Popularly as the Kottayam Cheriapally situated in the holy Kottayam district, St. Marys Orthodox Syrian Church, was constructed in the year 1579 by Thekkumkoor Maharajah. St. Marys Orthodox Syrian Church – Kumarakom is one amongst the oldest cathedrals in the entire nation. It is that architecture, which is as old as 400 years and has retained its old world charm today as well even after so much of environmental changes. Whether you talk of its old-school walls, pillars or the roof, St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church - Kumarakom scores full points even today. The length and breadth of the church is constructed with innovative paintings, mural, and architecture.
In addition to this, its exquisite interiors and properties are like icing on the cake for they have been gathered from different parts of India. On one end of the sanctum sanctorum, everyone can see a huge bell, which was specially brought down from Goa. Inside the church, there are small antiques that are made up of granite. There is no denying the fact when anyone would say that the church is made like that of a temple. In fact, the stone wall all around the St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church – Kumarakom gives a clear resemblance of any 14th-century Hindu temple. Not just this, even the traditional lanterns that can be seen hanging on the cliffs of the holy place also gives a tint of Indian culture. All-in-all, the church displays a perfect concoction of Kerala and Portuguese styles. The walls are adorned with beautiful murals made in oriental and western styles on biblical as well as non-biblical themes.
Other Important Places To Visit In And Around Kumarakom
There are many other tourist attractions in and around Kumarakom, where visitors can enjoy more with their families:
Vembanad Lake
Vembanad Lake is very popular as it is the longest lake in the entire nation as well as the largest lake in the state of Kerala. It is expanded for over 2114 sq. km is the largest Ramasar site in India.
Juma Masjid
Juma Masjid in Kumarakom is one of a kind magical architecture, which would make you go aww in minutes. The Masjid is perched on the banks of the Meenachil stream and is popularly known for its wooden architecture and extravagant interiors.
Kumarakom Beach
In case you love practicing yoga along the beachside, Kumarakon beach is the best for you! Along with the beachside, there are number of shacks where you can relish some lip-smacking food.
Timings:
• The official timings of St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church is from Monday to Sunday (08:00 am to 06:00 PM)
• It is also to be noted here that St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church celebrates its Feast Day every year on January 15.
How to reach:
Below are two means of major transport using which you can reach St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church. Apart from this, you can also use local busses, cars or transportation facilities to reach the church.
• The nearest railway station to St. Marys Orthodox Syrian Church happens to be Kottayam, which is for over 3 km away from the church.
• The nearest airport to St. Marys Orthodox Syrian Church happens to be Cochin International Airport, which is for over 91 km away from the church.