Kottayam Valiyapally

St Mary’s Knanaya Valiyapally at Thazhathangadi, built in 1550 — home to two ancient granite Persian (Nasrani) crosses, each carved from a single slab and bearing Pahlavi (and, on one, Syriac) inscriptions, brought from an older church at Kodungallur.

Kottayam Valiyapally, Kottayam town
Practical guide

Plan Kottayam Valiyapally

Typechurch
Nearest baseKottayam town
Best timeMorning or late afternoon for quieter visits and better light
Time needed30 minutes to 1
EntryFree; an active Knanaya church.
Nearest town/baseKottayam town
DistrictKottayam
Place typechurch
Time needed30 minutes to 1.5 hours.

St Mary’s Knanaya Valiyapally at Thazhathangadi, built in 1550 — home to two ancient granite Persian (Nasrani) crosses, each carved from a single slab and bearing Pahlavi (and, on one, Syriac) inscriptions, brought from an older church at Kodungallur.

Kottayam Valiyapally belongs under Kottayam town, one of the practical travel bases in Kottayam district. Use Kottayam town for stays, food, local transport and operators, then plan this place as a focused stop rather than an isolated pin.

Visiting

Kottayam Valiyapally — at a glance

TimingsOpen through the day (confirm service times).
Best timeOctober to February.

Entry: Free; an active Knanaya church.

Getting here

How to reach Kottayam Valiyapally

At Thazhathangadi in Kottayam town, beside the older Cheriapally church.

St Mary’s Knanaya Valiyapally, built in 1550, holds two ancient granite Persian (Nasrani) crosses — each carved from a single slab and bearing Pahlavi inscriptions, with Syriac (Estrangelo) added on the larger one — said to have been brought from an older church at Kodungallur.

What to expect

Highlights

  • Church visit at Kottayam Valiyapally
  • Pilgrimage, architecture or local Christian heritage
  • Nearby town food and stays
Getting there

How to visit

  • Base yourself in Kottayam town or a nearby town in Kottayam, then confirm the last-mile route locally before leaving.
  • Check mass/prayer timings if visiting for worship; otherwise visit outside service rush.
  • If the visit depends on forest, temple, boat, ferry, weather or seasonal access, check the official/local rule on the day before travel.

Distance by road

  • Kochi62 km
  • Thiruvananthapuram146 km
  • Coimbatore237 km
  • Madurai250 km
  • Kozhikode261 km

Road km to Kottayam; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.

Timing

Best time

Morning or late afternoon for quieter visits and better light.

Weather in Kottayam ValiyapallySeasonal guide

Live forecast loads in your browser.

Visitor notes

  • Dress respectfully and avoid disturbing services.
  • Photography may be restricted during worship.
Safety

Good to know

  • Expect crowds on feast days and Sundays.
  • Use marked parking and official entry points.
On the map

Where Kottayam Valiyapally is

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Stays, food & things to do near Kottayam Valiyapally

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Hotel Aida Kottayam — Hotel in Kottayam town
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Hotel · Kottayam town
Hotel Aida Kottayam

Hotel Aida is a long-running mid-range business hotel at Aida Junction on MC Road in Kottayam town, also listed by Kerala Tourism. It offers air-conditioned rooms, the in-house Theos and Outhouse Bistro restaurants and banquet facilities in the heart of the town. (stay option in Kottayam town)

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Laa Cars | Rent a Cars and Bikes
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Self-drive car rental · Kottayam town
Laa Cars | Rent a Cars and Bikes
4.9 (1,655)

vehicle rental option in Kottayam town: Self-drive car rental in kottayam town — confirm vehicles, rates, documents and deposit directly. Key details: CMS College Rd, Chungam, Kottayam, Kerala 686001, India · Rated 4.9 from 1,655 local reviews · Amenities: car rental, self drive, rent a car. Use Laa Cars | Rent a Cars and Bikes as a rent option in Kottayam town, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check vehicle availability, documents and the security deposit before you book.

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Ridex Rental | Rent a bike and Scooters , Near Kottayam Railway Station
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Bike & scooter rental · Kottayam town
Ridex Rental | Rent a bike and Scooters , Near Kottayam Railway Station
4.9 (116)

vehicle rental option in Kottayam town: Bike & scooter rental in kottayam town — confirm vehicles, rates, documents and deposit directly. Key details: Baker junction, near CMS College Road, Nagampadam, Kottayam, Kerala 686005, India · Rated 4.9 from 116 local reviews · Amenities: bike rental, scooter rental, self drive. Use Ridex Rental | Rent a bike and Scooters , Near Kottayam Railway Station as a rent option in Kottayam town, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check vehicle availability, documents and the security deposit before you book.

