Malayattoor Tour Packages
Malayattoor is a hill shrine of St Thomas the Apostle above the Periyar river, one of the most important Christian pilgrimages in India.
Malayattoor at a glance
- LocationKerala, India
- Time zoneIndian Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
- Driving sideLeft
- Calling code+91
- CurrencyIndian rupee (INR)
- LanguagesMalayalam
- Ideal stay1 day
- Getting thereCochin International Airport (COK), about 15…
Best time to visit: October to April; Lent and Easter for the feast



Essential tips for travelling to Malayattoor

UPI and cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels; keep some cash for small shops, rural areas, hill towns and tips.

Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.

Drink bottled or filtered water; it is cheap and easy to find.

112 (all emergencies)

Languages spoken: Malayalam.

Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have the main airports; Kozhikode serves the north and Wayanad. Distances are short but hill roads are slow, so allow 3–4 hours for most transfers.
Houseboat cruises usually start around noon and end the next morning; overnight stays have the boat moored at night by regulation.
Carry light rain gear in any season; afternoon showers are common in the hills.
Start the climb early in the morning; it is about 2 km of steep steps and rock.
General guidance. Local rules and services change; we confirm details for your dates.
Where is Malayattoor?
Who should visit Malayattoor?





Plan your Malayattoor trip
Everything you need to know about Malayattoor
Malayattoor is a hill shrine of St Thomas the Apostle above the Periyar river, one of the most important Christian pilgrimages in India. Tradition holds that St Thomas prayed on the hilltop, and during Lent and the Puthunjayar feast after Easter, pilgrims climb the steep forest path barefoot, many carrying wooden crosses. Kalady, birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, is just across the river.
Highlights include Malayattoor Kurisumudi, St Thomas Church, Malayattoor, Way of the Cross path and Kalady. Local food worth trying: Kerala sadya, Appam with stew and Kappa and fish curry. Plan 1 day here; it suits christian pilgrims and families. Our Malayattoor itineraries run from 5 to 5 days and every one can be changed to suit you.

When to go
October to April; Lent and Easter for the feast. Lent brings the largest pilgrimages; the monsoon makes the path slippery.

How to reach Malayattoor
- By air: Cochin International Airport (COK), about 15 km
- By rail: Angamaly railway station, about 12 km
- By road: About 1 hour 15 minutes by road from Kochi
View all Malayattoor packages
Private, customisable itineraries with prices quoted for your dates, hotel category and group size.
1 itinerary
More places in Kerala
Top things to see in Malayattoor


MalayattoorSteep pilgrim path with the stations of the cross
MalayattoorBirthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, across the river
KeralaQuiet banks below the hill
Nature and landscapes of Malayattoor
MalayattoorBirthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, across the river
MalayattoorQuiet banks below the hill
Cultural experiences in Malayattoor
Heritage and landmarks
MalayattoorHilltop shrine of St Thomas
MalayattoorChurch at the foot of the hill
On the menuFood to try
- Kerala sadya
- Appam with stew
- Kappa and fish curry
Outdoor activities in Malayattoor

Many activities are seasonal. Best time for Malayattoor: October to April; Lent and Easter for the feast. We check operating seasons for your dates.
Malayattoor travel tips
Visa and entry
Indian citizens do not need a visa; carry a government photo ID such as Aadhaar or a passport for hotels and flights.
Health and safety
Travel insurance is a good idea, especially for adventure activities. Carry prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Some places here are at high altitude: rest on arrival, drink plenty of water and ascend gradually.
Currency and tipping
The currency is the Indian rupee (INR). Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.
Best time to visit
October to April; Lent and Easter for the feast. Lent brings the largest pilgrimages; the monsoon makes the path slippery.
Getting around
Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have the main airports; Kozhikode serves the north and Wayanad. Distances are short but hill roads are slow, so allow 3–4 hours for most transfers.
Local etiquette
- Dress modestly at temples, churches and mosques, and remove footwear where asked.
- Ask before photographing people, and follow photography rules at religious sites and museums.
What to pack
Pack warm layers, a down jacket and gloves, a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and swimwear, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for religious sites, a compact umbrella or rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
Phone and internet
Mobile data is good in towns and cities. Coverage can be patchy in remote, hill and forest areas, so download offline maps before you set off.
Budget
We don't publish fixed prices because the season, hotel category, flights and group size change the cost. Your written quote lists exactly what is included, so you can compare like for like.
Malayattoor FAQs
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Malayattoor guides and articles
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When to visit Kerala for hills, backwaters, beaches and Ayurveda, with what each season is really like and how to plan around the monsoon.
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Everything to know before booking a Kerala houseboat: categories, air-conditioning, timings, food on board, private versus shared boats and where to cruise.
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Travel guideTravelling with infants and toddlers: a practical guide
How to plan holidays with babies and toddlers, from passports and flights to choosing destinations, hotels, food and daily pacing.
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Travel guideTravelling with elderly parents: planning a comfortable trip
How to plan a holiday or pilgrimage with elderly parents: choosing destinations, pacing, hotel rooms, medical preparation and airport assistance.
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Travel guideTravelling in India during the monsoon: where it works and where to avoid
Which Indian destinations are beautiful in the monsoon, which are best avoided, and how to plan safely around rain, landslides and closures.
Read →Plan your Malayattoor holiday
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