✦ Thankey Church · Since 1583 ✦
Forane Vicar,
St. Mary's Pilgrim Centre, Thankey
Kadakkarappally P.O.
Cherthala, Alappuzha
Kerala - 688 529, India
Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sunday: After 9:00 am Mass
Daily from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Open to pilgrims year-round
Good Friday evening and Easter Sunday for the pilgrimage experience.
Every Friday for Kallara Japam (tomb prayer — open to all, no booking required).
The nearest railway station is Cherthala Railway Station on the Ernakulam–Kollam line. Thankey is approximately 8 kilometres from Cherthala town. Trains stop at Cherthala from both Ernakulam (30 mins) and Kollam/Thiruvananthapuram.
Private buses operate from Cherthala Bus Stand to Thankey. Ask for "Thankey Church" or "St. Mary's Church Thankey." The journey is approximately 20 minutes. During Holy Week, special bus services operate from Cherthala, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam.
From Cherthala town, take the road towards Thankey Panchayat. The church is well-signposted. Auto-rickshaws are available from Cherthala town and from Cherthala railway station. GPS coordinates: 9.4897° N, 76.3388° E.
The nearest airports are Cochin International Airport (approximately 60 km) and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (approximately 110 km). From Cochin airport, take NH66 south to Cherthala, then follow local roads to Thankey.
Good Friday evening and Easter are the peak pilgrimage times, drawing tens of thousands. For a quieter experience, visit on a First Friday or any weekday morning.
The church is a sacred place of active worship. Modest dress is required — shoulders and knees covered. Remove footwear before entering the church building.
Kallara Japam takes place every Friday at the Tomb. The first Friday of each month is especially observed. Simply come and participate — no booking is required.
Coconut oil for votive lamps, rice for offering, and an open heart. The Pidiyari kanji is distributed free on Good Friday — no advance arrangement needed.
On Good Friday, the roads around the church see very heavy traffic. Arriving on foot from Cherthala bus stand or parking at a distance and walking is recommended. The parish coordinates with local authorities for Good Friday traffic management.
Stay connected with the parish, watch Holy Week ceremonies live, and follow the life of Thankey Church throughout the year.