Resting on the banks of river Pamba, St. Mary’s Forane Church in Alappuzha district boasts of a brilliant architecture, elaborate rock inscriptions and ancient artifacts, revealing the influence of Portuguese culture. Believed to have been constructed in 427 CE, Champakulam Kalloorkadu Marth Maryam Basilica is one of the oldest Syrian Catholic churches in India and comes under the Archdiocese of Changanacherry. Serene backwaters and swaying coconut palms dotting the banks offer an endearing environment to the church. The Champakulam church has an open-air rock cross dating to CE1151.