Marayoor is a small town near Munnar along with State Highway number 17. Munnar to Marayoor distance 42 kilometres and it is on the way to Udumalpet, in the state of Tamil Nadu. Marayur is one of the few places in the state of Kerala that has large natural sandalwood forests. Marayoor Tourism is also well known for rock paintings and Ancient dolmens that actually date back to the period of the Stone Age.
Marayoor is regarded as a rain shadow village perfectly lying in the Western Ghat’s eastern side. It is a border village between the state of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Domestic and foreign tourists visit Marayoor to witness the natural growth of sandalwood trees. The forest department is taking necessary steps to protect and safeguard the sandalwood trees with a lot of perfection.
Best Tourist Places in Marayoor for sightseeing
Marayoor is an all-season destination and summer is the best time to visit Marayoor. Temperatures in winter can go down to 8 Degree Celsius and summer can go up to 30 Degree Celsius.
Marayoor is a great place to visit on any of the Munnar Tours for tourists and trekkers to enjoy Marayoor Tourism. The historical dolmens or muniyaras, stone edicts, artwork and relics from the New stone age community and unique climbing activities make Marayoor a much-recommended place for tourists who wants to enjoy Munnar Tourism. There are other exciting places of tourist significance near and around the area.
Marayoor Dolmens
The dolmens in Marayoor are regarded to be memorial relics from the stone age. Marayoor is among the few places in India where you can find dolmens. Dolmens in Marayoor are usually organized in two or more dolmens with a height of around 1 meter and this might be an indication that they were used as graveyards. The legendary wanderings of ‘Rama and Sita’ and the ‘Pandavas‘ are clearly depicted here. Caves, paintings and underground tunnels are also found here. The dolmens usually include 4 stones on sides and a capstone on top of them. All dolmens are from granite. Trekking to the Dolmens is a popular tourist activity and sighting of crocodiles and boars is possible while hiking along the riverside.
Natural Sandalwood Forests
Marayoor is the only place in Kerala with natural Sandalwood forests. About 60 million choice sandalwood vegetation develop over 93 rectangular shape kilometres of low rainfall fall system of Marayoor. The shoes oil elimination unit of Kerala Jungles Growth Company (KFDC) at Marayoor, with state-of-the-art managing features, generates 1000 kgs of oil annually. This fresh oil is an expensive product marketed at a few particular sites all over the condition.
Thoovanam Waterfalls
Thoovanam waterfalls is another major tourist attraction near Marayoor that provides a sooting experience. The river Pamba flows inside the Chinnar sanctuary and plummets down from a great height on the river Chinnar providing the scenic Thoovanam Waterfalls. You can bathe in these waterfalls that are believed to have the benefits of natural herbs on the banks of river Pamba. It is one of the three rivers in Kerala that flows in the reverse direction. If you plan to go trekking in this area it is advisable to take any of the local tour guides.
Kanthalloor village
Kanthalloor village is near Marayoor and is really scenic and unpolluted. The village has apple trees, strawberry gardens, carrot, beans plantations that were so wonderful to see. It was an awesome trip we had
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Marayoor is also the place to start a visit to the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary The scenery is mostly undulating with the biggest the best possible, Kottakombumala rising to a height of 2144 meters. China shares its western boundary with Eravikulam National Park and another boundary with Indira Gandhi national park in Tamilnadu. Animals like gaur – the greatest of current bovines, sambar – the popular Local Indian native deer, chital – the recognized deer, muntjac – the woofing deer, sloth keep, insane boar, hanuman fail – bonnet macaque, loris, rabbit, panther, leopard are some of the animals in Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. This is the only sanctuary where you can find vulnerable Grizzled Giant Squirrels in Kerala.
The Chinnar Watch Tower which is at a distance of around 20 minutes of walk from the sanctuary provides a panoramic view of the entire sanctuary, and beyond to the jungles of Tamil Nadu to the east and the majestic hills of the Western Ghats in all directions.
Within the state of Kerala, Marayoor is known as a heavenly, pristine and unexplored tourist spot. On the other hand, its neighbouring hill station of Munnar is one of the most sought after and popular hill stations in India. Marayoor is an excellent trekking spot for naturalists and adventure seekers.
ALSO, SEE – Check out Best Things to do in Munnar
What we love about Marayoor Tourism
• The road leading from Rajamala towards Marayoor is flanked by lush green tea estates. There are occasional waterfalls as you drive by on the smooth road. The water in the waterfalls is known for its mineral value.
• When you are about to reach Marayoor, you will see the Sandalwood trees appear just one by one. Soon these actually turn into a grove of Sandalwood trees. The air is very cool and immediately comes under the rain shadow area.
• At Marayoor, you can come across the stone coffins with proper underground tunnels. These structures date back to the periods of the Neolithic. On vertical rock, these caves like structures are present here and there.
• Rock paintings in Marayoor perfectly depicts Ramayana. It shows the wanderings of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita along with Lord Laxman plus the Pandavas actually inside the caves.
What to Know about Marayoor Tourism
• Thoovanam waterfalls are just 10 km away from Marayoor. This waterfall isn’t known to many tourists and visitors thronging to this village. This waterfall gives its full form during the rainy season and remains dry in the summer season.
• Marayoor is largely inhabited by a small group of tribes who are engaged primarily in agriculture and its related activities. Their dress code and housing pattern are totally different from the tribal groups of the state of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in any aspect. They follow a unique tradition, custom, and culture that are ancient.
Best Time to Visit Marayoor & Marayoor Photos
There are no entrance fees to visit Marayoor. You need to take permission from the forest department authorities to venture into certain pockets. It is advised to take the suggestion of Forest officials while going deep in Marayoor. There are chances that you may come across a group of elephants or tigers.
ALSO SEE – The best time to visit Munnar
The best time to visit Marayoor is during the months of November to January. It rains during this particular winter season at this place. It is better to avoid the summer season that is always hot in this region.
Sandalwood Forests is a must-visit spot for domestic and foreign tourists who love to explore nature at its best in Marayoor. The forest of Marayoor is the place where one can watch the growth and development of Sandalwood trees. The air is filled with unique sandalwood fragrance dominating the entire region. The breath of this particular fresh air actually rejuvenates the body and mind with a lot of perfection. It is the right spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.