Mount Kottathalachi is a beautiful tourist spot and Christian pilgrim centre in the Kannur district, North Kerala. People fondly call Kottathalachi the “Malayattoor of Malabar,” for thousands of pilgrims tread this mountain path, seeking the blessings of St. Thomas, the apostle. Besides devotees, domestic and international tourists often climb this mountain to enjoy its delightful climate and scenery.
You can get a bird’s-eye-view of almost all towns in the Kannur and Kasaragod districts from the top of Mount Kottathalachi. Sunrise and sunset are the most mind-blowing things to watch here. The rocks on this mountain hold salt remnants as the breeze from the Arabian sea (Choottad Beach) kisses Kottathalachi incessantly.
Mount Kottathalachi, one of the most notable peaks in Western Ghatts, is famous for its biodiversity of plants, animals, and birds. Therefore, researchers and students frequent this area for educational purposes and exploration.
Kurishumala Muthappan (St. Thomas)
The holy cross was installed at Kottathalachi on the Good Friday of 1958 by Fr. Mathew Mannuramparambil, the then vicar of Pulingome Parish. Initially, the pilgrimage was on every Low Sunday (the first Sunday after Easter). However, now, people, including believers and tourists, visit this place throughout the year. The small chapel on the top of this mountain is in the name of St. Thomas, lovingly called ‘Kurisumala Muthappan.’ Hundreds of people claim to have experienced miracles after offering prayers here.
Sri. Karinchamundi Devasthanam
This is another place of worship and travelers’ destination in this region. The alluring serenity of this simple shrine would evoke one’s spiritual sentiments. There is pooja every Friday morning when the Deity is kept visible to devotees. Besides, there are special rituals on the 14th evening of every month. It is customary for people who come to the mountain to visit both Sri. Karinchamundi Devasthanam and Kurisumala.
How to reach Kottathalachi
Kottathalachi is located at around 2,700 feet above sea level. There is currently a jeep road till “Anakuzhi,” halfway up the hill. Although there are several routes to Mount Kottathalachi, reaching its top requires effort. The easiest and most traveled route to Mount Kottathalachi is “Vazhakundam – Choorappadavu Road.” Vazhakundam is a small town adjoining ‘Pulingome‘ town in ‘Cherupuzha Panchayat’. The distance between Cherupuzha and Pulingome is 7 km.
Once you reach Pulingome (Vazhakundam), you can call a taxi to Kotathtlachi. If you have your vehicle, drive 3.5 kilometers along Vazhakundam – Choorappadavu road, and once you reach the Choorappadavu-kottathalachi junction, take the left road, which leads to Kottathalachi. Of course, you will have to walk some distance from Anakuzhi, where the jeep road ends.
You can get travel assistance from the Kottathalachi Development Society if you ring or WhatsApp their helpline number 8848953001