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Kerala

Marayoor

Tea plants view from marayoor-kanthalloor route
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Tea plants view from marayoor-kanthalloor route
map

Weather details not available

Major Airports :

Cochin International Airport (COK), Cochin

Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), Coimbatore

Madurai Airport (CIB), Madurai

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest Railway Station :

Aluva Railway Station (AWY)

Major Airports :

Cochin International Airport (COK), Cochin

Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), Coimbatore

Madurai Airport (CIB), Madurai

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), Thiruvananthapuram

Remnants of the Megalithic age

About 40 kilometres away from Munnar, in the Idukki district, lies a quaint place famous for its Sandalwood forests and prehistoric rock paintings. It is the only place in Kerala where Sandalwood trees grow naturally.

This scenic locale, known as Marayoor, looks more like something out of a fairy tale, with majestic mountains, dense rainforests, deciduous woodlands, and meandering brooks. Charming hamlets, sugarcane fields, waterfalls, and bamboo forests add to this magical setting, amidst a beautiful blanket of clouds.

Marayoor is an enchanting place steeped in ancient history. The locale’s major attraction is its caves, filled with murals and relics dating back to the Stone Age civilization as old as 10,000 B.C. In the forests and hillsides, you will find the remnants of tombs called Dolmenoid cists, also known as muniyaras (burial chambers). These ancient burial chambers were made out of stone and have stood the test of time for over 12,000 years.

Another beautiful sight in Marayoor is the scenic Pambar River, which originates in the Anamudi hills and flows between the villages of Marayoor and Kanthalloor.

Of bountiful fields and forests

Among the myriad charms of Marayoor lie its verdant sugarcane plantations and expansive sandalwood forests.

Taking a leisurely stroll amidst the vast acres of sugarcane fields is a delightful experience, heightened by the first-hand opportunity to witness the age-old tradition of jaggery-making.

While the sugarcane fields stretch as far as the eye can see, they pale compared to the vast expanse of the Marayoor sandalwood reserve, spanning a remarkable 1,460.77 hectares. Although this precious forest is privately protected, visitors can still marvel at its splendour from a roadside viewpoint. It's worth noting that Marayoor's sandalwood trees stand proudly alongside those in other regions renowned for larger pockets of sandalwood forests, particularly in Southern India.

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Timings

Opening time - 08:00 AM

Closing time - 05:00 PM

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Adventure awaits

Venturing beyond the aromatic sandalwood forests of Marayoor, a treasure trove of ancient wonders awaits the intrepid explorer. At sites like Attala, Ezhuthu Guha, Kovilkadavu, and Manala, captivating rock paintings whisper tales of bygone eras, adding an irresistible allure to the region's mystical charm.

For those with a penchant for adventure, Marayoor offers many trekking routes, each promising breathtaking vistas of high-altitude montane landscapes, lush evergreen shola forests, and sprawling grasslands teeming with life. Here, amidst the verdant expanse, one may catch glimpses of the graceful Nilgiri Langurs and the majestic Giant Malabar Squirrels, adding an element of wonder to an already awe-inspiring journey.

Nearby places worth visiting

Beyond Marayoor, Munnar has a treasure trove of other fascinating attractions. Visit Kovilkadavu to explore the Iron Age Muniyaras, or head to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to see the prehistoric Ezhuthala Cave and indulge in ecotourism. For breathtaking natural beauty, hike to the Ellaipatti View Point. You can also trek to the Thoovanam Waterfalls or Meesapulimala View Point, the highest peak in the Idukki district.

Marayoor and its scenic surroundings offer you an incredible getaway. So come over to this quaint village for an experience like no other!

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Marayoor is from September to May .