Kottayam Pilgrim Centre

Thirunakkara Temple

After Thazhathangadi lost its political importance; it was Thirunakkara that evolved as the hub of Kottayam. The temple is believed to have been built by Thekkumkoor kings, and its grounds are important landmark located in the heart of the town.

The sanctum sanctorum of the temple, repaired in 1956, is covered with pictures from the epics. Three festivals are celebrated here of which the last one is the most important. Folk art like Mayilattam (peacock dance) and Velakali are presented in the temple grounds in the evenings. When on a tour to Kerala a major attraction is the all night kathakali performances. In connection with the festival, the municipality of Kottayam conducts an all India industrial exhibition every year.

Adityapuram Sun Temple

Situated in a small village nearer to Muttuchira, this is perhaps the only sun temple in Kerala. Travel from Kottayam on the Ettumanoor- Vaikom road and take a detour from Kuruppanthara. Adityapuram is just 4 kms from here. A unique feature of this temple in Kerala is the rakthachandan (a medicinal herb) that is distributed as parsadan.

Valiyapalli / St Mary’s Knanaya Church

Valiyapalli (big church) came into existence in 1550. Built entirely of wood, it was demolished in 1577 and a new one built of stone. The crosses- a small one on the north side and a big one on the south, are sculpted on stone slabs and originate from Persia. Both the crosses have inscription in Pahalavi, the official language of the Sassanian dynasty in Persia. There is yet interesting granite cross on the eastern side of Valiyapalli. Very tall, the cross had been made of four granite pieces and has provisions for pouring oil into it whereby it can be lit up. Before electricity came into being, this cross was lit up on important days. Valiyapalli is famous for interesting woodcarvings, ancient Persian crosses, mural designs and Syrian inscriptions and is an important part when on a tour to Kerala.

Cheriyapalli

On a tour to Kerala, one must visit the church of Cheriyapalli. This is said to be one of the few old churches that still exists in its near original state. Built in 1579, extensive restoration work was carried out and completed in 1993 without marriage its architectural beauty. In keeping with the time it was built, when the Portuguese held reign, this church has a Boroque style façade to it. The porch, added in the early century, has pillars made of granite, modeled after temples.

Good Shepherd Church

Built in Italian style; this is the first church of the diocese of Vijayapuram. Its construction was completed in 1882 and it was renovated in 1964. The annual feast of Good Shepherd is held here in the month of April.

St Mary’s Jacobite Church

An important centre of Kerala pilgrimage, the ancient practice of the eight-day that is observed here, has withstood the passage of time. Stone inscriptions found at this church reveal that the structure was built more than a thousand years ago. Archeologists have also found that these stone inscriptions were actually memorial stones set up at tombs between 910 and 920. The church also runs educational institutions, a hospital and a welfare centre.