Arthunkal Perunnal

About Arthunkal Perunnal

St. Andrew’s Forane Church is Located at Arthunkal, Alappuzha District, Kerala, which is 6kms south west from Cherthala and 22 km north of Alappuzha. The annual Arthunkal Perunnal, the Feast of St. Sebastian.The Church better known as Arthunkal church, is an important Christian pilgrim center established by Portuguese missionaries. The miraculous statue of St.Sebastian in the church was brought from Milan and is placed behind an altar in the right wing of the church.It attracts lakhs of devotees both Christians and non-Christians every year from all parts of the State. The feast of St. Sebastian is celebrated on a grand scale for eleven days in a year. Owning to the unmanageable crowding of pilgrims and the resultant confusion on January 20 the final day of the feast, the church authorities have instituted another minor feast on the 8th day after the principal feast (Octave).The highlights of the concluding day of the festival include a special ritual in which the devotees crawl on their knees all the way from the nearby beach to the church followed by a ceremonial procession to the beach. This is known as ‘Ettam perunnal’. Of late this feast also has attained as much importance as the principal feast.

On 27 Jan midnight the church doors were closed and the st Sebastian’s statue was placed at the safe locker in the room near Vicar’s office. A small statue of the saint is placed there for 40 days. This marks the end of the Arthunkal perunnal. In 2009, more than 1.5 lakh persons performed the bow and arrow ‘nercha’.Many devotees come to the church and sit in ‘Bhajana’ for days.

Interesting things to Visit

Ambalapuzha Temple:

Constructed in the typical Kerala architectural style, this temple is famous all over India, and is renowned for the Palpayasam, the daily offering of sweet milk porridge. This temple witnesses the performance of Pallipana by Velans (sorcerers) once every twelve years. Paintings of the Dasavatharam (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) are displayed on the inner walls of the temple.

Arthunkal Church:

Arthunkal ChurchThis is a prominent Christian Pilgrim centre near Cherthalai which is 22 km. north of Alappuzha. The St. Andrews Church here was built by Portuguese missionaries during the 15th century. One can see and feel the architectural beauty of the West in the construction of this church.

Krishnapuram Palace:

The Krishnapuram Palace was built by Marthanda Varma at Karthikapally in Kayamkulam, about 47 kms from Alleppey. This palace museum mainly known for the mural depicting the story of Gajendramoksham. The 18th century mural Gajendramoksham is located on the ground

Alappuzha Beach :

Alappuzha Beach is a very attractive beach. he Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot, The pier extending into the sea is over 137 years old. One of the great attractions for the visitors here is the lighthouse and the Vijaya Beach Park. The park offers a wde range of entertainment facilities like boating, children\’s park with toy train and bicycles, etc.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
Marrarikulam Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala
Tel: 0478 2862391.

Nedumudy Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Pulincunnoo Police Station
Alappuzha,
Kerala
Tel :0477 2222222.

Muhamma Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Ambalapuzha Police Station
Ambalapulai
Alappuzha, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

St. Sebastian’s Visitation Hospital
Arthinkal, Cherthala
Kerala

Govt. Homoeo Dispencery
Alappuzha, Kerala

KVM Kinder Hospital
Alappuzha, Kerala

St. Rita’s Hospital
Thankey, Kadakkarappally P.O
Cherthala, Kerala

Kottayam Medical College
Arpookara, Kottayam, Kerala
Tel: 0481 2597284.

Society/Community Phone Number

Contact Address:
The Vicar
St Andrew’s Forane Church
Arthunkal P.O., Cherthala
Alappuzha- 688 530
Phone : 0478- 2572374, 2573560

Location info

• Address: Arthunkal, Alappuzha district , kerala, India

• District: Alappuzha District.

• Nearest City: Pazhaveedu,Cherthala, Ambalapuzha and Kuttanad

• Best time to visit: Jainuary

Things to do at Arthunkal Perunnal

You can watch St. Andrew’s Forane Church and also bow and arrow ‘nercha’.

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

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

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.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Arthunkal Perunnal

Arthunkal Perunnal takes place according to the Malayalam calendar. The best time to witness this festival is during its scheduled dates, which vary annually. Most Kerala festivals occur between November and May (the dry season). Check the official dates from Kerala Tourism before planning your visit.

How to reach Arthunkal Perunnal

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.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Most temple festivals start in the morning with flag-hoisting ceremonies and continue through the evening with processions, cultural programs, and fireworks. Night processions typically start around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and continue past midnight.

Entry fee & tickets

Most festival events are free to attend and watch. Processions and temple grounds can be accessed without charge. Special seating for fireworks viewing may cost INR 100–500. Some cultural performances during festivals may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

Major festivals last 8–10 days. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours per day watching key events. The main procession day requires 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Very large crowds gather at Arthunkal Perunnal — keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets. Arrive early for a good viewing position of processions. Follow the instructions of festival volunteers and police. Keep children close and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Carry water and stay hydrated. Avoid bringing large bags or valuables to crowded festival grounds.

Things to carry

Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (crowds can be very large, seating may not be available), drinking water in a reusable bottle, a hat or cap, sunscreen and umbrella for day events, a light snack, earplugs (processions can be very loud with drums and fireworks), a camera (zoom lens recommended for procession shots), a power bank, and a small bag that can be secured against pickpockets.

Nearby visiting places

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Kathakali Centre, St. Francis Church

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 Arthunkal Perunnal

Arthunkal Perunnal is one of Kerala’s vibrant festivals that showcase the state’s rich cultural and religious diversity. Kerala’s festivals are renowned for their spectacular processions featuring caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam), colourful umbrellas, and fireworks. Many festivals are temple-related and follow the Malayalam calendar, creating a year-round cycle of celebrations that are an integral part of Kerala’s cultural identity. The festival reflects the unique syncretic traditions of Kerala where communities of all faiths participate in each other’s celebrations.

Frequently asked questions

When does this festival take place? — Most Kerala festivals follow the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Dates vary annually — check the Kerala Tourism website or local sources for exact dates for your travel period. Is the festival free to attend? — Yes, all processions and public events are free. Special seating areas for fireworks or cultural programmes may have ticketed entry. How crowded is it? — Very crowded during major festivals. Large events like Thrissur Pooram attract hundreds of thousands of people. Arrive early, keep belongings secure, and establish meeting points. What should I wear? — Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds. Modest dress is appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Kerala
• Category: Fairs And Festivals