Malayatoor Church
About: |
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Malayatoor Church which is 47km from Cochin. A very important and famous Christian pilgrimage of Kerala, the Malayatoor Church of Cochin attracts a large number of devotees from not just Kerala, but also all over India. It is believed that St. Thomas prayed at this church when he landed in Kerala. St. Thomas was the one who took initiative to begin a Christian community over here. He is supposed to have come here in 52 A.D. Situated near the church is a hill that is supposed to have his footprints on a rock. Read on further to know more about Malayatoor Church of Kochi.St. Thomas founded churches in different places in Kerala including Kollam, Kodungalloor, Nilakkal, Niranam, etc. One can easily seek spiritual happiness and satisfaction amidst the calm and serene locales surrounding Malayatoor. It is a popular tourist center and many people throng this place to have a look at this magnificent church. It is a must visit while traveling to Cochin. The architecture of the church is very interesting and uses a combination of unique styles that are a delight to the eyes. It is a combination of Greco-Roman architecture with a traditional Greek styled altar. The front of the church has been built in the typical Roman Catholic architecture. The church has been decorated with beautiful carvings, designs and paintings that depict the life of Jesus Christ. There are facilities for confession and adoration also in this church. The church also has an ancient pond that was sued for baptism purposes and a traditional pulpit that is considered to be of much historical significance. St Thomas is known as Muthappan and so while climbing the hill everyone should pray Ponnum Kurishu Muthappo, Ponmala Kayattom and while climbing down the hill after visiting the church we should pray all the way down Ponnum Kurishu Muthappo, Ponmala Irakkom. Pilgrims climb the hill saying the way of Cross Prayers also. Brooms are given as offering by some people and some people offer big Crosses that they take to the top of the hill. We can also see the place where he drawed a cros on the rock from which blood started coming and this Ctoss started growing as the Golden Cross.At the church on the top of the hills we can see a rock on which the Saint thomas lefy his footprints while he prayed. |
Location info: |
| Address:Kurisumudi, Kochi, Kerala, India |
| District: Kochi District. |
| Nearest City:Kochi ,Thrissur , Aluva and Chalakkudy. |
| Best time to visit: March and April. |
Climate/Weather: |
| Tropical climate and Temparaure rangers from Summers: 36°-20° and in Winters: 16°-32°C. |
History: |
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According to the local beliefs, it is said that St. Thomas visited the church in 52 AD and offered his prayers to Jesus Christ. The hill, on which the Church is located, still holds the footprints of the Apostle. It is said that St. Thomas first established the Christian community in Kochi. In order to pay homage to the Apostle, thousands of devotees visit the church on the day of Malayatoor Perunal. According to the story when the saint first came to Malayatoor he had to face a very hostile reception and was forced to flee to the top of the mountain. There he prayed intensely for days together making sign of the cross on the rock. It is believed that Mother Mary appeared to console and strengthen him. Later at this spot on the rock, a golden cross was found. Thus the hillock came to be known as 'Ponnin Kurishumudi' (hill of the golden cross). Nearby the saints footprints and marks of his knees were also found on the rock. |
Interesting things to do: |
| You can see the annual festival of this church is known as 'Malayatoor Perunal' and it is celebrated in the months of March-April and also see Saint thomas footprints in the hill. |
Interesting things to Visit: |
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Foot prints of St. Thomas on the Rock: People flock around the foot print of St. Thomas, inprinted and visible on this rock. There are also marks seen on the rock, which are said to have appeared once the saint knelt on the ground. Malayatoor Hill: Malayatoor perunnal is the perunnal (religious ceremony) celebrated at malayatoor church which is located at malayatoor hill.It is a great religious festival where catholics from different parts of country are coming. perunnal is the perunnal (religious ceremony) celebrated at malayatoor church which is located at malayatoor hill.It is a great religious festival where catholics from different parts of country are coming. St. Thomas and Thamizakam: The place of St. Thomas in the life of Tamil believers is something not to be overlooked. Anyone would be moved at the sight of an ardent but the simple faith of a Tamil pilgrim, a usual seen on the mountain. According to Rt. Rev. Dr. Soosa Pakiami the "Archbishop of Trivandrum, "Muthappan" the name by which the devotes invoke St. Thomas on the mountain, may have come from Tamizakam. Kurisumudy: Kurisumudy is a mountain at Maiayattoor, 1269 'Ft. above sea level.Kurisumudy has its fame as a place visited by St. Thomas, one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. Jesus gave a mandate to his Apostles to go out to the whole world and to proclaim the Good News. Taking upon himself this commandment. |
