The chief ecclesiastical dignity of the orthodox syrian Church, the Catholics of the East, has his headquarters in Devalokam Aramana at Muttambalam in Kottayam. The Bishops of the Knanaya Catholic Church, Latin Catholic Church and the Church of South India have their head quarters in Kottayam. The Arch Bishop of Changanassery who follows the Syro- Malabar rites, has his headquarters in Changanassery. The Bishops of Knanaya Jacobite and the Church Mission Society have their head quarters at Chingavanam and Kurichy respectively.

Bharananganam St.Mary's church also known as Anakkallu Palli is an important pilgrim centre in the district. The mortal remains of the Blessed Sister Alphonsa who died on 28th July 1946 is kept here. Thousands of devotees gathered at this holy shrine on 28th July every year to pray on her death anniversary. Bharananganam is five kms. from Pala.

Mannanam St.Joseph's church was built by the Blessed Fr. Chavara Kuriakose Elias. The mortal remains of this saintly priest is preserved here. Thousands of devotees gather here to pay homage to the saint every day.

Manarcad St.Mary's church  is one of the most important Churches of the  Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christians. The Ettunoympu (eight day fasting) is the main annual event which begins on the first of September every year. The feast falls on eighth and nineth of September. Pilgrims participating in the retreat stay in the Church these days fasting and praying . The church has a tank and a cross which are considered sacred.

Puthuppally St. George's Orthodox church  is located at the Centre of the famous temples of Vennimala, Kadamuri, Iravinellor and Vazhakkulam. This church is believed to have been built by the Thekkumkoor Raja's when they ruled Vennimala. The feast of St.George (Geevarghese) in May is the annual event which attracts a large crowd. The golden cross in this Church is well known.

Aruvithura St. George church is one of the oldest Churches in Kerala. Believed to be one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas, this is also one of the Churches in Kerala which collects the largest amount of monetary offerings during the festival days. The reconstruction of this church was done in the 16th Century A.D. The annual feast is celebrated on the 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th of April.

Vimalagiri church (Angathattu Palli) situated near Kottayam railway station is the Cathedral of the Diocese of Vijayapuram. The foundation stone of the Church was laid in 1956 and the construction was completed in 1964. This church  built in the Gothic architectural style has a 172 feet tower which is considered as the highest Church tower in Kerala. Vimalambika is the deity here. The feast is celebrated in December.

Valiyapalli St. George's church situated at Thazhathangadi, two kms. west of Kottayam town. Built in 1550 A.D. This church belongs to Kananya Orthodox Syrian community. The Persian cross made of stone, believed to be one of the seven brought here by St. Thomas and the Pallavi inscriptions of this church are famous. The feast of St. George is on 26th April.

 

Cheriyapalli St. Mary's church  is situated two kms. from Kottayam town. Built in 1579 by the Thekkumkoor Maharaja.  This Church displays out standing architecture which is a blend of Kerala and Portuguese styles. The walls are adorned with beautiful murals in the oriental and western styles on biblical and non biblical themes.

Good Shepherd church situated behind the Civil Station at Kottayam. This is the first Church of the Diocese of Vijayapuram. The construction of this church, which is in Italian style, was completed in 1882 and was renovated in 1964. The feast of St. Sebastian is on 20th January and that of Good Shepherd is from 10th to 12th April.

Athirampuzha St. Mary's church is situated 10 kms. north of Kottayam town. Though dedicated to Mother Mary, it is the feast of St. Sebastian which attracts a large crowd. The statue of St.Sebastian installed here, is considered very ancient. During the days of the Portuguese, three figures were brought to Kerala. Legend says that the smallest of them has brought to Athirampuzha by local traders. This is known as'Adiyelpicha Roopam' (the tortured figure). The original church, is said, was constructed in 1680 A.D. The feast in January lasts for five days. Display of fire works in connection with the celebration is most attractive.

Valiyapalli-Pala is situated about 39 kms.from Kottayam town. It is generally accepted that this St.Thomas Church was built in 1002. The church was destoryed by the muslim invaders in the 17th century and was reconstructed in the next century. The important festival of this church is the Rakkulithirunal which is celebrated on 6th January every year.

Kuravilangad  The Moonnunombu and the ship made of wood at the ancient St. Mary's church here is famous. The Kappalottam during the second day of nombu attracts thousands of devotees.


Erumeli

         At Erumeli, there is a famous mosque in the name of Vavar, a friend of Lord Ayyappa. The Chandanakkudam festival is celebrated here in January every year. This coincides with the Makaravilakku of Sabarimala. At night, there is an attractive procession with caparisoned elephants and panchavadyam. This is an important festival which exudes the spirit of Hindu-muslim unity.

Changanassery

        At Changanassery there are two famous mosques; Pazhayapalli and Puthiyapalli. The Pazhaya palli is said to be more than 1000 years old and it is constructed at the site which was donated by a King of Thekkumkur. The annual festival Thangal Adiyanthiram is well known and is marked by a grand community feast. Meat and two tones of rice offered by the devotees are used to prepare biriyani for the community feast at this day. A Bhagavathy temple and a Catholic Church are situated in the vicinity of this mosque, bearing the testimony to the religious unity of the people there. The Puthiyapalli is about 400 years old. The Chandanakkudam festival is celebrated by the followers of different religions.

Erattupetta

       The mosque is famous. Here also, the Chandanakkudam festival is celebrated every year. The procession attracts the people of the locality as a whole.

Thazhathangadi

      The Juma masjid at Thazhathangadi, on the banks of the Meenachil river is one of the oldest mosque in India. It is believed that Malik Dinar had built this mosque about 1000 years ago. The artistic value of this mosque is of special interest to the tourists.