Situated about 47 km from Kochi, Malayattoor is known
for the Catholic Church. Dedicated to St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus
Christ, thousands of pilgrims gather here for the annual festival of
'Malayatoor Perunnal', during the months of March /April. Rich in
natural beauty, Malayattoor offers ideal environs for those looking for
spiritual happiness. Nowadays, the hill shrine at Malayattoor has
emerged as the largest pilgrim center. The biggest and most auspicious
occasion here is the feast of St. Thomas, which is observed on the first
Sunday after Easter, when thousands throng the shrine for his blessings.
The church has a combination of Greco-Roman architecture with the altar
designed in traditional Greek style, and the front portion of the church
following the traditional Roman Catholic Church architecture. Behind the
central altar, one can see the carvings, designs and paintings, which
include the five joyful mysteries of Jesus Christ. The church also has
separate facilities for confession and adoration. Devotees who arrive at
the shrine make several types of offerings. Some of them climb the hill
carrying cross in their shoulders; women folk would carry long brooms
with them with prayers for prosperity. Some pilgrims carry stones on
their heads, a gesture meant to remove burdens from their lives.