Mobile range info: |
How to reach? |
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Nearest Railway Station: Angamaly railway station |
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Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport |
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Road Transport: Malayatoor Church is easily reachable from anywhere in Kerala and Cochin as the place is well connected by a wide network of roads. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
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Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Built by the Portuguese in 1557, the Palace was presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi (Cochin). The palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. On display here are beautiful Murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata and some of the puranic Hindu legends. Chinese Fishing Nets: The fixed and cantilevered Chinese Fishing Nets are the icon of Cochin sea trade. The fishing nets like these are not found anywhere else in India. Some traders brought these huge cantilevered fishing nets here from the court of Kublai Khan. Santa Cruz Basilica Church: This Roman Catholic church, built in 1503 and situated near the St. Francis Church, is a specimen of the Portuguese architecture. Frescoes and mural paintings decorate its ceiling and interior parts. The Gothic architecture and the lofty spires give it a unique grandeur. Cherai Beach: This lovely beach bordering Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. There are a couple of simple cafes and guesthouses too. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach. Kaladi: Legend holds that one day, the widowed mother of Little Sankara, Aryadevi, fainted after walking three kilometers for her daily bath in the Periyar river. Feeling helpless, Little Sankara prayed to Lord Krishna. The tears of the child moved Krishna, who blessed him thus: 'the river will flow where your little feet marks'. Marine Drive: Marine Drive is a picturesque promenade in Kochi, Kerala, India. It is built facing the backwaters, and is a popular hangout for the local populace. Ironic to its name, no vehicles are allowed on the walkway. Princess Street : Flowerpot-laden window sills, bronze stucco walls and peeling pastel – these all are the symbols of colonial style buildings. See them in Princess street – a back street.Now filled with antique shops,homestays and hotels,with out disturbing the orginality. Fort Kochi really revels in moody pastimes. Thanthoni Aqua Farm : Thanthoni Aqua Farm launched in Thanthoni island of Kochi recently is a new edition of tourism attraction in Kerala. The Farm is in two-acre Island with natural beauty retained in tact. The place is amazingly nice to unwind, to fish and to imbibe cool breeze let loose liberally. Indira Gandi Boat Race : It is Conducted in August-September during Onam. Scores of sleek snake-boats with over100 oarsmen in each vie with to touch the finishing point first. The furious and sporadic paddling will turn the Marine Drive water front into frothing melee in tune with the Onam revelry. Cochin Carnival : Impromptu competitions and the white paper buntings adorned everywhere – streets, homes, shopts etc.in the last 10 days of the year Hill Palace: 12 km away at Thripunithura. The palace is now a museum, the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Different types of sculptures, collection of rare coins, old weapons, manuscripts in ancient lipis and collections from the Kochi Royal family exhibited here. Elephant Kraal at Kodanadu : The Kraal means training camp. The word is in Afrikaans. The training is a long and tedious process. It may take one to two years. The mahouts too get training here. Every year half a million put their feet in Kodanadu to see the intricacies of elephant training. Boothathankettu Dam : This is located at 7/8 km from, Kothamangalam. The Dam is a wonderful picnic spot. There is well-maintained Children’s Park here. The Reservoir and Park are big attractions. Edamalayar Lower Dam : This Dam is located at ahead of Boothathankett Dam on same route. The picturesque surroundings are great attraction here. The people from far and near throng here to enjoy the nature’s benevolence. Pallipuram Fort: Pallipuram Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monoments in India. The Catholic church at Pallipuram is an important pilgrim centre. Kerala Historical Museum: This "live" Museum is not just a retelling of the past but is a Light and Sound show of three-dimensional visuals. 