Pala Pilgrim Centre

Valiyapalli

Formally called St. Thomas Cathedral, (Valiyapalli means big church) this church in Kerala tour was built in 1002. Destroyed by Muslim invaders in the 17th century, reconstructed in the next century, incorporating the Portuguese style of construction with huge stones and a special mix of lime and other materials, instead of cement. A part of the remains of St. Thomas is displayed in the church. On the wall there is a pulpit, built with a single piece.

The important festival here is Rakkulithirunal, symbolizing the Biblical account of the three wise men from the East who left for Bethlehem to adore the infant Jesus, and celebrated on January 6.

Kayyor Temple

Kayyor is a Ghat region blanked by lush green hilly vegetation. There is a small temple here dedicated to the Pandavas, where only ghee is used to light the votive lamps, as in the famous temple at Sabarimala and is an important pilgrim centre in Pala.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

This landmark structure also called Jubilee Kappela and designed out of 14,444 granite stones stands in the centre of the town and is considered a famous pilgrim centre in Pala. There is 12.5 feet high statue of Jesus Christ on top of the shrine. The feast celebrated here on December 8 every year is an occasion for Pala-ites from different parts of the world to refresh ties with their hometown.

St. Marys’s Church

St Mary’s Church in Kerala at Bharananganam, also known as Anakkallu, is an important pilgrim centre in Pala, as the remains of the blessed Sister Alphonsa, who died in 1946, are kept here.

Sister Alphonsa’s feast is celebrated every year on July 28 and pilgrims throng the mortuary chapel where the tomb is located, within a beautiful terrace garden. The two storey structure in front of the chapel is the podium used by the Pope when he beatified Sister Alphonsa in 1986.

St George Forance Church

Situated in Erattupetta and standing 120 feet high, this cross-shaped church in Kerala is very old and attracts people from all walks of lifethroughout the year. The annual feast in the month of April is a celebration for people from Idukki and Kottaayam districts.

The Kadappattur Mahadeva Temple

Located on the banks of the Meenachil River, the origin of this Kerala temple, currently under construction, is rather fascinating. Almost half a century ago, a woodcutter was cutting a huge tree and when half of the tree was cut, it fell to the opposite side. To his great astonishment, a huge stone idol of Lord Shiva emerged from inside the tree. The news of the appearance of the idol spread like lightening and soon thousands of pilgrims came to Kadappattur to worship. Gradually a temple was constructed and Kadappattur became a pilgrimage shelter for devotees on their way to Sabarimala.

This Kerala temple is built as different from other South Indian temples in its architectural features as it was built in the North Indian style and designed in such a way that worshippers could see the deity from all four sides. It is now being reconstructed.