Kodangallur
A small town with glorious past, 36-km from Thrisssur. Kodungallur’s colourful past vanished in the pass of time. In the past it had a reputation as gateway to India. The Jews first set their foot in Kodungallur. The port of Muziris (ancient name of present Kodangallur) was bustling with activities then. Several vessels to carry pepper and other hill produces were birthed in the port. Jews were followed by Portugese, Arabs, Chinese and British. Once considered as the Rome of East because of its Christianity and reckoning as a trade centre lost its prominency in 14th century. Following a devastating flood the port was chocked up and created a natural harbour at Kochi on the same time. St Thomas, the Appostle, was landed here in 52 AD. St Thomas converted Brahins to Christianity and built the first of his 7.5 churches at Palayur, near Chavakad (46-km north of Kodungallur) which claims to be the oldest church in India. Jews followed a decade after St Thomas arrived.
