The National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Vallarpadam is popularly known as the Lourdes of Kerala. It belongs to the Archdiocese of Varapoly. People all parts of Kerala and outside, irrespective of cast and creed come here to seek the blessings of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, traditionally known here as Vallarpadathamma. Kochi the “Queen of Arabian Sea” has got a number of small Islands in the backwaters and Vallarpadam is one such island having an area of only six kilometers. On it stands the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Vallarpadam. Till 2004 the access of Vallarpadam was only by the regular boat service, of course, though the breathtakingly beautiful backwaters. After the construction of the Goshree bridges make the access a lot easier and faster.
