Malayattoor is primarily a Christian Pilgrim centre in
Ernakulam District of Kerala in South India. There is an old Chapel as well as
a new Church at the top of the mountain called Kurishumudi dedicated to St.
Thomas, one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. It is believed that St. Thomas
visited this place on his way to Tamil Nadu from Kodungallur/Azhikode in Kerala
where he landed first in AD 52. The main parish Church is at the bottom of the
hill. The word Malayattoor is a combination of three words Mala (mountain), Aar
(river), and Ooru (village) indicating the presence of these three items in the
same place.
Kurishumudy which is the top part of the mountain at Malayattoor
is 1269 feet above the sea level. At the bottom of the mountain, there is a
lake garden with boating facility. Canteen run by the Church is available at
top and bottom of the mountain. Other mini eateries are also available. There
will be heavy rush during Sundays and Fridays of Easter season. There is no
proper road to reach the top. There are some steps constructed in some parts.
Otherwise one has to climb through the natural foot path with projected rocks.
But there is ambulance service up to some level of the mountain. The main festival of the church is on the 1st Sunday after Easter.
On the other side of the river there is a sanctuary of
elephants brought from the forest and protected particularly the babies.
Recently some parts of this sanctuary is shifted to some other place. Kaladi
the birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, a Hindu saint, is also very close to
Malayattoor. He is a world famous philosopher and founder of the principle of ‘Advaita’.
Best season to visit Malayatoor is from January to April. For
reaching by air, Kochi international airport is the nearest. By rail Angamali
railway station is the nearest. Malayatoor is connected by road to many nearby
cities in Keala like Ernakulam, Thrissur, etc. There is also limited accommodation near the main Church at the bottom of the mountain.
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| view from the top |
web: www.manjaly.net
