Divine Destinations Journey

Meet on arrival and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom at Vallarpadam in Ernakulam, a renowned pilgrimage destination. People from across Kerala and beyond, regardless of background, visit this church to receive blessings from Mary, the mother of Jesus, affectionately called “Vallarpadathamma.” This historic Christian church, originally constructed in 1524 by Portuguese merchants led by Vasco da Gama, was the first in Asia dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The Portuguese installed a revered portrait of Our Lady of Ransom at the altar, believed to have miraculous powers.

A devastating flood in 1676 destroyed the original church. The portrait was found floating in the waters and was recovered by Paliyath Raman Valiyachan, who later donated land for the church’s reconstruction that same year. The Portuguese reinstalled the famous portrait in the rebuilt church. In 1888, Pope Leo XIII designated the church as a special church, and in 1951, the Indian government recognized it as a major pilgrimage center. After this visit, explore the Old Town, including St. Francis Church, the Chinese fishing nets, and Jew Town. Overnight stay in Cochin.

After breakfast, proceed to Palayoor Church, which was founded by St. Thomas, the apostle believed to have arrived in Kerala in 52 AD. The church is renowned for its depictions of significant moments from St. Thomas’s life, including fourteen granite sculptures at the entrance that illustrate key episodes from his journey. The jubilee door is also notable for its intricate wood carvings inspired by biblical stories. Next, head to Marthomalayam Church, traditionally regarded as the first landing site of St. Thomas in Kerala. After visiting Marthoma Church, continue to Maliankara St. Thomas Church, recognized as the first Christian church in India and established by St. Thomas in the 1st century AD. It is believed that the apostle visited Kodungalloor, then called Muziris, during his mission to spread Christianity from Ethiopia to China. In the afternoon, visit Kottukavu Church in Paravur, the next location where St. Thomas preached and established a church. According to tradition, he converted 1,770 people to Christianity at this site. Afterward, drive to Cochin for an overnight stay.

Drive to Kumarakom, stopping on the way to visit:

Arthunkal Church

St. Andrew’s Basilica, also known as Arthunkal Church, stands as one of Kerala’s major pilgrimage destinations. While the church is dedicated to St. Andrew, it is the annual St. Sebastian’s festival that draws the largest crowds. This vibrant celebration, beginning on January 10th with traditional music and fireworks, reaches its peak on January 20th when the statue of St. Sebastian is carried in a grand procession. The festivities conclude with the Octave on January 27th, a day especially significant for the local community. In earlier times, pilgrims would travel on foot along the coast or by boat from the east, with locals offering shelter and fostering a strong sense of community. Today, most visitors arrive by modern means, though some still choose to walk the distance as an act of devotion.

Kokkamangalam Church

St. Thomas is believed to have arrived at Kokkamangalam, where he preached for about a year, leading to the conversion of 1,600 people as recounted in the traditional “Rampan Pattu” folk songs. He established a Christian community here and erected a cross for the faithful, which was later destroyed and cast into Lake Vembanad, eventually drifting to Pallippuram where it remains enshrined. The church also houses a relic of Apostle St. Thomas, brought from Ortona, Italy, by Pope John Paul II in 1999. Special novena prayers are held on Friday evenings, and many devotees seeking overseas employment come here to seek the saint’s intercession.

Check in at your hotel in Kumarakom.

Excursion to Manarcad Church, Puthupally Church, and visits to the historic Cheriapalli and Valiapalli churches (within 50 km of Kumarakom):

Manarcad St. Mary’s Cathedral is a Jacobite Syrian Christian church situated roughly 10 km from Kottayam. It is a renowned pilgrimage site, especially during the annual eight-day fast and the Feast of the Virgin Mary’s birth, held from September 1st to 8th, which draws countless devotees from around the world. During these days, vast numbers gather at Manarcad to seek the Virgin Mary’s blessings. In 2004, the church was elevated to the status of ‘Cathedral’ and ‘Universal Marian Pilgrim Centre’ by Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka II, Patriarch of Antioch.

