Malayatoor

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.