St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Champakulam

St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church is a stone building in Champakulam that displays traditional Kerala architectural features, including intricate wooden carvings and multiple sections. The courtyard contains an ancient stone cross and the structure functions as a place of worship and community gathering.

The origins of this church trace back to ancient times, with connections to the nearby Niranam Church attributed to Saint Thomas the Apostle. It has evolved through centuries and remains an important center of Syrian Catholic Christianity in the region.

The church serves as the spiritual center for the local Syrian Catholic community and shapes the rhythm of village life through its regular worship and celebrations. Visitors can observe how the faith remains woven into daily customs and family traditions of those who gather here.

The church is accessible to visitors, particularly on Sundays when services take place and the community is active. It is helpful to check service times in advance and dress respectfully for the sacred space.

This building was elevated to a basilica in 2016, the first in the Archdiocese of Changanassery and one of few such honors for the Syro-Malabar tradition in southern India. The designation reflects the historical and spiritual significance the place holds within the wider church community.