Friday 25 March 2016

Malayattoor, Christian International Pilgrim Centre, Ernakulam, Kerala,India

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.

view from the top
Also read my book: 'A FRAUD IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION' www.amazon.in/dp/9352353986

web: www.manjaly.net

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