Trade between Kerala and Tamil Nadu once flourished through a route along the treacherous mountains in the region. The St.Thomas Ecumenical Church here is one among the Ezhara Palligal (seven and a half churches) believed to have been established in 54 AD by Saint Thomas who is considered to be one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. This is the first Ecumenical church in the world.
t is believed that he baptized 1100 people here. Even though there is no historical evidence of the missionary work carried out by the patron saint at Nilackal, it is assumed from the old metal plates and other historical writings found there that it was Saint Thomas who established the church here. Today, there exists a cross instituted by Saint Thomas and also the Nilackal St. Thomas Church, Ecumenical Centre Trust. When the old church became dilapidated, a new one was constructed at Angamoozhy, which is three kilometres from Nilackal.
