St. Mary's Cathedral, Punalur

St. Mary's Cathedral sits on a hilltop along the western bank of the Kallada River, positioned near the railway station and paper mills of Punalur. The concrete structure occupies a prominent location within the local landscape.

The cathedral began in 1866 as a simple thatched structure built by Belgian Carmelite missionaries, with Latin used during early services. Multiple reconstructions followed over the decades, including a stone building in 1933 and a concrete structure completed in 1997.

The cathedral serves as a gathering place for Catholic communities from the surrounding area, including workers from the paper industry, railway employees, and farmers. It remains a vital center for local religious practice and community life.

Visits are best made during daylight hours when the hilltop location provides clear views and access is straightforward. The site lies within walking distance of the railway station, making it easy to reach.

The building underwent dramatic transformations across its history, starting as a humble thatched shelter before becoming stone and finally concrete. Each architectural phase reflects the expanding needs of the growing congregation over more than a century.