Puthupally Church was reconstructed and consecrated in 2003, merging three churches into one complex. The original St. George church was preserved, with new chapels for St. Mary on the north and St. Bahanan on the south. This thoughtful restoration revived the St. Mary’s chapel from 1557 and St. Bahanan’s church from 1640, alongside St. George’s church from 1750. The altars are dedicated to nine intercessors, and the site welcomes devotees of all backgrounds, especially during the St. George feast and the surrounding days.

Lunch at Kottayam.

Kottayam Cheriapalli, one of Kerala’s oldest churches, was built in 1579 and remains well maintained. Its architecture blends European and Kerala styles, with features such as galleries, pillars, cornices, and pediments. The church is adorned with murals in both Oriental and Western styles, depicting various biblical and non-biblical themes. The structure was designed by Portuguese architect Antony and local craftsmen, and it stands out as an architectural marvel and a significant heritage site in Kottayam.

Valiapalli, constructed in 1550 atop a hillock by the Meenachil River, is an ancient Syrian Knanaya church and one of the largest and oldest in the area. It is considered the mother church for many Christians in the region. Built by the descendants of Syrian Knanaya Christians, Valiapalli’s origins are closely tied to the early history of Christianity in Kottayam, though much of that period remains obscure. The church is situated near Cheriapalli, and together, they represent the rich Christian heritage of the region.
Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Drive to Alleppey and board your houseboat. As you cruise the scenic backwaters, visit Champakulam Kalloorkadu St. Mary’s Forane Church, also known as Champakulam Valia Palli.

This church, regarded as one of India’s oldest Christian places of worship and the mother church for nearly all Catholic Syrian churches in the Alleppey district, is believed to have been founded in AD 427. Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt several times, with numerous rock inscriptions and archaeological relics around the site highlighting its rich history. The open-air Rock Cross at the church is among the oldest documented crosses, with records tracing its origins back to AD 1151. Champakulam Church was originally under the jurisdiction of Niranam Church, which tradition holds was established by the Apostle Saint Thomas. The church has historically maintained cordial relations with the Jacobite Syrian community and played a significant role in ecumenical movements during the eighteenth century. Spend the night on the houseboat.

Drive to Kovalam, stopping en route to visit:

Niranam Church

Niranam Church, believed to have been established by St. Thomas the Apostle in AD 54, stands as one of the oldest Christian churches in India. The church has undergone multiple reconstructions over the centuries, with evidence of a major rebuild in 1259. It played a significant role in the history of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, serving as the site for the ordination of the first and second Catholicos in 1912 and 1925. Four Malankara Metropolitans passed away while residing at the church, and two are interred on its grounds. The current structure, reportedly the fourth, was built in 1912 and renovated in 2000. Niranam Church features five altars: the central one dedicated to Saint Mary for regular worship, two side altars honoring Saint George (north) and Saint Behnam (south), and two smaller front altars dedicated to Saint Thomas (also the shrine of Mar Thoma II) and Saint Stephen (also the shrine of Mar Thoma V).

Parumala Church

Parumala Church is the burial site of Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios, also known as Parumala Thirumeni, who passed away on November 2, 1902, at the age of 54. The church and his tomb have become a major pilgrimage destination, with many attributing miracles to his intercession. In 1947, Mar Gregorios was canonized as a saint by the Catholicos of the church, His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese.

Check in at Kovalam Hotel.

A morning visit to Thiruvithamkode Church, also known as Arappally or Thomayar Kovil, offers a glimpse into one of the world’s oldest Christian sites. Built by St. Thomas the Apostle in 63 AD, this church in Kanyakumari district stands as a testament to ancient Christian heritage and is recognized as a major pilgrimage destination. Locally referred to as ‘Thomayar Kovil’, the church is renowned for its antiquity and spiritual significance, making it a unique landmark in the region.

After exploring the church, you can continue your excursion to Padmanabhapuram Palace, constructed around 1601 AD. This palace complex is celebrated for its exemplary traditional Kerala architecture, with several sections showcasing the distinctive building styles of the region. The tour concludes with a return to Kovalam, where you will stay overnight.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to the airport on schedule for your return trip.