CHURCHES

Valiyapally at Kottayam (St. George’s Church)
Situated at Thazhathangadi near Kottayam town, this church attracts people from different parts of the country. Christians from Kodungallur and Kaduthuruthy jointly constructed this church in 1550. The cross made of stone and the writings in ancient scripts on it, are attractions. The feast at St.George is on 26th April. 

Good Shepard Church 
Situated behind the civil station at Kottayam, this is the first church of Diocese of Vijayapuram. The construction of this church, which is completed in Italian style, was completed in 1882 and was renovated in 1964. The feast at St.Sebastian is on 20th January and that of Good Shepherd, is from 10th to 12th April. 

St. George’s Church, Aruvithura
Aruvithura is 35kms east of Kottayam town. The St.George’s Church here is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. It is believed that this church was constructed by St.Thomas. The reconstruction of this church was done in the 16th century A.D. The feast of Aruvithura Church fall on 23rd, 24th and 25th of April every year. 

St.Mary’s Church , Manarcad
Situated 10 kms east of Kottayam town, Manarcad Church is famous for the Ettu Noympu, i.e. the eight day retreat and fast which begins on the 1st of September every year. The feast falls on the 8th and 9th of September. Pilgrims participating in the retreat, stay in the church these days, fasting and praying. The church has a tank and a cross which are considered sacred. 

St. George’s Orthodox Church,Puthupally
Puthupally is 8kms away from Kottayam Town. The church in the name of St. George is located at the centre of the famous temples of Vennimala, Kadamuri, Iravinelloor and Vazhakkulam. It is believed that the Kings of Thekkumkur had costructed this churh when they ruled Vennimala. The feast which is in the month of May, attracts a large crowd.

St.Mary’s Church, Athirampuzha
This ancient church is situated 10kms north of Kottayam town. Though dedicated to Mother Mary. It is the feast of St.Sebastian which attracts a large crowd to this church. 

The statue of St. Sebastian installed here, is considered very ancient. During the days of the Portuguese, three figures were brought to Kerala. Legend says the smallest was brought to Athirampuzha. This is known as "Adiyelpicha Roopam" (Tortured-figure)

The original church,it is said, was constructed in 1080. A.D. The feast lasts for 5days. Display of fireworks in connection with the celebration, is most attractive. 

Valiya Palli at Pala
Valiya Palli (big church) is situated at Palai, about 39 kms from Kottayam town. It is generally accepted that St.Thomas Church,was built in 1002. The church was destroyed by Muslim invaders in the 17th century A.D. and was reconstructed in the next century. The important festival of this church is the Rakkulithirunal which is celebrated on 6th January, every year.

Bharanaganam Church
Also known as Anakkallu Palli, is an important pilgrim centre in Kottayam district. The mortal remains of Sister Alphonsa who died on 28th July 1946, is kept here. This church is now internationally known. Thousands of devotees come here on 28th July every year to pray on her death anniversary. Bharanaganam is 5 kms from Palai.

Church at Mannanam
This St. Joseph’s church is another important pilgrim centre. The mortal remains of Fr. Chavara Kuriakose Elias is kept here.

Thousands of believers come here to offer their prayer at this tomb.

Vimalagiri Church, Kottayam
Vimalagiri (Angathattu Palli) is the cathedral of the Diocess of Vijayapuram. The foundation stone of the church was laid in 1956 and the construction was completed in1964.
This church, constructed in Gothic style, is an example of excellence in architectural beauty. The main steeple has a height of 172ft., which is considered as the highest church steeple in the State. Vimalambika is the deity here. The main feast is in December. This church is situated near Kottayam railway station.

The chief ecclesiastical dignity of the Orthodox Syrian Church, the Catholicos of the East, has his head quarters in Devalokam Aramana at Muttambalam Catholic Church, Latin Catholic Church and the Church of South India have their Head quarters in Kottayam. The Arch Bishop of Changanassery who follows the Syro-malabar rite, has his Head Quarters in Changanassery. The Bishops of Knanaya Jacobite and the Church Mission Society have their headquarters at Chingavanam and Kurichy respectively. 

MOSQUES

Erumeli
At Erumeli, there is a famous mosque in the name of Vavar a friend of Lord Ayyappa. The Chandanakkudam festival is celebrated here in January every year. This coincides with the Makaravilakku of Sabarimala. At night, there is an attractive with caparisoned elephants and Panchavadyam. This is an important festival which exudes the spirit of Hindu-Muslim unity.

Changanassery.
At Changanacherry there are two famous mosques; Pazhayapalli and Puthrupalli. The Pazhayapalli is said to be more than 1000 years old and it is constructed at the site which was donated by a king of Rhekkumkur. A Bhagavathi temple and a catholic church are situated in the vicinity of this mosque, bearing true testimony to the religious unity of the people here. The Puthurpalli is about 400 years old. The Chandanakkudam festival is celebrated by the followers of different religions.

Erattupetta
The mosque at Erattupetta is famous. Here also, the Chandanakkudam festival is celebrated every year. The procession attracts the people of the locality as a whole.

Thazhathangadi (Kottayam)
The Mosque at Thazhathangadi is one of the ancient mosques in India. It is believed that malik Dinar had built this mosque about 1000 years ago.
Now it is an important pilgrim centre at Kottayam. The artistic value of this mosque is of special interest to the tourists.