Pallikkunnu Church
Known as the 'Lourdes of the East,' this Wayanad church blends Christian and Hindu traditions, offering a serene spiritual retreat and vibrant annual ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Annual Feast & vibrant celebrations
Pallikkunnu Church
Best Time
Annual Feast & vibrant celebrations
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Known as the 'Lourdes of the East,' this Wayanad church blends Christian and Hindu traditions, offering a serene spiritual retreat and vibrant annual feast.
"Attended the Perunal celebrations at Lourde Matha Church, Pallikkunnu, and it was truly divine!"
🎯 Visit during the Annual Feast
Experience the vibrant Perunnal (festival) from Feb 2nd-18th for a truly spiritual and community-filled visit.
🚗 Travel to the Church
Easily accessible by car from Kalpetta (13 km) or Mananthavady (20 km). Auto-rickshaws available from Kabalakkad town.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lourde Matha Church
Meenangadi, Wayanad
Known as the 'Lourdes of the East,' this renowned pilgrim center attracts devotees of all faiths with its serene ambiance.
Annual Feast (Perunnal)
Pallikkunnu Church
Experience the vibrant festival from Feb 2nd-18th, featuring processions, prayers, and a strong sense of unity.
Unique Rituals and Offerings
Church Premises
Witness fascinating traditions like carrying rocks and offering traditional lunches, a blend of Christian and Hindu customs.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Annual Feast
Embrace Local Traditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Visit during the Annual Feast
Experience the vibrant Perunnal (festival) from Feb 2nd-18th for a truly spiritual and community-filled visit.
🚗 Travel to the Church
Easily accessible by car from Kalpetta (13 km) or Mananthavady (20 km). Auto-rickshaws available from Kabalakkad town.
🙏 Embrace Unique Traditions
Participate in or observe rituals like carrying rocks and offering traditional lunches.
📸 Capture the Serenity
The church and its lush surroundings offer beautiful photo opportunities, especially from Kurubalakkotta hills.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit during the Annual Feast
Experience the vibrant Perunnal (festival) from Feb 2nd-18th for a truly spiritual and community-filled visit.
🚗 Travel to the Church
Easily accessible by car from Kalpetta (13 km) or Mananthavady (20 km). Auto-rickshaws available from Kabalakkad town.
🙏 Embrace Unique Traditions
Participate in or observe rituals like carrying rocks and offering traditional lunches.
📸 Capture the Serenity
The church and its lush surroundings offer beautiful photo opportunities, especially from Kurubalakkotta hills.
🏨 Accommodation Nearby
Hotels and lodges are scarce as it's a rural area; plan your stay in Kalpetta or Mananthavady.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Pallikkunnu Church for its serene ambiance and spiritual significance, particularly during the vibrant annual feast. The unique blend of traditions and the welcoming nature of the community are frequently highlighted as positive aspects of the experience. Some visitors note the limited accommodation and dining options in the immediate vicinity.
"February is considered the best time to plan a getaway to Pallikunnu Church. During this time, the Pallikunnu Church Festival is organized every year, which lasts for about 16 days. It witnesses a huge influx of visitors from different parts of the state as the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zest, featuring processions, prayers, and a deep sense of unity among the congregation."
Rafeeque N
"📍LOURDE MATHA CHURCH PALLIKUNNU.
WAYANAD (KERALA)
Pallikunnu ‘Lourde Matha’ Church, also popularly known as the ‘Lourdes of the East’, was originally constructed by the French Missionary Rev. Fr. Armade Shang Marie Jefrino, MEP, in honour of ‘Our Lady of Lourdes’ in France. Today it is a very renowned pilgrim centre, attracting devotees of all faiths across Kerala and certain parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, especially during the Annual Feast every year from February 2nd to 18th. The feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is celebrated globally on the 11th of February and hence in Pallikkunnu too on the 10th and 11th. We were blessed to visit the Church during 2019 festival season.Situated in Meenangadi, about 14 km from Kalpetta, Pallikunnu Church is amidst a romantic lustrous green surrounding of Wayanad district* of the Western Ghats, which is famous for natural beauty coupled with green, calm and serene environ. The Church has become a prominent pilgrim centre of Kerala for all the faiths. The vast stretch of the sprawling church premises, the peculiar architecture of the church inside and outside, the age old ‘Hospice - Home for the Aged’ and the surrounding garden - all add to its charm.Another peculiarity of this church is that many of the rituals and practices, especially, the Nercha (Offerings) offered by the devotees (even by the Latin Catholics) in the church appears to be a blend of Christian and Hindu traditions. For instance, carrying pieces of rocks on their heads around the church (remembrance of the rock cave at Massabielle in Lourdes where Saint Bernadette had witnessed the Blessed Virgin Mary), or Shayana Pradakshinam, Pradakshinam on the Knees around the church, offering gold plated/silver articles and so on. In addition, devotees donate for free traditional lunch (Nercha Bhakshanam) which is being offered from the Church and some devotees volunteer themselves to clear the leaves used by others to have their lunch, as a ritual, apart from carrying stones on the head, Shayana Pradakshinam etc. The temporary shelters organised for serving the lunch and the mode of disposal and the volunteers serving the lunch really deserve special appreciations."
