Seated on a huge rock the St. Joseph Church Ayyappancoil is called Parel Palli by the locals. St Joseph church is also famous as Parel palli and is located very close to the bank of the river Periyar. The St Joseph’s church holds a long history about its existence. At first instance this might appear as a small church with very less appeal factor but the church despite its dainty appearance is famous pilgrims and tourist’s destination in the Ayappankovil region, Idukki.

The church catered to the needs of fellowship and prayer by offering devotional and prayer filled services. Several locals from distant villages made that long journey happen to come and attend to the prayer held at the St. Joseph’s church.

The fact that the church sits on a rock holds a lot of symbolism and might appear like the house which had its foundation on rock when dug deep as mention in Bible’s Luke Chapter 6:48.The Sunday sermon is held at nine thirty in the morning every Sunday. The church conducts way of the cross every first Friday. The church witnesses a high number of pilgrims and locals worshipped during the feast of ST Joseph’s that’s celebrated in the month of March.

St Joseph’s church is presently undergoing renovation to cater to the comfort and convenience of the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the church. The church region has attracted a fair number of pilgrims who also end up touring the neighboring region here. With beautiful views and interesting things to do near the Periyar River and the Ayyappancoil region, the St Joseph’s church can easily be called a pilgrims as well as leisure tour destination.

After you’ve offered your prayers, you can simply stroll around the area near the church. The hill top view is absolutely magnificent and the lower view of the land from the hill tops is a sight to behold. Tranquil, serene and peaceful the surroundings of the church and the church itself sink in pretty well.

You can head off to the periyar river surroundings and set up a picnic spread for your family or friends and enjoy some quiet time relaxing with your loved ones. You can even befriend the locals and get them to offer you bamboo raft boat ride or the catamaran ride. Get to the river and indulge in some fishing following the ways of the locals and if you manage to catch a fish than set a fire and cook it for yourself in the natural surroundings of the Periyar.

In close vicinity is Kovilmala, a tribal village where tribals survive on the local produce and forest products to make their ends meet. The scenic beauty of Kovilmala, the simplicity of the tribals and the unique lifestyle of the people here make Kovilmala as well as the St Joseph church tour a devotionally enriching and exciting one.