Kolenchery is a small town located in Ernakulam, the commercial capital of Kerala. Located on National Highway 49 (NH 49), this easternmost suburb lies 14 km away from Muvattupuzha and 27 km from the city of Kochi. Kolenchery was a small village with lush green paddy fields and intermittent patches of forests decades ago.
However, significant transformation in socio-economic factors had led to the rapid development of Kolenchery over the years. In fact, it is one of the few towns in Kerala that has witnessed a brisk growth in recent years. And this development has resulted in better employment and education opportunities, higher standards of living, better health, greater access to social services and more.
Kolenchery is a historically important location, as it is known after the famous St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church. Built in the 7th century AD, this is one of the most famous Christian pilgrim centres in Kerala. The church and the place got its name from a family called “Kolenchery”.
Kolenchery is a historically important location, as it is known after the famous St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church. Built in the 7th century AD, this is one of the most famous Christian pilgrim centres in Kerala. The church and the place got its name from a family called “Kolenchery”. The establishment of St. Peter’s church has an interesting story. When the wife of Thankam Mapillai of Kolenchery family went to Kadamattom church for attending the holy mass, elders in the church blocked her entrance and insulted her. Upon hearing this incident, Thankam Mapillai along with his friends and relatives made a decision to build a church in their village. Land for the church was donated by Kolenchery family and villagers worked till dusk to clear the land and build the church. And finally the church was built, which received its name ‘Kolenchery’ from the family name of Thankam Mappilai. Unfortunately, this century-old church now remains closed due to the legal dispute between the Orthodox and Jacobite factions of Kerala’s Malankara church.
Another renowned pilgrim center in Kolenchery is Kadamattom church, famous for the legend of a priest known by the name “Kadamattath Kathanar”. Indranchira and Ramamangalam rivers are other notable tourist attractions in Kolenchery. In addition to the tourist spots and pilgrim centers, Kolenchery also have a number of reputed colleges, schools and medical institutions.