St Thomas Church, named after St Thomas the apostle, is also known as Kizhakke Palli or Cheriapalli. Built in the 16th century, the church is located at
Paravur in
Ernakulam District of
Kerala. The church's altar is made of ornamental wooden carvings and inlayed with golden leaves. St Thomas Church is adorned with ancient wall paintings with scenes from Biblical episodes. The church also houses the biggest baptism stone (117 cm in diameter) in Kerala.
The church is a major pilgrim centre of the Malankara Syrian Christians because of the tomb of St Gregorios.
The main festival is the Dhukrono of St Gregorios Abdul Galeel, on 27th of April, which attracts lot of devotees. St Thomas day, on 3rd July, is also celebrated here. The Kannankulangara Sree Krishna Temple is just opposite this church and the Jewish synagogue is also nearby.
Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport. Buses are available from Vypeen Island and Kodungallur to Paravur.
