Malayattoor Perunnal

About Malayattoor Perunnal

St. Thomas church is located at Malayattoor, Ernakulam District, Kerala.This famous Catholic church dedicated to St. Thomas is located a top the 2000 feet high Malayattoor hill. It is believed that the Apostle, who came to India in the first century A.D, visited Malayattoor twice. The Perunnal or the Feast at the Church is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. Pilgrims of all faiths from far and near proceed uphill, chanting the name of the Apostle.Malayattoor Perunnal in Kerala is a festival of different stature and enormousappeal in God’s own country. This is a well recognized form of local festivals which is held around the time of the summer season. St.Thomas is believed to have landed here at the Muziris (now known as Kodungalloor) port in 52 AD. Lakhs of devotees carrying the wooden crosses are arriving at Kurisumudy to participate in the most sought after festival in this part of the world.But some believe that the Malayattoor Church is one of the major churches built by St. Thomas and they argue that the churches at Kokomanagalam and Paravur must be regarded as one.The ’ Perunnal’ or Feast at the Church is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter

Every year the entire village of Malayattoor gets decked up to receive hoards of devotees who throng the place to climb up the hilly tract to reach the shrine. During the pilgrimage season people from a cross section of the society and also belonging to all age groups turn up at Malayattoor to attend the festival. The Malayattoor Perunnal festival which showcases most of the major local rituals is a fascinating event

Interesting things to Visit

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.

Malayatoor Church:

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.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Kalady Police Station
Kalady Malayattoor Road
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Kuruppampady Police station
Kuruppampady Ernakulam
Kerala.

ET North Police Station
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Police Station Edappally
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Bethsada Mental Hospital
7/503, VengolaErnakulam
Kerala 680547
Tel:0484 2529851.

Samaritan Hospital
Pazhanganad
Kizhakkambalam, Ernakulam
Kerala 680562
Tel: 0484 2680511.

Gyno Speciality Hospital
Internatioal Airport Junction, Athani
Ernakulam, Kerala 680585
Tel: 0484 2475031.

Nairs Hospital
Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass
Ernakulam, Kerala 682304
Tel: 0484 2302666.

Chaithanya Eye Hospital
Near Sree Krishna Temple, Ravipuram Road
Ernakulam, Kerala 680016
Tel: 0484 2357135.

Useful Links

http://keralam-festivals.blogspot.com/2009/07/malayattoor-perunnal.html
http://bhoothathankettu.blogspot.com/2009/03/malayattoor.html

Location info

• Address: Malayattoor, Near Kurisumudi, Kochi, Kerala, India

• District: kochi District.

• Nearest City: Kochi ,Thrissur , Aluva and Chalakkudy.

• Best time to visit: March and April.

Things to do at Malayattoor Perunnal

You can see the St. Thomas church and and also see Saint thomas footprints in the hil.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Malayattoor Perunnal

Malayattoor Perunnal takes place according to the Malayalam calendar. The best time to witness this festival is during its scheduled dates, which vary annually. Most Kerala festivals occur between November and May (the dry season). Check the official dates from Kerala Tourism before planning your visit.

How to reach Malayattoor Perunnal

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Most temple festivals start in the morning with flag-hoisting ceremonies and continue through the evening with processions, cultural programs, and fireworks. Night processions typically start around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and continue past midnight.

Entry fee & tickets

Most festival events are free to attend and watch. Processions and temple grounds can be accessed without charge. Special seating for fireworks viewing may cost INR 100–500. Some cultural performances during festivals may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

Major festivals last 8–10 days. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours per day watching key events. The main procession day requires 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Very large crowds gather at Malayattoor Perunnal — keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets. Arrive early for a good viewing position of processions. Follow the instructions of festival volunteers and police. Keep children close and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Carry water and stay hydrated. Avoid bringing large bags or valuables to crowded festival grounds.

Things to carry

Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (crowds can be very large, seating may not be available), drinking water in a reusable bottle, a hat or cap, sunscreen and umbrella for day events, a light snack, earplugs (processions can be very loud with drums and fireworks), a camera (zoom lens recommended for procession shots), a power bank, and a small bag that can be secured against pickpockets.

Nearby visiting places

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Kathakali Centre, St. Francis Church

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Malayattoor Perunnal

Malayattoor Perunnal is one of Kerala’s vibrant festivals that showcase the state’s rich cultural and religious diversity. Kerala’s festivals are renowned for their spectacular processions featuring caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam), colourful umbrellas, and fireworks. Many festivals are temple-related and follow the Malayalam calendar, creating a year-round cycle of celebrations that are an integral part of Kerala’s cultural identity. The festival reflects the unique syncretic traditions of Kerala where communities of all faiths participate in each other’s celebrations.

Frequently asked questions

When does this festival take place? — Most Kerala festivals follow the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Dates vary annually — check the Kerala Tourism website or local sources for exact dates for your travel period. Is the festival free to attend? — Yes, all processions and public events are free. Special seating areas for fireworks or cultural programmes may have ticketed entry. How crowded is it? — Very crowded during major festivals. Large events like Thrissur Pooram attract hundreds of thousands of people. Arrive early, keep belongings secure, and establish meeting points. What should I wear? — Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds. Modest dress is appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Kerala
• Category: Fairs And Festivals