Vettukadu Perunal Festival

About Vettukadu Perunal Festival

Vettukadu Perunnal is the annual festival of ‘Madre-de-Deus’ Church popularly known as Vettukadu Church, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. It is a ten day long festival that culminates on the last Sunday of the liturgical year. It celebrated in the third week of November culminating on the 3rd Sunday of November every year.

Madre-de-Deus church which is also known as Vettukadu Church is the most famous Christian pilgrim centre in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala State.The chruch attracts thousands of devotees from all religions. The annual celebration here is called the ‘Feast of Christ, the King’. It also serves as an link in the chain of innumerable churches by the seashores. This Church is located at a distance of about 7 km from the city of Thiruvananthapuram and about 3 km from Sankhumugham or Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

The feast is celebrated across 10 days culminating in the last Sunday of the liturgical year. Various religious rites are carried out during the festival days. On the last Saturday of the feast, the image of Christ is taken out in a large colourful procession. A solemn high mass, sermons, Eucharistic processions and benediction mark the final day.

This Church has a remarkable history as it is meant to be established by St. Francis Xavier. It was rebuilt and re-established in its present form in 1934. People have ardent faith in the Church. They believe that here Christ, the King, blesses all with love and compassion which have miraculous power over his devotees.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 7 km away.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 3 km away

Interesting things to Visit

Sri. Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple
The ancient temple is the most dominating feature of Thiruvananthapuram. Overlooking the Padma Theertham Tank, the temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city derives its name. Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth admiring. The temple is open only to Hindus and dress regulations are strictly enforced.

Veli lagoon
Veli lagoon The boat club attracts tourists by providing facilities for pedal boating , row boating , swimming on the placid waters of the veli lake.

Aruvikkara
Aruvikkara 16 km. It is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot. On the banks of the Karamana river, this spot houses a Bhagavathy temple with a water fall nearby. A Stream with fishes which come up to be fed by visitors is another attraction.

Ponmudi
61 km. A beautiful hill station away from the city. The natural scenery, salubrious climate and the scope of hiking in high trails make the visit an exhilarating experience.

Kovalam
Kovalam beach is only 16 km away from the city. This unique wonderful beach will get pride of place amongst the loveliest beaches in the world. It is a sheltered bay and is endowed with unusual natural beauty.

Sankumukham Beach
The long stretch of clean sand is located near the airport. The water here, however, is not suitable for bathing.

Veli Tourist Village
A large recreational centre located near the airport along a sheltered lagoon offers landscaped gardens and watersports facilities. It is a popular picnic spot. Accommodation facilities are available in the youth hostel.

Public Park
Truly a representative of the clean and verdant aspect of the city, the Public Park houses many important institutions, like Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The Zoo is open from 09.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs. The observatory on the Observatory Hill is also located in the Public Park.

Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari, the land’s end of India is only 87kms from Trivandrum. Also known as Cape Comorin, this beautiful spot is in the neighbouring Tamilnadu state.

Varkala
Varkala is a pilgrim centre for the devotees of Sree Narayana Guru, one of the patron saints of Kerala, whose motto was “One God, One Religion, One Caste”. It is only 51kms from Trivandrum by road and also boasts of one of the best beaches in the State.

Vizhinjam
Vizhinjam About 2kms south of Kovalam, it is believed to be an ancient port. The Dutch and Portugese had commercial establishments here. It is being developed as a modern fishing harbour.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Railway Police Station
Kerala, India

Nedumangad Police Station
Nedumangad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Pothencode Police Station
Kerala, India

Vizhinjam Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Kattakada Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram Neyyardam Road, Kattakkada, , Kerala, India

Mangalapuram Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Kadinamkulam Police Station
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Varkala Police Station
Kerala, India 0470 2602333

Police Station
Parassala Vellarada Road, Parassala, , Kerala, India 0471 22020230

Chirayinkeezhu Police Station
Sarkara, , Chirayinkeezhu, , Kerala 695304, India 0470 2640380

Nearest Hospital:

Divya Prabha Eye Hospital
Kumarapuram, Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011, India 0471 2442050

AJU’S DENTAL CARE CENTRE
Trivandrum Bypass Rd, Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695024, India 0471 2476304

Sparrows
PB No.6811, Trivandrum, Kerala 695035, India 0471 3014184

PRDental speciality centre
Opp:Rajan Textiles, Thirumala, Trivandrum, Kerala 695006, India 09249434490

Medical College Hospital
Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India 0471 2444270

KIMS Hospital
Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India 0471 2447575

Sree Uthradom Thirunal Hospital Varkala
Stavyah Lifecare Services Pvt. Ltd., Near Varkala Court, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695141, India 0470 2607766

Karthick Clinic
43-1, Jawaharlal Road Street,, Shencottah, Tamil Nadu 627809, India 04633 233784

Chaithanya Eye Hospital
Kesavadasapuram, Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695004, India 0471 2447183

ROY MEDICAL CENTRE
Thycaud Hospital Road ,, Opp. Amritha Hotel, Trivandrum, Kerala 695014, India 09387809779

Location info

Address:Madre-de-Deus’ Church,This Church is located at a distance of about 7 km from the city of Thiruvananthapuram and about 3 km from Sankhumugham or Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

• District: Thiruvananthapuram

• Nearest City: Thiruvananthapuram

• Best time to visit:

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 Vettukadu Perunal Festival

Vettukadu Perunal Festival 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 Vettukadu Perunal Festival

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 40 km). Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur 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 Vettukadu Perunal Festival — 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

Guruvayoor Temple, Athirappilly Waterfall, Vazhachal Waterfall, Punnathur Kotta, Kerala Kalamandalam, Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, Vilangan Hills

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 40 km). Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Vettukadu Perunal Festival

Vettukadu Perunal Festival 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.

Things to do at Vettukadu Perunal Festival

Witness the grand procession of caparisoned elephants, listen to traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam, chenda melam), watch traditional performing arts (Kathakali, Theyyam, folk dances), enjoy the spectacular fireworks displays, taste festival-special food, shop at temporary festival markets, interact with local communities participating in the festivities, photograph the colourful events, and experience the unique cultural atmosphere of a Kerala festival.

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