Churches in Kerala - South India Tour Itineraries

On arrival at Cochin airport you will be welcomed by our tour executive and further transferred to the Hotel in Fort Cochin. Afternoon time visit St. Francis church located in Fort Cochin which was built in 1503. It is believed to be India’s oldest European built church. The church was constructed by the Portuguese. The great Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 during his third visit to India and was buried here in St. Francis church. Fourteen years later, the remains of his mortal were taken to Portugal.

Later you can visit The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica in Fort Kochi. It is one of the eight Basilicas in India. This heritage edifice of Kerala is also one of the finest and imposing churches in India. This basilica serves as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Cochin, the second oldest Diocese of India.

Later in the evening, there are options for enjoying the Kerala traditional Kathakali dance show. Overnight stay at Cochin Hotel.

After breakfast drive to the famous St. Thomas Church at Malayattor. St.Thomas, who was one of the ten apostles of Jesus Christ, had landed on the Kerala coast at Muziris, Kodungalloor Port in 52 C.E. and th he built the Malayattoor Church. It is said that he retreated to the hills of Malayattoor and prayed.

Later drive back to Cochin and visit Basilica of Our Lady, Vallarpadam. A major pilgrim centre for Christians. Church of Our Lady of Ransom is one of the oldest European Churches in India built by the Portuguese Missionaries. The church dedicated to the Holy Mary of Vallarpadam, popularly known as 'Vallarapadath Amma', is located in the middle of Vallarpadam, a small idyllic isand on the Vembanad Lake. Later visit St Georges Forane Church, also known as Edappally Mar Gee Varghese Sahada Palli or Edappally Palli is a Catholic church situated in Edappally. The church feast is celebrated in the month of April-May. Thousands of devotees participate in the feast. Overnight stay at Cochin Hotel.

After breakfast drive to St. Alphonsa Pilgrime Centre Bharananganam, in Pala. Later drive to Thekkady and check in to the Hotel. Thekkady is a place which offers you the fresh aroma of spices and a thrilling experience of wild life. Make sure to take a boat ride into the dense forest to watch the wild animals in their natural habitat (elephants, bisons, deers, wild buffalo, Nilgiri Langur, monkeys and many more). Also, you may have a chance to spot the “Tiger” as you will be sailing through a river passing in the midst of “Periyar Tiger Reserve”. In the evening visit spice garden and the market as well. Overnight stay at Hotel.

After breakfast proceed for boat safari in Periyar lake and there are options to enjoy a Nature walk. Overnight stay at Hotel.

After breakfast drive to Kumarakom, enroute you will have lunch at Plantation bungalow at Kanjirapally. After lunch drive to Kottayam and visit St. Marys’s church (Cheriya palli & Valiya palli) at Kottayam, later drive to Kumarakom and check in to the backwater Resort. Rest of the day relax and overnight stay at your backwater Resort.

After breakfast drive to Alleppey and visit Mount Carmel cathedral church and later in the afternoon embark the houseboat. During the cruise you can visit famous Champakulam St. Marys Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, an ancient Christian Church in Kerala. Overnight stay at houseboat..

After breakfast you will disembark the houseboat and further transferred to a beach resort in Mararikulam. This resort is situated in the coastal area and there are many Christian churches in this route.

After breakfast you can visit famous Arthuankal St. Andrew's Basilica Church & Later visit St. Marys's Forane church Thankey, Ancient Pilgrim Church of Coastal Belt, where you can see the miraculous statue of the Passion of Our Lord. Later drive back to Mararikkulam hotel for your overnight stay.

This day is free for your own activities ( Option for Ayurveda massage). Overnight stay at your Beach Resort.

As per the schedule of your departure flight you will be transferred to Cochin airport for your onward journey back to your home.
Tour ends !