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TSOD Moto Rental
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Self-drive car rental · Kottayam town
TSOD Moto Rental
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vehicle rental option in Kottayam town: Self-drive car rental in kottayam town — confirm vehicles, rates, documents and deposit directly. Key details: 9A, Kallupalam Buildings, Baker Hill, Kottayam, Kerala 686001, India · Rated 4.9 from 67 local reviews · Amenities: car rental, self drive, rent a car. Use TSOD Moto Rental as a rent option in Kottayam town, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check vehicle availability, documents and the security deposit before you book.

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Drivemaxx selfdrive car rentals changanassery
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Self-drive car rental · Kottayam town
Drivemaxx selfdrive car rentals changanassery
5.0 (12)

vehicle rental option in Kottayam town: Self-drive car rental in kottayam town — confirm vehicles, rates, documents and deposit directly. Key details: FH54+W2H, Changanassery - Vazhoor Rd, rod, Kurishumoodu, Changanassery, Kerala 686104, India · Rated 5.0 from 12 local reviews · Amenities: car rental, self drive, rent a car. Use Drivemaxx selfdrive car rentals changanassery as a rent option in Kottayam town, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check vehicle availability, documents and the security deposit before you book.

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Drivequix Ventures Rent a car - Kottayam
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Self-drive car rental · Kottayam town
Drivequix Ventures Rent a car - Kottayam
4.8 (70)

vehicle rental option in Kottayam town: Self-drive car rental in kottayam town — confirm vehicles, rates, documents and deposit directly. Key details: Building no 19, 430, CMS College Rd, Chungam, Kottayam, Kerala 686001, India · Rated 4.8 from 70 local reviews · Amenities: car rental, self drive, rent a car. Use Drivequix Ventures Rent a car - Kottayam as a rent option in Kottayam town, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check vehicle availability, documents and the security deposit before you book.

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Rizo Car Rental Services at Kottayam ( Gov Approved Rental Car Services)
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Self-drive car rental · Kottayam town
Rizo Car Rental Services at Kottayam ( Gov Approved Rental Car Services)
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vehicle rental option in Kottayam town: Self-drive car rental in kottayam town — confirm vehicles, rates, documents and deposit directly. Key details: Thuruthy - Narakathara Rd, MC Road, Thuruthy, Kerala 686535, India · Rated 4.9 from 18 local reviews · Amenities: car rental, self drive, rent a car. Use Rizo Car Rental Services at Kottayam ( Gov Approved Rental Car Services) as a rent option in Kottayam town, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check vehicle availability, documents and the security deposit before you book.

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EVM WHEELS, Self Drive Rent A Car Company in Kottayam, Kerala
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Self-drive car rental · Kottayam town
EVM WHEELS, Self Drive Rent A Car Company in Kottayam, Kerala
4.6 (147)

vehicle rental option in Kottayam town: Self-drive car rental in kottayam town — confirm vehicles, rates, documents and deposit directly. Key details: 1st Floor, EVM Nissan ,OPP.ST. MARY'S CHAPPEL , M C ROAD, P O, Road, Thellakom, Ettumanoor, Kerala 686630, India · Rated 4.6 from 147 local reviews · Amenities: car rental, self drive, rent a car. Use EVM WHEELS, Self Drive Rent A Car Company in Kottayam, Kerala as a rent option in Kottayam town, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check vehicle availability, documents and the security deposit before you book.

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Aadityan rent a car kottayam
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Self-drive car rental · Kottayam town
Aadityan rent a car kottayam
4.5 (8)

vehicle rental option in Kottayam town: Self-drive car rental in kottayam town — confirm vehicles, rates, documents and deposit directly. Key details: Channanikkad, Kerala 686533, India · Rated 4.5 from 8 local reviews · Amenities: car rental, self drive, rent a car. Use Aadityan rent a car kottayam as a rent option in Kottayam town, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check vehicle availability, documents and the security deposit before you book.

