The school organized an educational tour to Kerala, the God’s own country for the entire members of staff (52 members) from 4th to 6th January 2019. We reached Bro.Antony PJ’s house at Angamally around 10.30 am on 4th January. We were all warmly welcomed by Bro.Antony PJ & his family members. Bro.George, his brothers and his nephew also joined us in Bro.Antony’s house!
After refreshing, we were taken to one of most prominent pilgrim Centres of Kerala, St.Thomas Church, Malayatoor. After this, we visited St.George’s Forane Church at Edapally, Ernakulam, a famous Catholic Shrine. In the evening, we left for Kadudhuruthy via Bhagavathi Amman Temple at Chottanikara. In Kaduthuruthy, we were all accommodated at SVD Retreat House which is very close to the house of Bro.George KJ.
On the second day after the breakfast, we left for Alleppey to enjoy a full day – ‘House Boat Tour’ in the famous backwaters of Kerala in and around the Venice of East. We enjoyed the entire boat trip and realized why Kerala is called “God’s own country”! In the evening, we returned to our base at Kaduthuruthy. After refreshing ourselves, we left for Bro.George’s house for dinner and to have a pleasant evening with his family members. We were all affectionately welcomed by Bro.George’s elderly mother and other family members.
On the final day of the tour, after breakfast, we visited the Tomb of St.Alphonsa at Bharagananam, Pala and St.Mary’s Church at Kuruvilangaud which is noted for its ancient bell dating back to the year 105 AD.
From Kuruvilangaud, we returned to Bro.George’s house for lunch. Once again, we were welcomed with pleasantries and refreshments. After this, we went round Brother’s house to have a closer look at the place and the topography of the area. We really enjoyed the sumptuous meals at Bro.George’s house and the hospitality of Mrs. & Mr.Shaji, Mr.Thomas, Dr.Vinod and the nephews of Bro.George! All of us enjoyed the royal welcome and the serene atmosphere of the place, the lovely refreshments and food.
After this, we visited the famous Shivan Temple at Vaikom. On the way back to SVD, we were treated to a high tea in Mr.Thomas’s house, the younger brother of Bro.George.
Our sincere thanks and appreciation to Brothers of the Community and all the well-wishers and benefactors who helped us to organize and enjoy this tour of Kerala!