Other than scenic backwaters, beaches, and hills, there are several famous churches in Kerala that one must explore during their journey in God’s Own Country! Scattered across the diverse terrain of Kerala, these shrines are known for their grand architecture, peaceful aura, tranquil surroundings, rich history, and countless miracles!
These architectural marvels are a steadfast symbol of faith and devotion. Shrines like St. Thomas Church, St. Alphonsa Church, Edathua Church, and Arthunkal Church are even believed to have the power to heal the mind, body, and soul.
Thousands of pilgrims and travelers flock to these holy sanctums each month to bask in their peaceful aura, pray for salvation, and discover their breathtaking decor and ambiance!
Before you browse our customized Kerala tour packages and create an itinerary, take a look at the most famous churches in Kerala that will surely instill a sense of peace and calm in your soul!
10 Famous Churches in Kerala
Don’t forget to add these popular Kerala churches to your tour itinerary or you will miss out on an awesome experience of seeing Kerala’s rich heritage, architecture, and history. Discover inner peace at these holy sanctums located in the most serene surroundings in Kerala.
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1. Santa Cruz Basilica, Kochi
Santa Cruz is one of India’s 8 basilicas and among the largest churches in Kerala! Located inside the famous Fort Kochi in the most celebrated metropolitan of Kerala, this church is said to have been built by the Portuguese in 1,500 AD.
Other than its grandeur and calming spiritual aura, Santa Cruz Basilica is among the most famous churches in Kerala for its breathtaking Indo-European and Gothic architecture.
One often finds themselves hooked to the Italian paintings, lofty spirals, bright frescos, stained glass windows, and vivid murals of this famous Kerala church with significant historical importance.
Location: Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
2. St. Francis Church, Kochi
Built way back in 1503 AD by the Portuguese, St. Francis Church was the burial ground of Vasco da Gama. however, after 14 years of its inception, his mortal remains were relocated to a sanctum in Lisbon.
You can still see his gravestone at this famous Kerala church in addition to its interesting architecture and decor! Exuding old-world charm, it is one of the oldest European churches in India!
Other than the gravestone, its architecture attracts several visitors. It has been built in the traditional European style of architecture with a gabled timber roof, white stone, stepped pinnacle on either side of its façade, and awesome stained-glass artwork!
Location: Head Post Office, Saint Francis Church Road Opp, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
3. St. Thomas Church, Malayattoor
Nestled in the Malayattoor village in Kochi’s Ernakulam district and designated by the Vatican itself, St. Thomas is one of the most famous churches in Kerala with a profound connection with early Christianity.
It is believed to have been established in 52 AD when St. Thomas, while praying in the nearby Kurisumudy hills, was visited by Mother Mary and asked to guide others to spiritual sustenance.
To this day, the mountain carries a sacred glass-encased rock said to have the imprints of St. Thomas’s feet and knees from when he had knelt to pray.
Left abandoned for a long time, the church was revived in 600 AD and is now among the most popular churches in Kerala where worshippers go to seek the Lord’s blessings to ease their suffering. You must also visit the nearby Spring of Miracles believed to have healing powers!
Location: Kalady Malayattoor Road, Malayattoor, Kerala 683587
Timings: Open 24/7 (Holy Mass daily at 7:30 AM)
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4. Arthunkal Church, Alleppey
The Arthunkal Church, built by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century AD, was initially called St. Andrew’s Basilica.
But after its reconstruction in 1584, it came to be known as Arthunkal Church in honor of its priest Jacomo Fenicio (locally called ‘Arthunkal Veluthachan’).
It isn’t just Kerala’s largest church dedicated to St. Sebastian, but also the biggest shrine of the deeply respected saint in the entire world.
On your visit, you’ll be wonderstruck by the enormous statue of St. Sebastian on the church premises. Word has it that this statue was brought in all the way from Italy!
Location: Arthunkal, Cherthala South, Kerala 688530
Timings: 5 AM – 9:30 PM
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5. Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Kochi
Associated with a divine history and countless miracles, the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom is a 16th-century shrine tucked on Vallarpadam Island in Kochi.