87 figures who shaped the history and culture of Kerala in the last two thousand years have been represented here in Light and Sound Tableaus. Kodanad: It is one of the largest elephant training centres of South India. The beautiful river Periyar flows in the north of this place. The elephants are mainly trained for Safari. There is also a small zoo here. Willington Island: This is artificial island named after Lord Willingdon, and a British viceroy to India is surrounded by beautiful, calm and serene backwaters. This sweet getaway was created from the soil obtained while deepening the docks at the Kochi harbor. This small piece of land is the headquarters of the Southern naval command and also an important trade center. Cruises along the gorgeous backwaters that surround the island are a luxury anyone would love to indulge in. Thattakkadu Bird Sanctuary: This bird Sanctuary on the Kochi-Munnar road, about 20 km from Kothamangalam. This sanctuary is rightly named after its explorer Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist. A variety of native birds like the Malabar grey-horn bill, the woodpecker, the parakeet etc can be seen here. The Ceylon frog-moth and rose-billed roller are among the rare birds found in this sanctuary. Various migrant birds also come here during the season. |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
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Petrol Pump Petrol Pump HP petrol pump Reliance Petrol Pump BP petrol pump |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
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Hotel Prestige Grandeur Houseboats Hotel Hill Park Hotel Delight Shalimar Residency |
Things to carry: |
Tips & Suggestions: |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
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Police Station: Kalady Police Station Kuruppampady Police station ET North Police Station Police Station Edappally |
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Nearest Hospital: Bethsada Mental Hospital Samaritan Hospital Gyno Speciality Hospital Nairs Hospital Chaithanya Eye Hospital |
| Society/Community Phone Number: |
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Link: http://keralatourist-place.blogspot.com/2009/01/malayatoor.html |
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| Pallippuram Fort |
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| Bolghatty Palace |
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| Chendamangalam |
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| Hill Palace |
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| Pierce Leslie Bungalow |
| Pierce Leslie Bungalow is loacted near Fort kochi, 13 km from Ernakulam, Ernakulam district, Kerala.Pierce Leslie Bungalow, built in 1862, is a representative of colonial buildings in Fort Kochi, 13 km away from Ernakulam. It was the former office of the famous coffee merchants, Pierce Leslie and Company. The architecture of the bungalow reveals the influence of local, Portuguese and Dutch style.Characteristic features of this bungalow are wood panels that form the roof of ground floor, arched doorways, carved doors and sprawling rooms. Water front verandas are an added attraction to the magnifient house Characteristic features are wood panels that form the roof of the ground floor, arched doorways, carved doors and sprawling rooms. Waterfront verandahs are an added attraction.An excursion to Pierce Leslie Bungalow and other significant monuments of Kerala, will instill in every visitor a sense of admiration for the rich historical and cultural past of the state.....more |
| Synagogue at Chennamangalam |
| Chennamangalam Synagogue is located in Chennamangalam, Ernakulam district, Kerala, which was built some 175 years back. The synagogue was recently restored to its original glory thanks to the hard work and effort of the Kerala State Archaeology Department with financial support from Kerala Tourism. It is a protected monument under the state department of archaeology.The exhibit in the newly-restored Chennamangalam Synagogue in Kerala was opened on Friday, February 24th, 2006 by Dr Shalva Weil, Jay Waronker, and Marian Scheuer Sofaer.This synagogue was recently restored to its original shape. The Chennamangalam synagogue is a protected monument under the state department of archaeology.The synagogue at Chennamangalam reflects traditional Kerala architecture and has made use of western construction technology as well.....more |
| The Dutch Cemetery |
| Dutch Cemetery is loacted at Fort Kochi, Ernakulam(Kochi) district, Kerala. It is the oldest European cemetery in India, was reopened recently after extensive renovation work. The 284-year-old cemetery is considered to be a valuable source of information of hundreds on Europeans, both the Dutch and the English, who died in India on while business for their colonial empires.The tomb stones here are the most authentic record of the hundreds of Europeans who left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires and changed the course of history of this land.The cemetery was locked, but fortunately the image I wanted to make was right in front of me, an easy shot through the bars of the entrance gate. The key symbol is the hand on the back of the tomb. It seems to beckon to us, as if, after all these years, it was waving us on to eternity.....more |
| Gundu Island |
| Gundu Island is the smallest of all the islands that constitute together the city of Kochi. The area of this island in the back waters of Kochi is only 5 acres and the land is mostly covered with coconut trees.With an area of under 5 acres, Gundu is easily the smallest island around Cochin. The only building in it is a coir factory run by a co-operative society.Since, the Gundu Island at Kochi has coconut trees all around it, there is a coir factory on the island.The factory produces ropes and carpets from handmade looms and is very beautiful. Most of these ropes and carpets are bought by the tourists who visit the small island.....more |
