St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Thumpamon

The St.Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral,commonly known as "Thumpamon Valiyapally" is an ancient church located here.It is the headquarters of the Thumpamon Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.The church first was built in AD 717 and it is among the one of oldest churches in Kerala.Established in AD 717. Re-constructed in the present location during the 10th century. Modified by St. Gregorious of Parumala.

There are no written records to support the popular belief that the Nazarene Christian came and settled in and around Thumpamon about 1600 years ago.

Nor is there record about the exact date of establishment of the ‘Thumpamon Valiyapally’ the ancestral place of worship of the Nazarene Christians who had settled down in Thumpamon. This is perhaps due to our negligent attitude towards preserving, maintaining and safe guarding written records about our heritage for the benefit of posterity. Accordingly, for writing a history of ‘Thumpamon Valiyapally’, credence has to be a placed on the stories and legends transmitted by word of mouth from generation to generation and also on random references made in certain works on Travancore history.

For more information:

Please visit: http://thumpamonpally.com/index.html

                       http://www.smocthumpamon.in/

How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur and Thiruvalla  Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram & Cochin International Airport

Janardana Swami Temple

Janardana Swami Temple is a 2000-year-old temple situated in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram.Janardana Swami is a form of Lord Vishnu.It is referred to as Dakshin Kashi. The temple faces Papanasam beach and the proximity to the sea adds to its spiritual as well as aesthetic aura. A flight of broad steps lead to the Janardhana temple and on the way, you will be greeted by a high entrance arch with tiled roof. An old banyan tree stands on the temple ground and idols of several serpent gods and goddesses are also installed here.

The main festival of the temple Arattu, falls in March/April and it attracts a lot of visitors. Karkidaka vavu too is an important function and the priests of this temple help the devotees perform homage to their ancestors during that day.

How to Reach:

Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport