Marayoor
About Marayoor
Far From City: 23 kms from city center
Cost:
About Marayoor
Weather:
Time Required:2-3 hrs
Open Time:Sunrise to Sunset
Cost:No entry fee
Marayoor Sandalwood Forests
Marayoor is famous all across the nation for its natural sandalwood forests. The forest boasts of being the natural dwelling abode of over 65,000 trees, the sandalwood of which is of high quality.There is also a piece of land here known by the name of the 'Sandalwood Regeneration Experimental Plot' where visitors can learn more about these trees. The State Forest Department also runs a sandalwood depot here wherein travellers get a first-hand exotic experience of the processing of sandalwood and get familiar with the process. Visitors also have the option of strolling through the forest and looking around at the pristine growth, but prior permission from the Forest Department is needed for the same.
Flora and Fauna at Marayoor
Marayoor is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including over 1000 species of flowering plants and other medicinal plants of great value to the society. Chinnar, which is the wildlife sanctuary of Marayoor, has the highest number of species of reptiles in Kerala. It also has 225 recorded species of birds.
Other than these, the important mammals found here include the Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Thar, common langur, elephant, tiger, leopard, sambar, gaur, spotted deer, bonnet macaque and others. Butterfly migration is also common during monsoons.
Marayoor Sarkara
The rich variety of solid molasses that are produced here are known as Marayoor Sarkara (Sarkara means jaggery) and are considered to be the best in the market, with their sugar content around 97 percent. Since the region falls in the rain shadow area, the temperature of the place remains somewhat regulated, and so does the PH value of the soil. Consequently, the production of sugarcane is high and it occupies around 1,500 acres of land in the entire area.
Tourist Places in Marayoor
Marayoor boasts of numerous other attractions as well, which make a visit to the place entirely worth it. Perhaps the most famous of them all is the prehistoric site Muniyara, which dates back to the megalithic age. History lovers, anthropologists, archaeologists and curious minds, in general, find this place extraordinarily fascinating and enthralling. The two thousand years old monument also has large burial chambers in it.
Ezhuthupara is yet another pre-historic site in Marayoor that is unique to this region. Beautiful cave paintings can be found here, and the location is presently under the protection of the State Archaeological Department. This fascinating site houses two different types of cave paintings. While the former is drawn with a reddish brown kind of soil that has iron minerals of various colours in it, the second kind is drawn with white clay soil. These striking paintings depict significant legends, such as the Pandavas inside their caves and the wandering of Rama and Sita. It is no doubt that these pictures are an insightful look into the rich cultural heritage of our country.
What adds to the beauty of Marayoor and attracts customers is the Pamber River. This spectacular water body originates in the Anamudi Hills and flows between the villages of Marayoor and Kanthalloor. The banks of this river are a delightful place to be at and enhance the overall appeal and charm of the area.
How to Reach Marayoor
Marayoor is located in the Idukki district, 42 kilometres to the north of Munnar in SH 17 which connects Munnar to Udumalpet in Tamil Nadu. Regular buses are readily available from all major sites in Munnar to take you to Marayoor. You can also hire a taxi to reach the place.
Top Tourist Places in Munnar
Echo Point
Elephant Arrival Spot
Photo Point
Mattupetti Dam
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
Top Station
All Tourist Places in Munnar
Tips
1. Do not forget to taste the molasses while in Marayoor. A lot of local outlets also sell these sarkara balls.2. Meddling with the trees or attempting to take back a few branches as a souvenir back are serious offences. It is best that tourists refrain from such activities, as Forest officials thoroughly search their bags while at the Forest Check post.
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