| Nedungad Island |
| Nedungad is a small island located in Ernakulam district of Kerala state, in southern India......more |
| Vallarpadam Island |
| Vallarpadam is one of the islands that make up the city of Kochi, Kerala, India. It is situated in the Vembanad lake and has a population of over 10,000. An international container transshipment terminal is under construction here. Vallarpadam is connected by the Goshree bridges with the city of Ernakulam and Vypin island. 70% of the island consists of paddy fields; the economy principally consisting of fishing by traditional methods and cultivation of rice.....more |
| Vypin Island |
| Vypin, also spelled Vypeen is an island in Ernakulam district of Kerala. The island which is about 27 km long was formed in the year 1341 after a heavy flood. It is known to be the island having highest density of population in the world. It is connected to Kochi by a bridge from Kalamuku. There are regular boat services from Fort Kochi to Vypin Island.Vypeen is like a hand stretched out to the water. 27 km long and 2.5 km wide, with sea and backwater on either side, Vypeen is mostly densely populated but suffers from a shortage of fresh potable water during the dry season.Pallipuram Panchayat, in which Cherai is included, is at the northern end of Vypin Island.....more |
| Willingdon Island |
| Willingdon Island is the home of the modern port that serves Kochi in Kerala, India. It is a man-made island created from the materials dredged while deepening Kochi Port, it's in Ernakulam district of Kerala in south India. It's named after Lord Willingdon, the erstwhile governor of Madras who had a hand in the project. Robert Bristow, the chief protagonist and engineer for the project owned the first building on the island.A port hostel was built to accommodate passengers who wished to halt for a short while and it was named as the Malabar Hotel.....more |
| Veeranpuzha |
| Veeranpuzha is located in Cochin, Kerala, south India.It is the northern extension of Vembanad Lake. From Kochi Azhi to Munambam Azhi, the serene backwaters popularly known in this name Veeranpuzha. Veeranpuzha is the name of Vembanadu Lake at Vypeen Island. In early 80's there were regular ferry services from Munambam to Ernakulam. Though it stretches from Ernakulam to Munambam, Veeranpuzha's Nayarmbalam part is the most scintillating landscape. You can never forget the sight in your lifetime.Most of the people are fishermen and agrarians. The people are very co-operative and innocent. They are cultured and educated too. Local people can be very dependable in case of any emergency.Still now very few tourists visit Veeranpuzha. Most of them do not aware about it. Very recently some resorts are being made in the banks of it.....more |
| Kanjiramattom Mosque |
| The mosque is situated at Kanjiramattom, 30 km from Kochi district, kerala nad it is believed to have been built as a memorial to Sheikh Fariduddin.The Kanjiramattom mosque is the right example of antique beauty of mazhars and dargahs. It is believed that the great muslim saint Baver has prayed in this Mosque and attained eternal bliss. It is believed that the mosque was erected over the mortal remains of a Muslim saint, Sheikh Parid. Another great Muslimsaint, Baver is supposed to have prayed here and attained salvation.....more |
| Cochin Maritime Museum |
| Cochin Maritime Museum is located in Fort Kochi, Ernakulam district, Kerala.Maritime Museum, Kerala, located at INS Dronacharya in Kochi and focusing on the maritime heritage of the Indian Navy is one of the most popular museums of Kerala, the Maritime Museum features the history, evolution and landmarks of the Indian Navy. The museum, with different sections, exhibits various items illustrating the glorious maritime heritage of India. Many of these items date back to the Indus Valley Civilization. It also gives the visitors a clear cut idea about the different processes involved in shipbuilding. Apart from this, the museum highlights aspects related to the Indo-Pak conflicts of 1965 and 1971, the Goa liberation and various military operations carried out by the Indian Navy. Once inside the Maritime Museum, you will find how the naval forces evolved with time, ancient trade links of Kerala with the Arabs during Indus Valley civilization.....more |
| Hill Palace Museum |
| Hill Palace Museum is located at Tripunithura, Trivendrum, kerala.The Hill Palace Museum is Kerala's first heritage museum. It was set up in the year 1865 and now is an important tourist attraction. The Hill Palace Museum of Kochi is situated on a hillock and is surrounded by 50 acres of manicured lawns with fountains and ponds. The whole complex consists of around 49 buildings that are built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala. This palace used to be the residence of the rulers of Kochi at one point of time the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and the erstwhile official residence of the Kochi Royal Family, was built in 1865. Hill Palace is situated at a distance of about 12kms from Kochi on Ernakulam- Chottanikkara route. It is a single storied building in the traditional Kerala style and is called "Ettukettu".....more |