Tyez
"❤️✨⭐"5/5 stars!
Attended the Perunal celebrations at Lourde Matha Church, Pallikunnu, and it was truly divine! The church's serene ambiance and beautiful decorations set the tone for a spiritual experience. The festivities, which started yesterday, were well-organized and brought the community together.
A must-visit during Perunal season! The church's tranquil atmosphere and the devotion of the congregation make it a special place to connect with faith."🎉✨💕"
Misa空白
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pallikkunnu Church is located approximately 13 km from Kalpetta, a journey that takes about 25 minutes by car.
From Mananthavady, the church is about 20 km away, and the drive typically takes around 37 minutes by car.
Yes, public transport connectivity is available near the church. Auto-rickshaws can be hired from Kabalakkad town, which is about 5 km away.
Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available from Kabalakkad town, which is a short distance from the church.
Yes, a beautiful view of the church can be seen from Kurubalakkotta hills, offering a picturesque perspective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee to visit Pallikkunnu Church. It is a place of worship open to all.
The church is generally open throughout the day, but it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for the best experience and to respect prayer times.
No, tickets are not required for the Perunnal (annual feast). It's a public celebration, though it can get very crowded.
As it is a religious site, modest attire is recommended out of respect. Avoid revealing clothing.
Yes, the festival period (February 2nd-18th) is a popular time to visit, but be prepared for large crowds.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
It's known as the 'Lourdes of the East' and features unique rituals blending Christian and Hindu traditions, like carrying rocks and offering traditional lunches.
Devotees engage in practices such as carrying rocks, performing 'Shayana Pradakshinam' (kneeling circumambulation), and offering traditional lunches.
Absolutely. It's a renowned pilgrim center attracting devotees from various faiths, especially during the annual feast.
The church offers a serene and tranquil ambiance amidst lush green surroundings, making it a peaceful spiritual destination.
Yes, there is an age-old 'Hospice - Home for the Aged' within the church premises, adding to its charitable aspect.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Hotels and lodges are not readily available as it's a rural area. Dining options are limited near the church itself.
During the Perunnal, devotees often donate and volunteer to serve free traditional lunches ('Nercha Bhakshanam') to visitors.
It's best to plan your meals in Kalpetta or Mananthavady, as dedicated restaurants are scarce in the immediate vicinity of the church.
Expect simple, traditional Kerala meals served communally. It's a great way to experience local hospitality.
While specific recommendations are few, trying the 'Nercha Bhakshanam' during the festival is a unique cultural experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The church architecture, the serene surroundings, and the vibrant festival scenes offer excellent photographic opportunities. The view from Kurubalakkotta hills is also recommended.
Photography is generally permitted in the church premises, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid flash photography during prayer times.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the beauty of the church and its surroundings.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions, but it's always wise to check local regulations before flying a drone.
You can capture architectural details, candid moments of devotion, the lush greenery, and panoramic views from nearby hills.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting outside the peak festival days if you prefer a quieter experience. The unique traditions, like the offerings and communal lunches, can be educational for children about different cultural practices. Ensure children are dressed modestly out of respect for the religious site.
🙏 Pilgrims and Devotees
Participating in the special prayers, processions, and observing the unique rituals like carrying rocks or performing knee-walks can be deeply meaningful for pilgrims. The 'Nercha Bhakshanam' (traditional lunch offerings) provide an opportunity to connect with the community and experience their devotion firsthand.
📸 Photographers and Culture Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the festival for vibrant scenes of devotion and community gathering, or during quieter times for serene shots of the church and its surroundings. The view from Kurubalakkotta hills is also a must-capture for panoramic vistas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Significance
The church's location amidst the lush green, serene environs of Wayanad adds to its charm and appeal. The vast church premises, peculiar architecture, and the presence of a 'Hospice - Home for the Aged' contribute to its unique character.
Unique Rituals and Devotional Practices
Another significant ritual is 'Shayana Pradakshinam,' which involves performing a circumambulation around the church on one's knees. Devotees also offer gold-plated or silver articles as tokens of their faith and gratitude.
The Annual Feast (Perunnal)
During the Perunnal, the church premises come alive with various religious activities, including processions, special prayers, and a palpable sense of unity among the congregation.
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