Thekkan Kurissumala — Attraction in Kerala

Kurishumala in Vellarada is a popular Christian pilgrimage site located in the southern part of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Like other "Kurishumala" sites in Kerala, which translates to "Mountain of the Cross," this site holds deep spiritual significance for the Christian community, especially Catholics. Pilgrims come here to express their devotion, pray, and engage in religious rituals, particularly during the Lenten season and Good Friday.

Kurishumala Vellarada is known for its steep and challenging ascent, symbolizing the spiritual journey and suffering of Jesus Christ as he carried the cross to Calvary. Devotees often climb the hill barefoot as a form of penance and to reflect on the passion of Christ. Along the way, they stop at the 14 Stations of the Cross, where prayers are offered, and reflections on the events leading to Christ's crucifixion are made. Each station is marked by a small shrine or image that commemorates moments of Jesus' journey to the cross.

At the summit of Kurishumala, there is a large cross, which serves as the focal point for pilgrims. Many devotees spend time in prayer and reflection upon reaching the top, feeling a deep sense of spiritual fulfillment after completing the strenuous climb. The hilltop also provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, adding a serene and peaceful atmosphere to the pilgrimage experience.

During the Holy Week, particularly on Good Friday, thousands of devotees gather at Kurishumala Vellarada for the Way of the Cross, a procession that reenacts the last hours of Jesus Christ. The...

Today we visited the pilgrimage centre. Everything seems to be fine except the parking of vehicle. We reached there around 1 noon and it was heavy raining there. Vehicles were less in number and there were lots of open spaces for car parking and we used one of those. We found the washroom inside the paid parking area only. Since it was heavy raining we drove inside the paid park area only for using the toilets for the family members. Seems to be the token issuer, a guy with plaster on his hand, seems to be broken hand came to us and provided the token for parking. We kindly told that we went inside the parking slot only to use the washroom since it was heavy raining and not going to park the vehicle here. But his behaviour was very rude and unprofessional, he needed the parking fee of 50 rupees for parking the vehicle for 5 minutes. We told him that due to raining only, we came here with the car but he was still very rude and needed his 50 rupees for 5 minutes. At last we gave the monkey . Obviously it is looting, please the concerned authorities make proper action against...

This place is located approximately 42-43 kms from Trivandrum city. Reach here through Kattakada and via SH 59. Vehicles can be parked at the base (nearly 200-250 meters after passing the arch). The ascend is pretty steep in which you will be climbing up from around 400-500 feet to nearly 2300 feet from MSL. This trek can be categorised to be a medium one. It will take around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top. Reaching at the top you will see a Holy Cross. In between you will pass some steep climbs. From this peak you can also reach nearby Kalimala hill through a ridge connecting both the peaks. Overall this will be a great experience to test your fitness and enjoy the nature. Please carry atleast 2 litres of water with you to drink and some snacks also to eat after...