About Vagamon Kurisumala
Vagamon Kurisumala is a Christian pilgrimage site and Trappist monastery located in the Sahya Mountains of Vagamon, Kerala. Established in 1958 by Father Francis Acharya and Bede Griffiths, it features a hilltop church with a large concrete cross and 14 Stations of the Cross. The site serves as both a spiritual retreat and trekking destination, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats at approximately 1,100 meters altitude.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a serene pilgrimage experience combining spiritual reflection with nature trekking. The site features a hilltop church, a large concrete cross, and 14 Stations of the Cross marking the pilgrimage trail. Surrounded by lush tea plantations and greenery, visitors climb the moderate trail to reach the summit where they can pray, meditate, and enjoy panoramic mountain views. The ashram maintains a simple, contemplative atmosphere with monks living a traditional monastic lifestyle.
Key highlights
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Hilltop church with 7-meter concrete cross
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14 Stations of the Cross pilgrimage trail
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Trappist monastery established in 1958
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Panoramic views of Western Ghats from summit
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Integration of Christian monasticism with Indian traditions
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Moderate trekking trail through tea plantations
History of Vagamon Kurisumala
Kurisumala Ashram was established on March 21, 1958, by Belgian Cistercian monk Father Francis Acharya (John Mahieu) and English Benedictine monk Bede Griffiths. The ashram represents an important experiment in integrating Christian monastic spirituality with Indian cultural and religious traditions.
Culture & Context
The site holds significance as a unique Christian monastery that blends Western Trappist monastic practices with Indian spiritual traditions. It serves as an important pilgrimage center for Christians in Kerala, particularly during Holy Week and Good Friday when thousands trek up carrying wooden crosses.
Route
| By air |
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