Karunagappally, Kollam

Karunagappally, a small town located at a distance of about 27 km from Kollam, is best known for its temples and religious places. Legend goes that the area around Karunagappally was a Buddhist settlement and a learning centre during ancient times.

An idol of Buddha, which was found from one of the local tanks of this region, testifies to the truth of such legends. Padanayarkulangara Temple is the major religious spot and one of the few temples where Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva are worshipped alongside.

Other prominent Hindu worship places around the region are Ochira Temple and Valiyakulangara Devi Temple. Pandarathuruth Church, more popularly known as Portuguese Palli, is an ancient church believed to have been constructed by a group of Portuguese sailors.

Having lost on the sea, they prayed for a safe landing and offered to build a church on the land they reach. The ship found its way to the shores of Karunagappally and that event led to the construction of Pandarathuruth Church.