Marayoor – Visit The Popular Heritage Site In Munnar With Family
In ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala, Munnar stands as South India’s largest tea-growing region. It is marked by rolling hills, emerald-green tea plantations and contour sculpted valleys. A haven for family vacations, there are plenty of places to visit in Munnar. The best time to visit is during winter, when the weather is cool and pleasant. In season, sightseeing in Munnar is simply a spectacle. Tucked away to the north of Munnar, and easily accessible by road, is Marayoor. A small village in the Idukki district of Kerala, the name is derived from the word ‘Mara’ meaning hide and ‘Yoor’ meaning village. Aptly put, Marayoor is a ‘hidden village’.
Photo Source – Kerala Tourism
The road leading to Marayoor is flanked by lush green tea estates and sporadic waterfalls. As you make your way through the village and start to count the sandalwood trees one by one, you suddenly find yourself set amidst a sea of them – spread across acres of undulated hills and land. And just as the permanent scent of sandalwood fills the air, you know your destination has arrived.
In fact, Marayoor is the only place in Kerala with a natural spread of sandalwood forests. Sandalwood, the famous aromatic wood, is yielded from the family of trees belonging to the genus Santalum. In its unadulterated form, it is distinctly heavy, fine-grained and yellow in colour. But its worldwide appeal lies in the fact that it can preserve its fragrance for decades. It is these aromatic trees that draw tourists to Marayoor all through the year.
While in the village, it’s a good idea to spend your time outdoors, taking in all the different sights and sounds. You can visit the ancient dolmens and view the pre-historic rock paintings that date back to the Stone Age! In case you were wondering, a dolmen is a type of single-chamber megalithic tomb, usually consisting of two or more vertical megaliths supporting a large flat horizontal capstone. An archaeological delight, the dolmens that you find here were erected by the Neolithic people.
Adding to the beauty of this historic site is the lush greenery that surrounds it. Head to the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the magnificent mountain ranges, and if you time things right, you can catch a spectacular sunset!
Other places of interest near Marayoor include the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Lakkam Waterfalls, Anamudi Peak and Kunadala Dam Lake.
Just as Munnar, one of the most sought-after hill stations in India, is a popular trekking spot for adventure seekers, Marayoor in Kerala too is a pristine and unexplored tourist location – one you must visit when in Munnar.
Of the many Munnar resorts, one stands apart. You can couple the magic of Marayoor and Munnar when you stay at the Club Mahindra Munnar resort. Set amidst swirling mists and moving clouds, the Munnar resort offers spacious rooms and a host of modern amenities – all of which are perfect for a family vacation.
Also, read through these Club Mahindra reviews of Munnar resort & know how our happy members are enjoying their family vacation in Munnar!
A trip with Club Mahindra is bound to make your entire experience an enriching one!
