St. Thomas Grotto - Shrine in Malayattoor - Ernakulam, India

This is the sacred shrine of St. Thomas the apostle . Everyone can visit this place. The pilgrimage site is situated on the top of the hill. In order to reach the top of the hill it's somewhat difficult. Many people cannot make it because the way is filled with rocks. But it's part of sacrifice and prayers. There are many facilities like food, water, toilets, medicine and ambulance service if needed. There are huge parking areas.

St. Thomas Grotto. People who are ascending the hill start their pilgrimage from here. Well maintained premises with adequate parking space. This place is usually crowded during the lent season. Restaurants and small shops are situated nearby. Toilet facilities also are available but not that clean.

holy place, Malayattoor Church is a famous Christian pilgrim centre located 47 km from Kochi in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. Situated on top of the Malayattoor Hill, at a height of 609 m, pilgrims flock here in large numbers to seek blessings of apostle St Thomas who formed the bedrock of the Church in the sub-continent.

Grotto dedicated to St Thomas...very peaceful naturally beautiful and serenic view...lot of parking place.... starting point of climbing the Malayatoor hill...blessed ambience...

The grotto and its surroundings is the base to the climb up to the Hilltop of St Thomas. It is packed with hordes of pilgrims during the festive season, but totally abandoned at other times.

St. Thomas grotto based on St. Thomas apostle, a highly devotional place, beautiful and plastic free zone.. Must visit and highly recommended.. pray your heart out.. unfulfilled wishes get fulfilled.. place to strengthen the faith in Christianity and to learn the sufferings of St. Thomas

Good view to early morning

A calm and peaceful place set on a hill-top. The climb, on feet, is refreshing, especially early in the morning when the crowd is on the lower side. People are recommended to bring in their hiking boots as the route is all rocky and paths are pretty hard to find. Walking wearing slippers etc. is not recommended. Pilgrims at times attempt the walk barefoot especially as this is considered a Holy Land. The area was formerly a forest ages ago and the trees are home to quite a number of monkeys. The monkeys are quite well behaved, especially compared to few pilgrims who find it hard to comprehend things like "Holy", "Silence" and "Manners". The view from top is beautiful, though photography is not recommended as it disrupts the decorum.