The history of Munnar CSI Christ Church is unique. Its real history begins
with a cemetery which is attached to it. Mrs. Eleanor Knight, the wife of H.M
Knight, the General Manager of the plantation was buried there in 1894. After
the buriel of Mrs. Knight, some other British were also buried there. Later on
Knight presented that area as a place of burial. It was formally consecrated on
April 15th, 1900 on Easter day by Rt. Rev. Noel Hodges. The foundation stone of
the church was laid on March 1910 by Sir. A. K. Muir. It was dedicated on Easter
day April 16th in the year 1911 by Rev. W.F.B Hoysted who was the chaplain at
that time. The British handed over the church to CSI North Kerala Diocese when
they left the High Range in the year 1981. Till then both the Indians and
British worshipped in the same church at different times. Now it is the head
quarters of CSI Munnar Pastorate which has nearly 1000 Tamil families and 18 out
station churches.
KARIKKODE DEVI TEMPLE
This is the oldest temple in the district at Thodupuzha and many people used to visit here on its festival days.
SREE AYYAPPA TEMPLE
This Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayappa. It is situated at Anachal, 15 km
from Munnar. The six day annual festival commences with the ceremonial hoisting
of the temple flag (Kodiyettam). On the last two days processions with
traditionally decorated elephants lend colour and majesty. Art forms like 'Ottanthullal' enliven the temple premises. The traditional 'Thookkam', a ritual is also conducted.
SREE KRISHNASWAMY TEMPLE
The temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is located at the heart of Thodupuzha
town. It celebrates a ten day festival every year. On the first day, a
concert by renowned musician is presented. 'Chakyarkoothu' is held on the 4th,
5th and 6th days of the festival. 'Kathakali' performances are also held on 5th
and 6th days. The most auspicious days of the festival are the 7th, 8th and
9th. Procession is participated by five caparisoned elephants and temple
percussion music are held in the mornings and evenings on these days.
ST ANTONY'S SHRINE
The St.Antony's shrine of Santhigram parish stands tall at Nalumukku on the
Erattayar - Thankamani road of Idukki district. It falls in the diocese of
Kothamangalam. Today it has grown up to a pilgrimage centre and thousands of
devotees go through there to attend the liturgical services in honour of
St. Antony and Infant Jesus on every Tuesday and first Friday respectively. By
divine plan of God, it has turned out to be a place where people of all faiths
come together and listen to the word of God. Since 1965 devotional prayers were
being offered there. There after the priests in charge have made pain-staking
efforts to bring up this place into what it is today. It was blessed by
Rev.Fr. Mathew Kochuparambil bishop of Dimshu in 1984.
The statue of Infant Jesus was brought from Cherpunkal by Fr. James Kalapurayil and installed in March 1990. Novena prayers was thus started since then at Nalumukku.
The shrine was further modified with the help of the people around without
distinction of cast or creed. From 1991 regular liturgical services are being
held in honour of St.Antony on every Tuesday and Infant Jesus on first Friday
followed by holy mass. The next phase of development was completed in 1994 and
it can accommodate thousands of devotees who go through there for refuge and
strength from all over the High ranges.
ST GEORGE CSI CHURCH
This is the oldest church in the district and it was built by British
people. The church was founded by Rev. Hentry Baker Jr. in 1869. All the
churches in the tea garden areas were once the out stations of Pallikkunnu
church. This church has a unique place in history as many British planters and
veterans sleep in eternal peace in the cemetery.
