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S T . T H O M A S  T R A I L
 
About Thomas The Apostle

Thomas the Apostle, also called Judas Thomas, Doubting Thomas, or Didymus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He is perhaps best known for disbelieving Jesus' Resurrection when first told of it, then proclaiming "My Lord and my God" on seeing Jesus. By tradition it is held that he went to India to preach the gospel there.

According to Indian Christian tradition, St. Thomas landed in Kodungallur, Kerala in AD 52, in the company of a Jewish merchant Abbanes (Hebban). There were Jewish colonies in Kodungallur since ancient times and Jews continue to reside in Kerala till today, tracing their ancient history.

Seven and Half Churches (Ezharappallikal)

St Thomas the Apostle, after landing at Kodungallur, established seven and half churches or Christian communities. These churches are known as Seven and Half Churches or Ezharappallikal. These churches are located in different parts of Kerala.

This tour programe is arranged to visit all the Seven and half Churches established by St Thomas.
 
  PRICE PER PERSON IN INR  
Valid till 31st Mar PACKAGE RATE STARTING FROM : 20000 PER PERSON
 
 Day 1 : Arrive Kochi - Guruvayoor
Arrive Cochin airport and transfer to Guruvayoor takes approx 2 hours drive. Explore near by Villages and visit Elephant Camp. Sixty five elephants belonging to the Guruvayoor temple are housed here at punnathoorkotta the Elephant Camp. Overnight stay at hotel.
 Day 2 : Guruvayoor - Palayoor church - Kottukavu church - Cochin
Morning visit Palayoor church. This church was established by St. Thomas, Christ's apostle who is believed to have reached Kerala in 52 AD. The church is noted for its portrayal of St. Thomas' illustrious life. The 14 granite statues at the entrance display selected events from the apostle's life. Also noted are the wood carvings on the jubilee door based on biblical events. Later visit Marthomalayam church. (According to Christian tradition, St.Thomas landed here first). After visit Marthoma Church, drive to Maliankara St. Thomas church - is the first Christian church in India, founded by St. Thomas, the apostle in 52 century AD, the saint is believed to have visited Kodungalloor as part of his preaching of Christianity from Ethiopia to China. Kodungalloor was then known as Muziris.
Afternoon visit Kottukavu church at Paravur was the next center where the Apostle preached the Gospel and founded a church. According to the Ramban song the Apostle succeeded in receiving into the Christian fold one thousand seven hundred and seventy persons at this center.
Later drive to Cochin. Overnight stay at Fort Cochin.
 Day 3 : Kochi
Morning Sightseeing of Kochi. Visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing Nets etc. If you are interested afternoon visit Malayatoor church. Overnight stay at hotel
 Day 4 : Kochi - Kokkamangalam - Alleppey
Morning drive to Kokkamangalam through our very special route promises to be quite a memorable experience. Travel along the coast of Kerala, which is emphatically crowded with palm trees that swing bewitchingly upon the soft coast line, feel the cool sea breeze and breathe in the aroma of the sea. The villages' enroute offer a feast to the eyes by way of its panoramic sights of paddy fields, farms, lakes and rivers. You will be amazed to see the simple life led by the people of these fishing villages, and that the indigenous way of life has still not changed. Enjoy the fabulous beauty of Andhakaranazhy which offers a marvelous view of the beach. An azhy is a sand plane formed by the action of sea water which can be seen depending upon particular weather conditions and the nature of the sea.  (Drive takes maximum 2 hrs) Kokkamangalam St. Thomas Church. The Ramban song says that the Apostle spent one year at Kokka-mangalam and baptized one thousand and six hundred persons to Christianity.
After visit the church drive to Alleppey. Overnight stay at Ourland resort
 Day 5 : Alleppey - Niranam - Nilackal - Kollam
After breakfast check out from Ourland  and drive to (maximum 1 hr) Niranam and visit Niranam church. It popularly known as Niranam Valiyapally is a parish under the Niranam diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. This church was founded by St. Thomas in AD 54. The present building, supposedly the fourth, was constructed in 1912 and was reinforced during the year 2000. Among the attractions at the church are a huge Cross made of granite, relics of St. Thomas, remnants of the old church, the golden cross etc.

Afternoon drive to Pathanamthitta.Visit Nilackal church. All the Churches, save the one at Chayal (Nilackal), are on the coast or very near it. Chayal is situated very much in the interior on the Sabarimala Hills. The old Church is now in a dilapidated state amidst jungles. It is the first and only Ecumenical church in the world. Later drive to Kollam. Overnight stay at Nila Palace hotel.
 Day 6 : Kollam - Kovalam
After breakfast check out from hotel. Visit Kollam church. Later drive to Kovalam (takes 2 hrs). Day free to relax at beach. Overnight stay at hotel.
 Day 7 : Kovalam - Thiruvithamkode - Padmanabhapuram Palace - Kovalam
Morning excursion to Thiruvithamkode church. The Thiruvithamkode Church (Arapally) built by St. Thomas in 63 AD. The St. Mary's church at Thiruvithamkode in Kanyakumari district have been established by St. Thomas the Apostle is all set to become a centre of pilgrimage. The church, known among local people as ‘Thomayar kovil,' is one of the oldest in the world.

After visit Church you can also visit Padmanabhapuram Palace - The palace was constructed around 1601 A.D. the palace complex continue to be the best examples of traditional Kerala architecture, and some portions of the sprawling complex are also the hall mark of traditional Kerala style building art. Back to Kovalam. Stay Kovalam.
Departure
 Day 8 : Kovalam - Trivandrum Departure
After breakfast check out from hotel. on time drive to airport for your return journey..
   Tour Tariff
  PRICE PER PERSON IN INR  
Valid till 31st Mar PACKAGE RATE STARTING FROM : 20000 PER PERSON
   
   
 
  • Accommodation using Double/Twin as per the above itinerary
  • Daily breakfast
  • Transportation using Air-conditioned Vehicle
  • Toll & Parking
  • Driverbata
  • All entrance fee
  • All applicable taxes
 
  • Flight tickets
  • Extra meals & Drinks
  • Tips
  • Telephone charges
  • Laundry & other expenses of personal nature
   Conditions:

Rates applicable only minimum 02 persons travelling together
 
 
 
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