The site is designated as an international shrine by the Holy See.
Tradition claims St. Thomas the Apostle meditated on the hill while traveling through Kerala.
A stone cross on the hill is said to have appeared miraculously when St. Thomas knelt to pray.
The shrine holds a relic of St. Thomas, brought from Ortona, Italy, in the early 21st century.
The hilltop location requires a physical trek of approximately two kilometers to reach the main church.
UNESCO has recognized the shrine as a site of historical and cultural significance within the network of St. Thomas pilgrimage centers.
Malayattoor Kurishumudy is a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site situated atop Kurishumudy hill, 1,269 feet above sea level in the Western Ghats. It is dedicated to St. Thomas the Apostle, who is traditionally believed to have prayed here during his mission in India. The shrine features a miraculous imprint of his foot and the sign of the cross on a rock, which are encased in gold. It is recognized as an international pilgrimage site by the Vatican. The church serves as a major center for the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. Pilgrims typically ascend the hill via a steep, winding path through dense forest. It is a significant destination for the annual Malayattoor Perunnal festival. The site overlooks the Periyar River and the surrounding jungle landscape.
The viewpoint near the upper shrine providing a panoramic vista of the Periyar River and surrounding Western Ghats.
Bring adequate water and wear sturdy hiking footwear, as the climb is steep and unpaved in sections.
Start your ascent early in the morning to avoid the heat and the peak congestion of mid-day visitors.
Carry a light rain jacket if visiting during the monsoon season, as the hill receives heavy rainfall.
Avoid visiting during the peak heat of the afternoon; do not attempt the climb during heavy rain as paths become slippery.
Extremely crowded during the period surrounding Easter; visitors may experience significant delays during the annual festival season.
Maintain a modest dress code covering shoulders and knees; maintain silence within the shrine area.
