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

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THRISSUR - CULTURAL CAPITAL OF KERALA - GODS OWN COUNTRY

THRISSUR - TRICHUR

I belong to Thrissur District. Thrissur Pooram Festival is world famous for its elephant procession, fire works and the panchavadhyam, panchari melam (different kinds of instrumental music), etc. Arattupuzha pooram is also famous and predecessor to the Thrissur Pooram. Arattupuzha village is 10 kilometre away from Thrissur town. There is also a museum, zoo and art gallery in Thrisur. St. Thomas Shrine of Azhikode (Kodungallur) where St. Thomas believed to be landed in India in 52 A.D. is also in Thrissur District. There are also some wild life sanctuaries here namely Peechi Dam area, Chimmini Dam area etc. 

Western border of Thrisur is Arabian Sea with many beaches like Kothakulam beach of Valapad village, Nattika beach etc. It was here where some parts of the national award winning cenema CHEMMEEN was shot including the Valapad market as it existed then. The film is based on a famous malayalam novel by Thakazhi by the same title and directed by Ramu Kariat. The film was also dubbed in Hindi by name 'Chemmeen Lehren'  and in English 'The Anger of the Sea'.

Thrissur Pooram

Thrissur pooram is a main festival celebrated in the Thrisur (Trichur) town which is the headquarters of Thrisur district. The main attraction of the festival is the decorated elephant procession, colourful fireworks, and various instrumental music. Earlier, Arattupuzha pooram was the final point of all poorams in the region ruled by the Kochi Raja(King). But unfortunately one year the Thrissur pooram procession could not move to Arattupuzha because of heavy rain. Then the King ordered that henceforth, the Pooram would be held at Thrissur itself. The present name of Thrisur is derived from the earlier name Thrissivaperoor associated with the main deity Lord Siva of the Temple around which the Pooram is celebrated.

Thumboormuzhi

Thumboormuzhi with its dam and the butterfly park located near to it is one of the most famous tourist places in Thrissur District of Kerala also known as GOD’S OWN COUNTRY. It is located about 55 kms from Thrissur town and about 16 kms from Chalakudy town. Frequent bus services are available from these towns to reach there. It is  also very close to the Nedumbassery (Cochin) International Airport which is about 50 kms from the park.  It is on the way to Athirappilly waterfall, another tourist place.

Thumboormuzhi dam is built across the Chalakudy River and the park is on the banks of the river. Now there is a hanging bridge ready for inauguration just above the dam and connecting both sides of the river. Thumboormuzhi is a natural habitat of butterflies of various species of butterfly in the world. During the monsoon, the biggest of the butterflies visit the park and is one of the features of the butterfly park in Thumboormuzhi.

The park also includes river and mountain view, lush green forest view, and also a beautiful garden and children’s park with a restaurant to make the trip comfortable.