Arthunkal is a small seaside village, about 8 kilometer west of Cherthala and 22 kilometer north of the sleepy Alappuzha town, in the Alappuzha district of Kerala state, South India. Arthunkal is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Kerala. Many devotees, who recovered from serious illness or closely escaped accidents, often visit this pilgrim site to offer thanks to St. Sebastian. Devotees often express gratitude by crawling on their knees, known as Urulunercha, on the road from the beach to the church, and make offerings – small metal replicas of bows and arrows. Primarily a fishing village, this serene neighborhood has witnessed fast development since the late nineties, in sync with Cherthala, a small satellite town of Kochi, the biggest city in Kerala.
How to Reach –
Road: The St Andrew’s Basilica is located 7 km from Cherthala and 22 km north of Alappuzha, in Kerala
Rail : . The nearest Railway station is Cherthala
Air : The nearest Airport CIAL at Nedumbassery is 70 km away.