Kochi is home to a number of old European churches and Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom at Vallarapadam is one of them. An extremely popular Christian pilgrimage centre, the church is dedicated to Mother Mary who is worshipped as Vallarpadathamma in the region. According to the popular legends, Mother Mary protected many ships against the violent storms originating in the Arabian Sea.
The beautiful church was constructed by the Portuguese merchants and houses the holy picture of Blessed Virgin Mary. Today it enjoys the status of a national shrine and hosts the grand annual festival in the month of September. Masses are held on weekdays and on Sundays in Malayalam and on Saturdays in English and Tamil.
Connectivites
Road:
Located on the island of Vallarpadam, the church is only 5 km. from the main city centre of Ernakulam. Local buses, private vehicles and taxis can be used to access the island via Goshree Bridge. Ernakulam is a part of Kochi which has excellent road connectivity with top destinations of South India.
Railway:
Ernakulam South Railway Station is the closest rail access point located only about 7 km. from the church. The busiest railway station in Kochi, it is connected to many top cities of India by train. Taxis are available at the station to reach Vallarpadam Island.
Airway:
Cochin International Airport is about 34 km. away and is a popular aerodrome with flight connectivity to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Calicut, Bangalore and other Indian cities and also to the international locations like Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Singapore. Taxis are available round-the-clock to access the church from here.