museum:

The Hill Palace Museum in Kochi is the largest of all archeological museums in Kerala.Built in 1865, it was once the official residential palace of the royal family of Kochi. It is now a qualified Ethno archeological museum besides having the distinction of being the first Heritage Museum in Kerala.This Museum of archaeology at Thripunithura is made up of 49 buildings, surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with ponds, fountains and lawns. The palace is a fine example of classical architecture.

Nearest Visiting places

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.

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.

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.

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 villege.Nice to watch.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Petrol Pump
Kadavanthara, Ernakulam
Kerala

Petrol pump
Panampilly Nagar Avenue
Panampilly Nagar
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
NH 47, Ernakula
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Wellington Island
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
NH 47A, Palarivattom
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Kwality Fuels (HP)
NH 47, Vyttila
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Maria
20/628, Kezhekekotta
Vaikom Road, Tripunithura
Ernakulam, Kerala 680301
Tel: 0484 2775588.

Hotel Anapoorna
20/1142, Tripunithura
Ernakulam, Kerala 680301
Tel: 0484 2781041.

Salini Hotel
8/688, Irimpanam P O
Tripunithura, Ernakulam
Kerala 680309
Tel: 0484 2783347.

Hotel Prasanth
14/156, Nfg, Tripunithura
Ernakulam
Kerala 680301
Tel: 0484 2781256.

Satsuma Hospitality Ideas
Sff Surya Apartment
Sanskrit College Road
Tripunithura, Ernakulam
Kerala 680301
Tel: 0484 3246377.

Hotel Queens
Puthiyakavu, Tripunithura
Ernakulam, Kerala 680301
Tel: 0484 2777277.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Tripunithura Police Station
Tripunithura, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Hill palace police station
Ernakulam
Kerala.

ET North Police Station
Ernakulam
Kerala.

Panangad Police Station
Ernakulam
Kerala.

Police Station Edappally
Ernakulam
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Roshan Eye Care Hospital
S N Junction, Main Road
Tripunithura, Ernakulam
Kerala 680301
Tel: 0484 2774701.

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

Labline Instruments
Pb No-36, Tripunithura
Ernakulam, Kerala 680301
Tel:0484 2780675.

Devi Nursing Home
Near Nss Colege North Fort Gate
Tripunithura, Ernakulam
Kerala 680301.

Matha Medicare
N F Gate, Tripunithura
Ernakulam, Kerala 680301
Tel:0484 2778332.

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

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

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

Location info

• Address: Kandanad, Ernakulam district, Kerala, India.

• District: Ernakulam district.

• Nearest City: Tripunithura, Kothamangalam,Thodupuzha and Ernakulam(kochi)

• Best time to visit:

Climate & weather

The climate is tropical and Temperature is between 31.3oC and 25.8oC.

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 Church Kandanad

The best time to visit St Marys Church Kandanad 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 Church Kandanad

St Marys Church Kandanad 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 visit & highlights

The beautiful church architecture blending European and Kerala styles, the main altar with its intricate details, stained-glass windows, church museum (if available), and the peaceful church compound. Some historic churches preserve colonial-era graves and artefacts.

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.