Sixty-nine km from Cochin and 154 km from Trivandrum, Kottayam was the high centre of the Syrian Christian Church. The Valia Palli or the Big Church here is famous for its ornate altar and the famous Persian crosses cut in relief on the side altars. The 400-year-old Cheria PaIli Church is rich in murals, blending western Coptic tradition and oriental colour. There are impressive carved multiple altars. The boat races are held at nearby Aranmula which is famous for its metal mirrors.