Introduction

Vettucaud Palli (Malayalam for church) is located about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from Trivandrum city centre in a pretty coastal village by the same name. Legend has it that the church was established by St. Francis Xavier, the Jesuit missionary who came to India to spread the gospel. The church receives devotees in thousands during the annual ‘Feast of Christ, the King’ – a ten-day feast celebrated during the third Sunday of November. At this time of the year, the church bustles with activity. School and college students from across Kerala partake in choir music and chant prayers at the ceremony. Festivities begin with a holy mass and the raising of the ceremonial flag. Beautifully decked, the statue of ‘Christ the King’ is taken out in a colorful procession illuminated with rice lights on the eve of the main day. Such a procession is first led to the nearby Kannathurai Church before continuing to another church in the coastal village of Kochuveli. From here, the procession again returns to the Vettucaud Church.

Special prayers are held during the 10-day festival for the poor and the destitute, non-resident Keralites, jawans, teachers and students, and the working class. The grand event draws to a close with the High Mass led by the Most Reverent Arch Bishop of Latin Arch Diocese, Trivandrum. Though the church is nestled close to the beach, it remained unaffected by the Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004.

Such is the scale and popularity of the event that a special bus service is activated by KSRTC to Vettucaud from main Trivandrum city and other parts of Kerala.

Special Attributes

The church is popular for its ten-day-long annual feast in honor of Christ the King during the third Sunday of November.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress appropriately. Avoid wearing short or revealing clothes.

Connectivity

Private taxi

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, Senior Citizens

Exposure

You will be indoors.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Maintain absolute silence once inside, and turn your phone to silent mode.

Type of site

Place of worship/Church