ST MARY'S ORTHODOX CHERIAPALLY CHURCH

Built in 1579, it preserves its ancient architecture and four centuries old frescoes. The facade is covered with bas-reliefs, one of which represents a cockfight and the other a bird holding a cashew nut in its beak. The church has many Hindu influences, such as the large mast at the entrance, which is supposed to protect the surrounding area, and the depictions above a doorway of Vishnu's^third avatar, Varaha, with a boar's head.