Our Lady of Mount Carmel & St. Joseph’s Basilica, Varapuzha, founded in 1673 by the Discalced Carmelite missionaries, is one of the oldest and most historic Latin Catholic churches in India. Situated on the banks of the Periyar River, it became a major centre of Catholic faith and missionary activity in Kerala and was long known as the “Little Rome of the East.” The church served as the seat of the Vicariate Apostolic of Varapuzha and later as the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Varapuzha until the headquarters shifted to Ernakulam in the early 20th century. Closely associated with the growth of the Latin Church in Kerala, the basilica is also linked to the life of Blessed Eliswa Vakayil, whose mortal remains are enshrined here. In recognition of its rich spiritual, historical, and pastoral legacy, the church was elevated to the dignity of a Minor Basilica in 2021, standing today as a revered place of worship and pilgrimage.
Contact Number : 0484 – 2511229
Liturgical Timings
Daily Mass – 5.45 am, 7.00 am
Sunday Mass – 5.45 am, 7.15 am, 8.45 am, 5.30 pm