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Rent a Car @ Kottayam
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Self-drive car rental · Kottayam town
Rent a Car @ Kottayam
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vehicle rental option in Kottayam town: Self-drive car rental in kottayam town — confirm vehicles, rates, documents and deposit directly. Key details: Thiruvathukkal, Kottayam, Kerala 686003, India · Rated 4.3 from 49 local reviews · Amenities: car rental, self drive, rent a car. Use Rent a Car @ Kottayam as a rent option in Kottayam town, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check vehicle availability, documents and the security deposit before you book.

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IndusGo Rent a Car Kottayam
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Self-drive car rental · Kottayam town
IndusGo Rent a Car Kottayam
4.2 (12)

vehicle rental option in Kottayam town: Self-drive car rental in kottayam town — confirm vehicles, rates, documents and deposit directly. Key details: Indus Service, SH 1, Manipuzha, Junction, Nattakom, Kottayam, Kerala 686013, India · Rated 4.2 from 12 local reviews · Amenities: car rental, self drive, rent a car. Use IndusGo Rent a Car Kottayam as a rent option in Kottayam town, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check vehicle availability, documents and the security deposit before you book.

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Kottayam Rent a Car
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Self-drive car rental · Kottayam town
Kottayam Rent a Car
1.2 (5)

vehicle rental option in Kottayam town: Self-drive car rental in kottayam town — confirm vehicles, rates, documents and deposit directly. Key details: Kurishumoodu, Changanassery, Kottayam, Kerala 686001, India · Rated 1.2 from 5 local reviews · Amenities: car rental, self drive, rent a car. Use Kottayam Rent a Car as a rent option in Kottayam town, Ernakulam, kerala, India. check vehicle availability, documents and the security deposit before you book.

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The Windsor Castle
Place to stay
Hotel · Kottayam town
The Windsor Castle

Leisure hotel and Ayurvedic resort at Kodimatha, Kottayam, built in traditional Kerala Tharavadu style. It has banquet halls, pools and wellness facilities. (stay option in Kottayam town)

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Pearl Regency
Place to stay
Hotel · Kottayam town
Pearl Regency

Business hotel at T.B. Junction on M.C. Road with 26 rooms and six banquet halls seating 50 to 250 guests, in central Kottayam. (stay option in Kottayam town)

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Hotel Aida
Place to stay
Hotel · Kottayam town
Hotel Aida

Long-established Kottayam hotel on M.C. Road with 36 rooms, three banquet halls, a multi-cuisine restaurant and two themed bars. (stay option in Kottayam town)

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Hotel Arcadia
Place to stay
Hotel · Kottayam town
Hotel Arcadia

Four-star business hotel on M.C. Road opposite the KSRTC bus stand, with a rooftop pool, multiple restaurants and banquet halls seating 350. (stay option in Kottayam town)

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The Grand Ambassador Hotel
Place to stay
Hotel · Kottayam town
The Grand Ambassador Hotel

Hotel at Chirayilpadam near Manorama Junction in central Kottayam. It has designed guestrooms, on-site restaurants and conference and banquet facilities. (stay option in Kottayam town)

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The Chrysoberyl
Place to stay
Hotel · Kottayam town
The Chrysoberyl

Luxury business hotel and convention centre on K.K. Road at Kanjikuzhy, with 42 rooms, an outdoor pool, spa and banquet facilities. (stay option in Kottayam town)

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Theos
Where to eat
Restaurant · Kottayam town
Theos
Multi-cuisine

Multi-cuisine restaurant inside Hotel Aida on M.C. Road seating 150 guests, open 7:30am to 10:30pm, known for festive buffets and Onam Sadhya. (eat option in Kottayam town)

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Pearl Regency Kottayam
Place to stay
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Hotel · Kottayam town
Pearl Regency Kottayam

Pearl Regency is a small budget hotel at TB Junction on MC Road in central Kottayam, close to the KSRTC bus station and town shopping. Its 26 air-conditioned rooms come with complimentary breakfast and free parking at economical nightly rates. (stay option in Kottayam town)

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Iswarya Residency Kottayam
Place to stay
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Hotel · Kottayam town
Iswarya Residency Kottayam

Iswarya Residency is a budget hotel near the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple in central Kottayam, a short drive from the railway station. It has clean air-conditioned rooms with an in-house restaurant and free parking, aimed at value-focused travellers staying in the town. (stay option in Kottayam town)

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Homestead Hotel Kottayam
Place to stay
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Hotel · Kottayam town
Homestead Hotel Kottayam

