Religious Places

St. Francis Church, Fortkochi

(15 km half an hour drive from our property)

Saint Francis Church, originally built in 1503, is one of the oldest European churches in India and has great historical significance. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were moved to Lisbon and now located at Jerónimos Monastery.

Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple

(15 km, half an hour drive from our property)

Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is amongst the prominent temples in Kerala. Chottanikkara Devi temple is one of those religious spots where you can see a huge number of visitors throughout the day and on daily basis. Chottanikkara Devi being worshipped in three different ways is the beauty of this temple. In the morning, the goddess will be celebrated as Saraswathi, in the noon as Lakshmi, and in the evening in the avatar of Durga. Also, the Makom Thozhal festival which is celebrated during the month of Kumbham, is the best time to visit this temple amidst the huge crowd.

Malayattoor

(50 km, two-hour drive from our property)

Malayatoor Church is situated atop the 609 m high Malayatoor Hill. The church on top of the hill is dedicated to St. Thomas, who is believed to have prayed at this shrine when he came to India. He is believed to have set foot at Kodungalloor, in AD 52 and founded the famous seven churches. On his way to Mylapore, he stopped at Malayattoor. This church is one of the most important Christian pilgrim centers in India. The extravagant architectural style of the pilgrimage center at Malayattoor makes it one of the best Kochi tourist places.

Shiva Temple

(12 km, half an hour drive from our property)

Locate at the heart of Ernakulam, this ancient Shiva temple is also known as the Ernakulathappan Temple and is one of the major temples of Kerala for its devout Shiva worshippers. Considered to be one of the 7 royal temples of the Maharaja of Kochi it is located on the Durbar hall ground. The deity, Lord Shiva is present here in Gowrishankara form and faces west towards the Arabian Sea. Located in 1 acre of holy land the original lingam worshipped by Arjuna of the Mahabharat fame is still preserved within the temple premises. The grand annual festival is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Makaram along with other festivals and occasions.

Vallarpadam Basilica

(18 km, one-hour drive from our property)

The National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom aka Vallarpadam Basilica Cochin is a minor Basilica and a major Christian pilgrimage centre in India. The picture of Mary and Infant Jesus, installed at the top of the main altar of the Vallarpadam Church, was brought by Portuguese merchants under the leadership of Vasco Da Gama in 1524. Around 5 million people visit the Basilica every year. It is the most important Marian Shrine in India. People from all parts of the world irrespective of caste or creed go to the church to seek the blessings of Mary, the mother of Jesus, popularly known as “Vallarpadathamma”.

Edapally

(12 km, half an hour drive from our property)

Edappally is famous for the St. George Forane Church, one of the oldest Roman Catholic Churches in the State. The church, popularly known as Edappally Pally, is believed to have been founded in 593 AD. It is regarded as one of the oldest churches in Kerala, after the seven churches founded by Thomas the Apostle in the first century AD. The church was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary.