British-built Pallikkunnu CSI Church to be made a heritage tourism site soon

St. George CSI Church in Pallikunnu, Idukki, set to join heritage tourism circuit with unique British cemetery attractions.

The elegant British-built St. George CSI Church with its gothic-style architecture at Pallikunnu, near Kuttikanam, in Idukki district is all set to become part of the heritage tourism circuit soon.

Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas visited the church on Saturday. During the visit, Mr. Riyas said the government would consider including the Pallikunnu CSI Church as part of the heritage tourism circuit. According to sources, Mr. Riyas has directed the State Tourism Director to prepare a heritage tourism project for the church.

Mr. Riyas said the tomb of John Daniel Munro, a pivotal figure in the development of Munnar and Peerumade’s tea plantations, and the tomb of Munro’s white horse called Downy in the church will be some unique sights for the tourists. “The Tourism department will bring in more initiatives to attract tourists to the heritage sites in the district,” added Mr. Riyas.

CSI East Kerala Diocese public relations officer (PRO) Viju P. Chacko said that the church and the cemetery is drawing tourists to the district. “If the church is included in the heritage tourism project, the tourist inflow to Pallikkunnu will increase,” he said.

District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) secretary Jitheesh Jose said Idukki has a vast potential for heritage tourism. “As of now, the district is popular for its scenic landscapes and climate. The heritage tourism sites like British period churches and tombs in Peerumade and Munnar will further draw in tourists to the district,” he said.

According to officials, the major heritage sites in the district in addition to the Pallikkunnu church are Old Munnar CSI Christ Church, a 130-year-old tomb of Eleanor Isabel May, Mount Carmel Basilica in Munnar, the first Catholic church in the high ranges, and the tomb of Spanish Carmelite missionary Fr. Alfonse Maria De Los Angeles, who built the church.

State Tourism Director Shikha Surendaran, Pallikkunnu CSI Church vicar Liju Abraham, Peerumade MLA Vazhoor Soman, and Viju P. Chacko joined the Minister during his visit.