Kurisumala, which literally translates to 'Mountain of the Holy Cross', is an esteemed Christian Pilgrimage Centre located about 3 kilometres from Vazhikkadavu. During the Easter week, hundreds of devotees gather here to climb the narrow, dusty path up the hill carrying wooden crosses, to commemorate Christ's journey to Golgotha.
Fr John Baptist, a missionary from The Belgium Carmelite Order, established a wooden cross on top of the Kondaketty Mala in 1957. Thus, the hill was rechristened as 'Kurisumala' marking the start of the pilgrimage to the summit. Later a 7-metre-tall concrete cross was set up in its place as the original one got damaged due to exposure to the weather. Though the Way of the Cross is steep and rocky, the surrounding greenery acts as a balm to soothe the soul. A small chapel awaits at the summit to welcome the weary.
Murugan Mala, situated on another hill on the Eastern side of Kurisumala, houses a temple cut out of rocks, dedicated to Lord Murugan. Kurishumala Ashram, a Trappist Monastery, located in Vazhikkadavu offers a peaceful environment perfect for reflection and meditation. You can trek to the peak of Kurisumala once the pilgrimage season is over and enjoy the reverberating silence and the unrivalled panoramic views.
