What is "nilakkal"

Nilakkal also known as Chayal (a place sloping towards Pamba River) is a remote village located in the Goodrical forest range of Ranni Forest Division in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala State, India. The place belongs to the Angamoozhy ward of Seethathodu panchayath in Ranni taluk. Famous Hindu piligrim centre Sabarimala is located 23 kilometers North-East to Nilakkal and also it is a Sabarimala Idathavalam. In ancient times, there was a trade route passed through Nilakkal connecting Kerala and pandiya kingdom. St.Thomas ecumenical church here is believed to be the first ecumenical church in the world.Thus the christian community in Kerala consider Nilakkal as a holy place. History states that St.Thomas an apostle of Jesus visited the place and established a cross here back in A.D 54.However, still there are no evidences to prove that St.Thomas actually visited the place and installed the cross.