Top 10 Famous Churches in Kochi to Visit

Kochi, also known as the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, is home to beautiful churches. It is a traditional history with the presence of temples, mosques and churches. From the iconic St.Francis Church, the oldest in Kochi to the Vallarpadam Church dedicated to St.Mary, the Churches in Kochi offers these serene places to visit for the onlookers.

Explore the divine allure of Kochi through these top 10 churches; here are those 10 churches:

1. Vallarpadam Church | Vallarpadam

The Vallarpadam Church is dedicated to Mother Mary, who is also referred to as Vallarpadam Amma. Thousands of pilgrims visit the church during the annual feast from the 16th to the 24th of September.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Timings: Opens daily from 6 am to 8 pm
• Nearby Places: Marine Drive Kochi, Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Puthuvype Beach

2. Malayattoor Church | Ernakulam

The Church is also popularly known as St.Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Church. The Church is also world-renowned among eight international shrines and is considered a tourist attraction.

• Best Time to Visit: September to February
• Timings: Opens on weekdays from 6:45 am to 7 pm
• Nearby Places: Evergreen Forest, Star Lake, Kodanad Wildlife Sanctuary

3. Santa Cruz Basilica | Bastian Street

Santa Cruz is the most famous church in Kochi known for its architecture and murals. The beautiful combination of white exteriors and pastel interiors make it an epitome of grace.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Timings: Opens Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm and 10:30 am to 1 pm on Sunday
• Nearby Places: Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi, Jew Town

4. St.Francis Church | Fort Kochi

St.Francis is the oldest church constructed in 1503 famous for the remains of Vasco da Gama. It has a beautiful white exterior, stained glasses and a tile-coloured roof giving it an aesthetic look.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Timings: Opens Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 6:30 pm and 8:30 am to 6:30 pm on Sunday
• Nearby Places: Kuzhupilly Beach, Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi

5. Nadamel Marth Mariam Church | Tripunithura

The church was constructed back in the 12th century. The shrine holds much relevance to Jacobite Syrians. The church features a white front facade and red-tiled roof paint.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Timings: Only Sundays from 8:30 am to 10:50 am
• Nearby Places: Bolgatty Palace, Island Resort, Mattancherry Palace

6. Kadamattom Church | Kadamattom

Kadamattom Church is one of the ancient Christian shrines that exhibits Indian and Persian styles of architecture. The Shrine features four arms with floral patterns of equal lengths.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Timings: Opens daily from 6 am to 9:30 pm
• Nearby Places: Cherai Beach, Subhash Park, Mattancherry Palace

7. St. George Forane Syro Malabar Church | Edappally

It is a catholic pilgrimage, also known as Edappally Church. It is the largest church in St.George in Asia. The church also hosts a nine-day festival popularly known as Feast of St.George.

• Best Time to Visit: April to May
• Timings: Opens daily from 6 am to 9:30 pm
• Nearby Places: Subhash Bose Park, Kuzhupilly Beach, Wonderla Amusement Park

8. St. Louis Church | Mundamveli

St.Louis church is one of the most popular churches in Kochi. It is well-known for its historical significance as the church was built and destroyed many times since the 9th century.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June
• Timings: Opens daily from 6 am to 4:30 pm
• Nearby Places: Santa Cruz Basilica, Kerala Folklore Museum, Hill Palace Museum

9. Our Lady of Hope Church | Vypin Island

It is a Roman Catholic Church which is about 400 years old. The church was rebuilt by the Dutch and beautifully tailored with white exteriors and brown doors giving it a scenic view.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Timings: Opens Monday to Saturday from 6:30 am to 5 pm and 6:30 am to 8:30 am on Sunday
• Nearby Places: Vypin Island, Kerala Folklore Museum, Town House

10. St. Francis Assisi Syro Malabar Church | Kakkanad

It is a major centre for the Christians living in Kerela. The Church features beautiful white exteriors making it a must-visit church. Preachers offer daily prayers to the shrine.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Timings: Opens Monday to Saturday from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm
• Nearby Places: Pavakulam Sree Mahadev Temple, Edappally Church Complex, Puthuvype Beach

With a timeless grace and profound spirituality, the famous churches in Kochi serve the epitome of religious significance to the Christian community. From the historic landmarks that bear witness to the city's colonial past to the modern sanctuaries that stand as symbols of contemporary faith, each church holds its own unique charm and significance.