Mannanam is a small town located in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India. It holds significant historical and religious importance in the region. Here are some key features and attractions of Mannanam:
- St. Joseph’s Monastery: The St. Joseph’s Monastery in Mannanam is a renowned pilgrimage site for Christians. It is the final resting place of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a prominent social reformer and the co-founder of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (C.M.I.) religious congregation. The monastery attracts devotees from different parts of the world who come to pay their respects and seek blessings.
- Chavara Bhavan: Chavara Bhavan is another important religious destination in Mannanam dedicated to Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara. It was the ancestral home of the Chavara family and has been converted into a museum showcasing the life and works of the saint. The museum displays artifacts, documents, and personal belongings of Saint Chavara.
- Mannanam Palli: Mannanam Palli, also known as St. Joseph’s Church, is a famous Catholic church situated in Mannanam. It has a rich history dating back to the 19th century and is a significant place of worship for the local Christian community. The church architecture and serene surroundings attract visitors.
- Educational Institutions: Mannanam is known for its educational institutions. It is home to several renowned schools, colleges, and professional institutes. St. Joseph’s College, founded by Saint Chavara, is one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in Kerala.
- Natural Beauty: Mannanam is blessed with scenic beauty as it is surrounded by lush greenery, paddy fields, and backwaters. The peaceful and serene environment makes it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy nature.
Mannanam offers a mix of religious and historical experiences, making it a significant destination for spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the religious sites, learn about the contributions of Saint Chavara, and immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of the region.
Mannanam is a historically important place in Kottayam seat of the first seminary of Malabar Church, the first Catholic Sanskrit school, and the first printing press.
Mannanam is a pilgrim spot near Kottayam famous for the blessed father Kuriakose Elias Chavara, an educator and social reformer. A lot of people visit the church to seek blessings from the blessed Father Chavara. In addition to its association with Father Chavara, Mannanam is also the base of the first seminary of the Malabar Church.
There are many sacred temples, churches, and mosques in Kerala in addition to its striking tourist attractions. Some churches and temples in the state have been blessed with remarkable fame and devotees have visited these sacred places with blind faith. Mannanam is such a sacred place and travellers who come to Kerala for holidays love to pay a visit to Mannanam.
As mentioned above, Mannanam is the headquarters of the first seminary of the Malabar Church which was established in 1833. Besides, Mannanam is also famous as the first Sanskrit Catholic School that came into being in 1846. CMS Press, the first private printing press in the state also started in this place in 1846 by Rev. Benjamin Bailey.
Another reason for the popularity of Mannanam is that the first Malayalam daily newspaper, Deepika started from here. With so many striking features, Mannanam is among the most popular places in the state. If you are interested to know the rich church history of Kerala, it is worth visiting Mannanam. The Chavara Art Museum of this sacred place maintains a tremendous repertory of the Kerala churches.
You can take a boat cruise from Kochi if you would like to visit Mannanam. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to this tourist spot which is nearly 83 kilometers away. The nearest Kottayam railway station is approximately 11 kilometers from Mannanam. With so many transport facilities, it will not be a problem for travelers to reach Mannanam to visit the Chavara Church and offer prayers to the Blessed Father Chavara.
Even though there are plenty of buses and other vehicle services available, many tourists to Kerala prefer to take a houseboat cruise to reach Mannanam. It provides them an excellent chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the state. Besides, they can fulfill the dream of enjoying backwater cruises while choosing this option to reach Mannanam.
