Kurisumala

Pilgrimage | Adventure / Trekking

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Vagamon Bus Stand): 6 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1-2 Hours

Transportation Options: + Walk/Trek

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 6 km from Vagamon Bus Stop, Kurisumala is a sacred mountain situated in Vagamon, Kerala. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Kerala, and among the top Vagamon places to visit.

Kurisumala is one of the most prominent pilgrim centers for Christians in South India. The church comes under the Diocese of Neyyattinkara. The name 'Kurisumala' comes from two Malayalam words, 'Kurishu' meaning cross and 'mala' meaning mountain/hill. Earlier known as 'Kondaketty Mala', the history of Kurisumala can be traced back to the 1940s. On 27th March 1957, Fr. John Baptist OCD, a Belgium missionary climbed the summit with a small group of parishioners and established a wooden Cross. The humble farmers, George and Esthron resided in a cave on the summit and experienced the wonders and healing power of the Cross. That marked the beginning of the pilgrimage. Due to bad weather, the wooden Cross was partially damaged, and a 24 feet (7m) high concrete Cross was established in its place.

The renowned Christian pilgrim center of Kurisumala attracts hundreds of devotees from far and near during the Good Friday week. The devotees climb up the hill in faith carrying the wooden crosses. The peaceful Monastery at the top of the hill, the silence of the hills, the cool mountain air, and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul. Kurisumala Ashram is situated at the foothill of the mountain.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Entry: Free