Arthunkal Church, formally known as St. Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal, is renowned for being an important pilgrimage center for Christians in Kerala. It is famous for its annual feast of St. Sebastian, which is celebrated with great fervor and attracts thousands of devotees from various parts of India.
Arthunkal Church is located in the coastal town of Arthunkal in Alappuzha District, also known as Alleppey, of the Kerala state in India.
The best time to visit Arthunkal Church is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. However, if you're interested in participating in the feast of St. Sebastian, you may plan to visit in January when the feast is typically celebrated.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Arthunkal Church. It is open to the public and free of cost.
Arthunkal Church is usually open to visitors from early morning until evening. However, the visiting hours may vary on special occasions and feast days, so it's advisable to check the timings before planning a visit.
While there is no strict dress code, visitors are expected to dress modestly out of respect for the religious nature of the site. It is recommended to avoid wearing sleeveless tops, shorts, or other revealing clothing.
The feast of St. Sebastian at Arthunkal Church usually lasts for 11 days, with the main feast day being celebrated on January 20th. The festivities include various religious rituals, processions, and cultural programs.
Yes, Arthunkal Church is open to people of all faiths. Everyone is welcome to visit and experience the serenity of the church, although non-Christians should be respectful of the church's customs and traditions during their visit.
Basic facilities such as restrooms and drinking water are available for tourists at Arthunkal Church. However, during the annual feast, more provisions are made to accommodate the large number of pilgrims.
Other attractions near Arthunkal Church include the beautiful Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach, the backwaters of Alleppey for houseboat cruises, and the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple. Many tourists combine their visit to Arthunkal Church with these nearby attractions for a well-rounded experience.
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