Malayattoor Church

The Saint Thomas Church in Malayattoor is one of the most important pilgrim center for Christians in Kerala. The Malayattoor Church is located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala people from different part of India come here to pay their offerings. The church is situated on a hill top and is 15 km away from Kalady town.

The church at Malayatoor is believed to have been set up by St. Thomas the Apostle and the Church is designated as an International Shrine by Vatican. The hill where the church is located is known as Kurishumudi (Hill of the holy cross) and is believed that St. Thomas used to make the Sign of the Cross on the rock, kiss it and pray. One can also see the foot prints of St. Thomas imprinted on the rock.

The Church attracts a huge number of pilgrims especially during the main festival seasons which falls in the months of March or April. The annual festival of Malayatoor Church is known as “Malayattoor Perunnal” and people from different places come and climb the hill to pay their offerings.

People from different places, irrespective of cast and religion visit this place during the festival and usually they climb the hill (St. Thomas Mount) carrying crosses on their shoulders. Once you reach the top you can also see an ancient Chapel that was destroyed by wild elephants from nearby jungles. You can also see the miraculous water spring, which is considered to have high healing powers.

The architecture of the Church is another fascinating thing that gets noticed. The Greco-Roman architecture of the Malayattoor Church makes it more beautiful and appealing. The designs, carvings, paintings and other architectural beauty inside the Church makes you more curious.

Apart from being a major Christian pilgrimage destination in Kerala, Malayatoor is also a spectacular place to be. The amazing natural beauty of Malayatoor and its surrouding areas makes it a potential tourist place. The hills and the Periyar river which flows between the hills makes this place more beautiful.

Reaching Malayattoor Church
The nearest airport at Kochi is just 15 km from Malayatoor and the nearest railway head is at Angamaly, which is around 18 km away. So reaching this historic pilgrimage center is not difficult by any means.

Best Time to Visit Malayattoor Church
The best time to visit Malayatoor Church is during the annual feast which usually falls in the month of March or April.