Homestead Hotel is a long-running budget hotel on KK Road in Thirunakkara, central Kottayam, midway between the railway station and the KSRTC bus stand. It offers simple air-conditioned and non-AC rooms at low nightly rates, a practical base for short town stays. (stay option in Kottayam town)

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The Nisha Continental
Place to stay
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Hotel · Kottayam town
The Nisha Continental

Centrally located hotel on Sasthri Road established in 1985, offering air-conditioned rooms, parking and WiFi in the heart of Kottayam. (stay option in Kottayam town)

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Concord Tours and Travels Kottayam
Things to do
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Travel agent · Kottayam town
Concord Tours and Travels Kottayam

do option in Kottayam town: Concord Tours and Travels Kottayam is a Travel agent option for do planning in Kottayam town, Ernakulam, kerala, India. Use Concord Tours and Travels Kottayam as a do option in Kottayam town, Ernakulam, kerala, India. book timing, permits and local support before heading out. Key details: Concord Tours and Travels, Kottayam, Kerala · Price range: Contact direct · Amenities: Travel agent, Kottayam town, Kerala Tourism listed.

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Nearby

What’s near Kottayam Valiyapally

Panachikkadu Temple
templePanachikkadu Temple 8.3 km · ~14 min by cab
Manarcad Church
churchManarcad Church 8.3 km · ~14 min by cab
Kumarakom
backwaterKumarakom 8.7 km · ~14 min by cab
Good to know

Kottayam Valiyapally — frequently asked

When is the best time to visit Kottayam Valiyapally?

Morning or late afternoon for quieter visits and better light.

What are the entry fee and timings at Kottayam Valiyapally?

Entry: Free; an active Knanaya church.. Timings: Open through the day (confirm service times).. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.

How do I reach Kottayam Valiyapally?

Base yourself in Kottayam town or a nearby town in Kottayam, then confirm the last-mile route locally before leaving. Check mass/prayer timings if visiting for worship; otherwise visit outside service rush. If the visit depends on forest, temple, boat, ferry, weather or seasonal access, check the official/local rule on the day before travel.

How much time do I need for Kottayam Valiyapally?

30 minutes to 1.5 hours.

What else is near Kottayam Valiyapally?

Nearby you can pair Cheriapally Church (120 m), Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid (370 m), Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple (1.4 km), Panachikkadu Temple (8.3 km).

What should I know before visiting Kottayam Valiyapally?

Expect crowds on feast days and Sundays. Use marked parking and official entry points.

Read next

Stories, legends & history of Kottayam Valiyapally

Kottayam · storyKottayam’s Christian Heritage: Cheriapally, Valiyapally & the Knanaya4 min readKottayam · guideVaikom & Ettumanoor: Kottayam’s Great Temple Towns4 min readKottayam · itineraryKottayam in a Day: Town, Temples & a Backwater Evening4 min readKottayam · day tripsDay trips from Kottayam and Kumarakom5 min readStoryThe Persian crosses of Kottayam7 min readLandscape & natureIllikkal Kallu: The Blade of Rock Above the Kottayam Highlands6 min readKottayam · guideKumarakom Backwater Guide: Birds, Boats & Vembanad4 min readKottayam · historyThe Vaikom Satyagraha: the road that changed Kerala6 min readStoryAyyappa and Vavar: the Erumeli legend of two faiths7 min readStoryPanachikkadu: the Mookambika of the South6 min readStoryVaikom: the satyagraha that opened the temple roads7 min readStoryEttumanoor and the seven-and-a-half golden elephants6 min readStoryVazhappally: the temple that keeps Kerala’s oldest voice9 min readHistoryBaker's Estate to Bird Sanctuary: The Story Behind Kumarakom6 min readStoryKumarakom, Aymanam & 'The God of Small Things'6 min readFolklore & legendThe Neelakoduveli Legend of Illikkal Kallu6 min readTrek & visitor guideIllikkal Kallu Trek Guide: Climbing the Knife-Edge Rock7 min readIdukki heritageVagamon's Tri-Faith Hills: Cross, Rock and Temple7 min readIdukki hill stationVagamon Travel Guide: Meadows, Pine and Paragliding7 min readLiving ritualPetta Thullal: Erumeli's Painted Dance Before Sabarimala6 min readFaith & harmonyErumeli’s Twin Shrines: Ayyappa, Vavar and a Legend of Amity6 min read

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Image credits
  • Kottayam Valiyapally:Vis M · CC BY-SA 4.0