St. Xavier Church

St.Xavier an outstanding and dedicated priest visited the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu from Goa. he never missed the opportunity of visiting Kottar in Kanyakumari district which was a celebrated commercial centre at that time. During his stay at Kottar, he used to worship St. Mary in the small temple. He was popularly known
as “Valiya Pandaram” among the people of Kottar. While he was at Kottar, he averted the invasion of Padagas on the people of Venad which was appreciated by the king, who became closer to the Priest. In recognition of Xavier’s services, the king allotted a land to him for the purpose of constructing a catholic church at Kottar. There was already a church in 1544 in the same place, where the St. Xavier’s church stands now. The church records show that the church was built in the year 1600 A.D. In the year 1865, the Church was enlarged and the shrine of our lady was also renovated and vaulted over. In 1930, the church was raised to the Status of a Cathedral.In 1955, the church was further extended and the chapel of Our Lady was incorporated into the enlarged church.

Upakara Matha Koil (Alangara)

One of the Ancient Churches having 153 ft. height Tower and 8 ft. Golden Cross.

Peer Mohammed Dargha

There is a dargha named ‘Peer Mohammed Oliyullah Dargha’ at Thuckalay named after the great philosopher Moharned Appa, who was born in Tenkasi of Tirunelveli District. After spending sometime in spiritual put-suits in Peermedu of Kerala State he came and stayed at Thuckalay. Being a Tamil poet of great eminence, he wrote many books on philosophy. He had intimate relationship with the Kings of Chera dynasty. It is said that he laid foundation Stone for the Padmanabhapuram Granite Fort. The Anniversary of the great philosopher poet is celebrated every year on a grand scale on the full moon day in the month of Rajap. Both the people of Kerala and Tamil Nadu attend the celebrations on large numbers irrespective of their caste, creed arid religion.