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Thumpoly is coastal town in the Alappuzha District and is a famous well-known Christian Marian pilgrimage shrine of Kerala. Thumpoly church (St.Thomas church,Thumpoly) is an ancient church built by the Portuguese and was established in the year 1600s. Thumpoly It is located at a distance of 90 km from Kochi International Airport, 6 km from Alappuzha city, 18km from Cherthala, 39 km from kuttanadu and 52 km from kayamkulam. It is connected to Alappuzha, Arthunkal, Kochi, Ernakulam by road and railway. It is located on the edge of NH 66 (formerly NH 47).The National Highway 66 cuts through the middle of the town. The Arabian Sea is on one side, and a small lake on the other, with the beach of Chakara in Kerala. It is a natural habitat of many rare birds. Thumpoly is known for its canals, which end their course in the Arabian Sea. There are fishing villages on the beaches. The local population are also involved in coir making. Thumpoli is located on the border of Alappuzha Municipality. Thumpoly shares border with Alappuzha Municipality and Aryad Grama Panchayat. Thumpoly church is the largest landmark of Thumpoli.

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Thumpoly
town
Thumpoly Location in Kerala, India
Coordinates: 9.5188°N 76.3158°E / 9.5188; 76.3158
Country	India
State	Kerala
District	Alappuzha
Languages
• Official	Malayalam, English
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	688 008
Vehicle registration	KL-04
Lok Sabha constituency	Alappuzha
Vidhan Sabha constituency	Alappuzha

Etymology

It is believed that the name 'Thumpoly' came from 'Thoma Pally' which means Church of St. Thomas. During the period of Portuguese, the place was also called 'Thompolis' which means 'The town of St. Thomas'.[1][2]

Thumpoly Church Feast

The parish of Thumpoly is known for its church, named for St. Thomas and also dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Darshana Thirunal of Amalolbhava Mata (thumpoly matha) is celebrated every year from November 27 to December 15 at Thumpoli church. The main feast which lasts for (11) 19 days, is that of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on 8 December every year ( The main festival day is December 08th.). Ettamidam thirunal day is December 15th. The statue of 'Our Lady' of Immaculate Conception in the church is called 'Kappalottakaari Amma' (Sailors Mother ) or 'the mother who came by ship in the year 1600- 1602s. Important Vow (Nercha) `` Pattum Kireedavum´´.The main votive offering is the silk and the crown(Pattum Kireedavum) . [3][4][5]They are the most important festivals and pilgrimage shrine in Alappuzha district and Alleppey diocese.

Sites of interest

The landmark of the place is a 400 to 500-year-old church called St. Thomas Church, thumpoly which was built by Portuguese. The Thumpoli church is 400 to 500 years old and has a long tradition. The church is one of the important pilgrimage centers of Alappuzha district and Alleppey diocese, built in the Portuguese style. During the 1600s and 1602, a ship sailed from Paris (Portugal ) across the Arabian sea, losing control of the ship due to wind, rain and thunder and sank. Thus, the statue of the Immaculate Conception was enshrined in the church (thumpoly ). Thumpoly church was the first church in India at that time to have a relic of the Mother of God religiously and rituals.

Thirthassery temple is another important monument in Thumpoly. The typical Kerala architectural beauty can be seen this small temple. There is also a mosque near Thumpoly.

Thumpoly is connected by road and rail -way. The beach at Thumpoly is a major tourist attraction. Thumpoly Beach is located on the west side near thumpoly church. Pilgrim's and tourists also come here.

Coir handicrafts is a major cottage industry of the area.

The important Near areas of Thumpoli are Poonkavu, Chettikadu, Pathirappally, Omanapuzha, Kommadi, Poonthoppu, Mangalam and Malikamukku.

References

External links

• Feast at Thumpoly Church

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