| Indo-Portuguese Museum |
| Indo-Portuguese Museum is located at Fort kochi, Ernakulam district, Kerala. The museum provides facilities to understand the cultural heritages of India and Portugal. Dr Joseph Kureethra, the Bishop of Kochi made an untiring effort to establish this museum. The main objective is to preserve some of the invaluable items showing Portuguese influence, used in the Catholic churches in south India, It throws light on the strong Portuguese influence in both the art and the architecture of the region.The museum today is an important center to understand the Indo-Portuguese Christian Art heritage, which is still surviving. The Indo Portuguese Museum vouches for the supreme reign of the Portuguese in Kochi, as it is one of the very rare buildings that procures a domicile to many of the precious artworks and other relics belonging to the Indo-Portuguese era.....more |
| Muvattupuzha River |
| Muvattupuzha River is one of the important rivers in Ernakulam District of Kerala. Muvattupuzha is the river there cutting the city into three segments. This river is a union of three streams, Thodupuzha river, Kaliyar river and Kothamangalam river.These three small rivers conglomerate at Muvattupuzha to transform to the big Muvattupuzha river and there from flows smoothly to rest at the Vaikom backwaters embracing the various interior areas of Ernakulam and Kottayam districts. Since the merger of three rivers realizes at this place, this area was named Muvattupuzha, meaning the place where three rivers unite.Muvattupuzha is a municipality in Ernakulam district in the Indian state of Kerala.Muvattupuzha which means 'Moo', which stands for 'three', 'aaru' - river, and 'puzha', which also means a river.....more |
| Chottanikkara Temple |
| Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most celebrated Hindu shrines of Kerala and it is located in Chottanikkara town, 17kms away from Ernakulam. Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) alias Durga Bhagavathy - the mother Goddess, is the presiding deity of the temple. It is said that this deity was brought from Mookambika Temple in Kollur, Karnataka and therefore there is a presence of Mookambika (Saraswathy) Devi till 7am in the morning. The most interesting thing of this temple is that the image is not rooted or supported to the ground and is ascended on loose sand. Worshipping at Chottanikkara temple is supposed to rid devotees of wicked influences and spirits as well as psychological ailments. The structure of this temple was renovated by the Cochin government in the 19th century.....more |
| Mulamkuzhi Waterfall |
| Mulamkuzhi waterfall is a small village about 15 kilometers from Malayattur. The river Mulamkuzhi flows through the nearby mountain ranges and cascades into a huge waterfall with sweet, medicated water. The Venanbravady waterfall near Malayattur is also worth visiting.There is also a confluence of the rivers Periyar and Perumthode.....more |
| Malayatoor Church |
| Malayatoor Church which is 47km from Cochin. A very important and famous Christian pilgrimage of Kerala, the Malayatoor Church of Cochin attracts a large number of devotees from not just Kerala, but also all over India. It is believed that St. Thomas prayed at this church when he landed in Kerala. St. Thomas was the one who took initiative to begin a Christian community over here. He is supposed to have come here in 52 A.D. Situated near the church is a hill that is supposed to have his footprints on a rock. Read on further to know more about Malayatoor Church of Kochi.St. Thomas founded churches in different places in Kerala including Kollam, Kodungalloor, Nilakkal, Niranam, etc.....more |
| Gundu Island |
| Gundu Island is the smallest of all the islands that constitute together the city of Kochi. The area of this island in the back waters of Kochi is only 5 acres and the land is mostly covered with coconut trees.With an area of under 5 acres, Gundu is easily the smallest island around Cochin. The only building in it is a coir factory run by a co-operative society.Since, the Gundu Island at Kochi has coconut trees all around it, there is a coir factory on the island.The factory produces ropes and carpets from handmade looms and is very beautiful. Most of these ropes and carpets are bought by the tourists who visit the small island.....more |
| Ramanthuruth Island |
| Ramanthuruth is one of the islands that make up the city of Kochi, Kerala, India. The November 1967 amalgamation order of the Kerala Legislative Assembly declared Ramanthuruth Island as part of Kochi.....more |
| Venduruthy Island |
| Venduruthy is a small island in Kochi, India. It is now a part of the greater Willingdon Island. The isolated island is approachable only from the Ernakulam backwater channel. It boasted of two edifices-the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, it was built by the early Portuguese settlers in the 16th century.....more |