Thumpachi Calveri Mount or Samuchayam or most widely known as Malayattoor Kurisumala is a famous Christian pilgrim centre in the Idukki district. Kurisumala gets its name from two Malayalam words “Kurisu ” means “holy cross” and “mala” means “mount”. This Calveri Mount is located in Arakkulam on Moolamattom- Kulamavu highway in the Idukki district. Visitors usually trek this mount for two reasons, one for religious prayers and the other is for the trekking experience and the inglorious hilltop view it offers.
The climbers have to trek their way through the dense forests with abundant wildlife, especially Asian elephants. There are 14 crosses placed at regular intervals for the Malakettam pilgrims who flood to the mount on Good Friday and Saturday. There is a church on top of this mountain for prayers and worship, a footprint of St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ, upon rock within a glass chamber and another old church with its walls destroyed by an elephant in the dense woods.
On top of the mount, visitors and pilgrims can have the most beautiful view of the valleys, hills, Idukki reservoir, whole Moolamattom, different plantations of tea, cardamom, spices, coffee and rubber estates. It is a perfect spot for meditation, relaxation and bringing back the spirit of your life somewhere lost in a busy life schedule. The Forest Department of Kerala is in charge of organising trekking trail tours for adventurous tourists and preserving the flora and fauna found rich in this area.
