C.S.I Christ Church: Historic and Scenic Church in Munnar
If you are looking for a place to visit in Munnar that combines history, culture, and architecture, you should not miss the CSI Christ Church. This is a century-old Anglican church that was built by the British planters who made Munnar their home. The church is a testimony to the faith and legacy of the British era in Munnar and a landmark in the town.
About CSI Christ Church
CSI Christ Church is located on Kochi-Dhanushkodi Road, about 1 km from Munnar Bus Station. It is easily accessible by public transport or by walking.
Church is a fine example of Gothic-style architecture, with stone walls, stained glass windows, granite floors, and brass plaques. Church also has a cemetery where many British planters and their families are buried. Enter the church and admire its interiors, which have a serene and solemn atmosphere.
See the memorials and tombstones of some prominent personalities who contributed to the development of Munnar, such as Henry Knight Turner, A.W. Turner, Eleanor Isabel May, and K.M. Chen. The church also has a library where you can find some rare books and documents related to Munnar’s history.
CSI Christ Church is one of the places to visit in Munnar if you want to learn more about its colonial past and appreciate its architectural beauty. It is also a place of peace and tranquility where you can spend some quiet time and reflect on your life.
How to Reach CSI Christ Church, Munnar
Located well within the city centre of Munnar, CSI Christ Church can be conveniently reached through various modes of transportation:
By Air: About 100 km away, the Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport from the church that you can take a flight to. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Munnar.
By Train: The nearest railway station from Munnar is Aluva Railway Station, which is about 110 km away. You can take a train to Aluva from major cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Bangalore, etc. From Aluva, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Munnar.
By Bus: There are regular buses from Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai, Coimbatore, etc. to Munnar. You can also book online tickets from websites like Yatra.com or Bestbus.in. From Munnar Bus Station, you can walk or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the church.
Best Time to Visit CSI Christ Church, Munnar
Best time to visit CSI Christ Church is from September to March when the weather is pleasant and cool in Munnar. Scenic beauty of the hill station during this time. However, you can visit the church anytime of the year as it is open throughout the year.
Opening and Closing Time of CSI Christ Church, Munnar
Opening and closing time of CSI Christ Church is from 9 am to 5 pm on all days of the week.
Entry Fee of CSI Christ Church, Munnar
There is no entry fee to visit CSI Christ Church.
Tourist Attractions Near CSI Christ Church, Munnar
If you are looking for a place to visit in Trivandrum, Kerala, you might want to check out CSI Christ Church, the oldest church in the city and a beautiful Gothic-style building with stained glass windows. But that’s not all. There are many other attractions near the church that you can explore and enjoy. Here are some of the places you can see near CSI Christ Church and how to get there.
Kerala Legislative Assembly Complex
This is the seat of the state government and a modern architectural marvel. It is located just opposite the church and has a museum, a library, and a gallery of portraits of former chief ministers. You can learn about the history and politics of Kerala and admire the impressive structure of the complex. You can also take a guided tour of the complex if you book in advance.
Napier Museum
19th-century museum that showcases the art, culture, and history of Kerala. It has a collection of bronze idols, ancient ornaments, ivory carvings, and paintings. It is about 1.5 km from the church and can be reached by auto-rickshaw or bus. You can spend an hour or two browsing through the exhibits and appreciating the heritage of Kerala.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and one of the richest temples in the world. It has a magnificent Dravidian-style architecture with intricate carvings, mural paintings, and gold-plated towers. It is about 2 km from the church and can be reached by auto-rickshaw or bus. You can visit the temple to witness the grandeur and devotion of the place. However, you need to follow certain dress codes and rules to enter the temple.
Kowdiar Palace
Official residence of the Travancore royal family and a splendid example of Kerala-style architecture. It has a grand facade, ornate windows, and lush gardens. It is about 4 km from the church and can be reached by auto-rickshaw or bus. You can admire the palace from outside as it is not open to the public. You can also take some photos of the palace and its surroundings.
Shanghumukham Beach
Popular beach that offers a scenic view of the Arabian Sea and a relaxing atmosphere. It has a giant statue of a mermaid, a starfish-shaped restaurant, and a children’s park. It is about 8 km from the church and can be reached by auto-rickshaw or bus. You can end your day at the beach by enjoying the sunset, having some snacks, and playing with your kids.
CSI Christ Church is a place that you should not miss while visiting Munnar. It is a place that will give you a glimpse of the colonial history and culture of Munnar, as well as a place of worship and peace. It is also close to many other tourist attractions that will make your trip to Munnar more enjoyable and memorable.