It houses a sacred wooden painting of the Divine Mother holding Christ that had been discovered by Paliyath Raman Valiyachan, the Diwan of the Raja of Kochi, after the Kochi backwater flood of 1676.
Perceiving the painting as a symbol of great power, he built a church to protect it. The church is now one of the most famous Kerala churches and was recently elevated to the status of basilica in 2014 by His Holiness Pope John Paul II.
Location: National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala 682504
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
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6. Pallikkunnu Church, Wayanad
The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes’ in Pallikkunnu is a stunning Latin Catholic church in Kerala. The holy shrine is set in Wayanad’s most tranquil setting of lush greenery and vivid wildflowers which provide the perfect contrast to its radiant white structure!
Surprisingly, its rituals and ceremonies are almost similar to those performed in Hindu temples, a fact that has always intrigued worshippers and made it one of the most popular churches in Kerala!
Its magnificent Gothic Revival style of architecture with colorful stained glass windows, floral motifs, and ancient artifacts draw pilgrims and art lovers from around the world. Visitors find themselves smitten with its vivid ambiance, soothing aura, and verdant surroundings.
Location: Wayanad, PO, Pallikkunnu, Chundakara, Kerala, 673122, India
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
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7. St. Alphonsa Church, Bharananganam
St. Alphonsa Church, or St. Mary’s Church, is one of the most eminent historical sites in Kerala located in Bharananganam, 5 km from Kottayam.
This famous church in Kerala is where the mortal remains of St. Alphonsa, the first Indian woman to be canonized as a saint, lie buried.
Worshippers from different corners of the country visit St. Alphonsa in July every year for the annual holy feast and to revel in the divine aura of one of the most famous Kerala churches.
Art and architecture enthusiasts flock to this region in droves to admire its red brick structure, landscaped gardens, and annex museum displaying the belongings of St. Alphonsa.
Location: Bharananganam, Kerala 686578
Timings: 5 AM – 12:55 AM
8. Our Lady of Dolours Basilica, Thrissur
The tallest church in Kerala and the third-tallest in Asia, the Our Lady of Dolours Basilica in Thrissur commands respect for its massive size, overwhelming spiritual aura, and grand architecture!
It flaunts a stunning Indo-Gothic style of architecture with its white marble structure, multicolor murals, brilliantly painted portraits of saints, and thoroughly detailed sceneries from the scriptures.
Other than its towering structure, the church’s captivating Bible Tower has also made it one of the most famous churches in Kerala.
Location: Erinjery Angady, Pallikkulam, Thrissur, Kerala 680001
Timings: 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM
9. Edathua Church, Alleppey
Also known by the name of St. George Forane Church, the venerable Edathua Chuch on the banks of the Pamba River in Alleppey is among the most popular Kerala churches. It is dedicated to St. George and is a revered sanctum among Christians and non-Christians alike.
Built in the early 19th century, the water and soil of this famous church in Kerala are said to possess healing powers. A large influx of people journeys to this shrine to cure their loved ones tormented by mental disorders and physical ailments.
Worshippers and travelers also visit it to witness its alluring architecture complete with refined arches and tall pillars that resemble medieval European architecture. Visit on May Day to watch an annual procession where the portrait of St. George is carried through the town.
Location: St. George Forane Church, Edathua, Kerala 689573
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
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10. Catholic Rosary Church, Thalassery
The Catholic Rosary Church of Thalassery tops every list of famous churches in Kerala when it comes to breathtaking architecture and vivid ambiance!
Every bit of this church’s structure speaks volumes of its expert craftsmanship and masonry. Established in the 16th century, its interiors consist of ornate frescos, detailed glass artwork, a wide facade, and stained glass windows brought in all the way from London. In fact, the whole architecture is a reflection of the British era!
This celebrated church in Kerala sits near the scenic Thalassery Beach, making it all the more picturesque and adding a touch of drama to its backdrop!
Location: Opp to St. Joseph HSS, Thalassery, Kerala 670101
Timings: Open 24/7
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An integral part of Kerala’s history and heritage, these famous churches in Kerala are a must-visit on your tour to God’s Own Country! Plan your trip to Kerala with Iris Holidays and discover the fascinating tales and miracles associated with these revered holy sanctums during your holiday! Happy tripping!
