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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Marayoor is located on the eastern side of the Western Ghats and also boasts of two pre-historic sites, solid sugar molasses known as 'sarkara' in Malayalam and the gentle waters of the Paramba River flowing close by. What adds another dimension to the experience of this location is the presence of the old Muniyaras, which are burial chambers that belong to the megalithic age.

Simple in their construction, these cists are made of granite slabs stacked against each other. The view of this ancient creation against the backdrop of the valley is a sight to behold and is a must-visit for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

This pristine forest is visited by a large number of tourists every day, who come to Marayoor for trekking and well as to capture some picturesque views while they walk around the jungle. The lush green tea plantations and trees further make the environment more pleasing and soothing, thereby making Marayoor the perfect holiday destination.