[edit] Parumala
Parumala is located 10 km from Thirvalla. Some claim this is the first church in India, whereas some others claim that the first church is the Palayur church, near Guruvayur in Thrissur district. Many times reconstructed church is housed on 4 massive pillars. This 4 pillars presumably correspond to 4 gospels. The spacious main prayer hall is a sweep of light. Here the first saint was St Geevarghese Mar Gregorius whose tomb is still preserved. He was affectionately known as Parumala Thirumeni. Several thousands come here on 1st and 2nd November to participate in the Orma Perunnal (commemoration day festival) of the Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorius. The church is known as Malankara Orthodox Church.
