Kanjirappally

Kanjirappally is a taluk and a town in Kottayam district in Kerala. Rubber plantations are a major source of income for the local population. The place has a large population of Syrian Catholic Christians. The Christian colonization of Kanjirappally had a profound impact on the history of commerce and agriculture in these parts. The Christians claim their roots from early settlements at Nilakkal or Chayal on the banks of Pamba River. There is also a strong belief that the flourishing Christian community here was founded by Saint Thomas the Apostle himself. The place was in the forest recesses far away from seats of power. Nilakkal became an important depot for spices like pepper, cardamom etc. and the Christians were engaged in this lucrative trade as procures and sorters.

Ganapathiyar Kovil
Ganapathy Koil, a beautiful Hindu temple built in granite, stands as a testimony to the early Tamil influences in its religion and culture. There is also indications of Tamil rulers in Kanjirappally who levied tax on live stock or Pothimadu to supplement this income to another temple Bhagavathi Shri Madura Meenakshi.

Nainaru Mosque
One of the popular mosques in the region, the Nainaru Mosque attracts Muslims from the town as well as the surrounding areas to offer their prayers.

Pazhayapalli (St Mary's Old Church)
The oldest church of the Christians St.Mary's Church, also called "Pazhayapally" - meaning "old church" was built in 1449, fifty years before Vasco De Gama set foot in India.

St. Dominic's Cathedral
Built in 1826 in 'Vayampu Purayidam' near the western bank of Chittar, the St. Dominic's Cathedral church remained a Parish church for 18 years until 1842, when the old & the new church were amalgamated.

The church was reconstruction lasted from 1945 - 1961. The church celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1977 & in the same year on March 17th the church was given the status of a cathedral.