By the Casa Marari team Updated about 6 km (15 min drive) from Casa Marari
A short drive north of Casa Marari along the coast, St. Andrew’s Basilica at Arthunkal is one of the oldest and best-known churches in Kerala. Its history goes back to Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century, and today it is an important pilgrim centre visited by people of all faiths. It is about 6 km — 15 minutes — from Casa Marari.
Why visit
- History: the church grew from one of the early Portuguese-era missions on this coast and has been rebuilt and enlarged over the centuries.
- The beach next door: Arthunkal Beach is a few minutes’ walk away, so you can combine the church with a seaside sunset.
- Faith and culture: the church is dedicated to St. Andrew, but is especially associated with St. Sebastian, whose feast draws huge crowds every January.
The January feast (Arthunkal Perunnal)
The feast of St. Sebastian in January is the high point of the year at Arthunkal. Pilgrims arrive from across Kerala and beyond; you will see processions, stalls and devotional offerings. It is a remarkable experience — but expect heavy traffic and plan your visit early in the day.
Visiting tips
- Dress modestly and keep your voice low inside the church.
- Avoid service times if you only want to look around.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon, then walk to Arthunkal Beach for sunset.
Getting there from Casa Marari
Drive or take an auto-rickshaw north towards Arthunkal — about 15 minutes. Pair it with Kanichukulangara Devi Temple for a half-day of local heritage, and finish at Chethy Beach on the way home.
