Arthunkal Church, Kerala

Arthunkal St. Andrew’s Basilica is the largest shrine of St Sebastian in the world. The St. Sebastian International Shrine at Arthunkal was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese missionaries.

The Arthunkal Basilica was constructed in the 16th century by the Portuguese missionaries and has become one of the most popular Christian pilgrimage centers in India. The Church is located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala and it is well known for the annual feast of St. Sebastian which is held in January. The feast is one month long and millions of believers flock towards the Church to seek blessings.

The Arthunkal Church feast is known as the Makaram Perunnal and people from different religions and sects of the society mark their participation. The Arthunkal Church was rebuilt in 1584, so as to accommodate more believers inside the church.

The Arthunkal Church is considered to be the first Parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Aleppey and the Church was elevated to a Basilica on July 9th, 2010. Arthunkal Church is also the first Basilica in Alappuzha and also the seventh Basilica in Kerala. It is also the third Basilica under the Roman Catholic Latin Church of Kerala.

The annual feast of St.Sebastian at Arthunkal Church takes place from January 10 to 27 and it attracts millions of people from different places. The procession during the feast with the statue of St.Sebastian on 20th January is one of the major attractions of the feast.

Apart from a major Christian pilgrim center, the Arthunkal Church is also one of the major travel attractions in Alappuzha district. The Church is well known for its architecture and people from different parts of the world who are on their travel trip to Kerala, makes time to visit this Church. The Church also has its own influence in enhancing the tourism industry in Alappuzha.

There are also various other travel attractions near Arthunkal Church such as Mararikulam Beach, Alappuzha Beach and other backwater destinations.

The nearest railway station to Arthunkal Church is at Cherthala, which is 8 km away. There is also a railway station at Alappuzha which is 21 km away from Arthunkal Church.

The nearest airport to Arthunkal Church is Cochin International Airport and it is 68 km away.

Address:
Arthunkal Basilica,
Arthunkal P.O,
Cherthala,
Alappuzha,
Kerala, India
PIN: 688 530

Phone Numbers: +91 9400152374, +91 478 2573560, +91 9446607613 (Rector)

Email: arthunkalbasilica2010@gmail.com