Kurisumala Ashram
A Spiritual Retreat: Kurisumala Ashram is a unique Christian monastery situated on the serene hills of Vagamon. Founded in 1958 by Father Francis Acharya and Father Bede Griffiths, the ashram is a place where Indian spirituality meets Christian monasticism. The monks here lead a life of extreme simp licity, silence, and prayer, following the Cistercian tradition while adopting many Indian customs. The ashram is surrounded by lush green hills, dairy farms, and tea gardens, creating an environment that is perfect for contemplation and inner peace. Visitors are often struck by the profound silence that pervades the area, broken only by the sound of wind and the distant lowing of cattle. The ashram also manages a dairy farm that is famous throughout Kerala for its high-quality milk and sustainable practices. The path leading to the ashram is lined with the 'Stations of the Cross,' which pilgrims climb, especially during the Lenten season. The integration of local culture is evident in everything from the prayer hall design to the food served. It is not just a religious site but a center for interfaith dialogue and a testament to the harmonious blending of different traditions. For those looking to escape the noise of the world, a visit here offers a rare opportunity to look inward and find solace in the lap of nature.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
3 to 4 HoursPlace Type:
Pilgrimage / SpiritualEntry Fees:
No Entry Fee: Entrance to the ashram and its grounds is free for all visitors regardless of faith.
Donations: Visitors are encouraged to make small voluntary donations for the maintenance of the farm. ...No Entry Fee: Entrance to the ashram and its grounds is free for all visitors regardless of faith.
Donations: Visitors are encouraged to make small voluntary donations for the maintenance of the farm.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open for visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM with specific prayer timings.
Ideal Visit: Early morning at 7:00 AM is best to witness the mist clearing over the dairy farm. ...Regular Timings: Open for visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM with specific prayer timings.
Ideal Visit: Early morning at 7:00 AM is best to witness the mist clearing over the dairy farm.Special Events:
Good Friday: Thousands of pilgrims climb the hill carrying wooden crosses in a massive religious procession.
Founder's Day: Celebrated in January, honoring the legacy of the monks who established the ashram. ...Good Friday: Thousands of pilgrims climb the hill carrying wooden crosses in a massive religious procession.
Founder's Day: Celebrated in January, honoring the legacy of the monks who established the ashram.Best Photo Spots:
The Hill Cross: A massive cross at the peak of the hill provides a powerful and iconic photo subject.
The Monastery Gates: The simple, stone-arched entrance is a favorite for visitors looking for aesthetic shots. ...The Hill Cross: A massive cross at the peak of the hill provides a powerful and iconic photo subject.
The Monastery Gates: The simple, stone-arched entrance is a favorite for visitors looking for aesthetic shots.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Morning Prayers: Attend the early morning chanting sessions which are deeply melodic and meditative.
Farm Walk: Visit the dairy farm to see the cattle and learn about the ashram's self-sustaining lifestyle.
Hill Trekking: Climb the Kurisumala Hill for a bird's eye view of the monastery and the valley.
Silence Practice: Spend an hour in complete silence near the prayer hall to experience the ashram's core.
Photography: Capture the simple beauty of the stone architecture and the misty hills surrounding the site.
Interacting with Monks: Engage in a brief, respectful conversation with the monks during their free hours.
Meditation: Use the dedicated meditation cells f...
Information
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Why Famous:
Monastic Life: It is famous for its Cistercian monks who live a life of silence and agricultural labor.
Dairy Farm: The ashram's farm is a model for high-altitude dairy farming and sustainable agriculture.
Peace...Monastic Life: It is famous for its Cistercian monks who live a life of silence and agricultural labor.
Dairy Farm: The ashram's farm is a model for high-altitude dairy farming and sustainable agriculture.
Peaceful Ambiance: Recognized as one of the quietest and most meditative spots in the entire Western Ghats. -
Architecture:
Ecclesiastical Fusion: The architecture features a blend of traditional Kerala "Nalukettu" styles and Syrian Christian motifs.
Prayer Hall: A large, open-sided hall with a thatched-style roof designed to facilitate natural cooling and ventil...Ecclesiastical Fusion: The architecture features a blend of traditional Kerala "Nalukettu" styles and Syrian Christian motifs.
Prayer Hall: A large, open-sided hall with a thatched-style roof designed to facilitate natural cooling and ventilation.
Dimensions: The ashram spans over 40 acres of land, including hills, a dairy farm, and residential quarters.
Minimalist Design: Buildings are made of local stone and wood, emphasizing the monk's vow of poverty and simplicity. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest, located roughly 100 KM from the ashram.
By Train: Kottayam Railway Station is the most convenient rail link, about 64 KM away.
By Road: Easily accessible ... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Murugan Mala (1 KM), 2. Thangalpara (4 KM), 3. Vagamon Pine Forest (6 KM), 4. Vagamon Meadows (5 KM), 5. Vagamon Lake (5 KM), 6. Karikadu View Point (7 KM), 7. Suicide Point (8 KM), 8. Palozhukum Para (10 KM), 9. Barren Hills (6 KM), 10. Vagamon Falls (8 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health: The climb can be steep; people with breathing issues should take frequent breaks during the trek.
Packing: Dress modestly as it is a place of worship; wear comfortable walking shoes for the hill climb.
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