Malayattoor

Malayattoor is located on the Western Ghats, 52 kms from Kochi beside the Periyar River. 'Malayattoor' literally means the meeting place of land, mountain and river. It is the first pilgrim centre in India to be accorded international status by the Vatican. It is also the largest pilgrim centre in the name of St. Thomas in India. Thousands of pilgrims of all castes and creed undertake the pilgrimage to St. Thomas church, located on top of the hillock Kurishumudi (hill of the holy cross) during the annual festival -Malayattoor Perunnal held in March/April, 8 days after Easter.  

The distance from the foot to the top of the Kurishumudi is around 2.5km- 3km and takes around 1 hour to 1.5 hours to climb. Pilgrims chanting the name of the Apostle 'Ponninkurisumala Muthappa Ponmalakayattam' to climb Kurisumudi during  the Lent season. Some devotees carry crosses, stones, brooms etc. while some kneel and climb up the mountain. Along the way there are the 14 stations of the cross where devotees stop to pray.  

Pligrims on the way to church