Luxury in Kerala: 5-Star Resorts

Marayur has a lot to offer in terms of the tourism potential it has. One unique feature of Marayur when compared to other tourist destinations is the diversity of its terrains. Starting from forests, hills, rivers, waterfalls and Rocky Mountains, Marayur is a one stop holiday stop for a leisure traveler as well as an adventure junkie. There are a number of places to visit if you are planning a trip to Marayur. Some spots are mentioned below

The Muniyara Dolmens
Marayur, apart from the overpowering sandal scent and sweetness of the sugar oozing jaggery, has a rich legacy of holding a rare spot where prehistoric dolmens from the Stone Age werefound. Located about 55 kilometers from Munnar, these structures are made up of slabs and are known as megaliths. These world famous vestiges from the past are precious curious cases yet to be explored for historians all around the world. The structures are assumed to be from between 3000 BC and 14000 BC. Each chamber differs in depth and size, indicating that it was used for people from different social status. There is anezhuthupara where you can see ancient paintings made using natural colors and soil. Being the only place where cave paintings are seen, the area is closely protected by the government. The paintings here are of two types. The first one is drawn with reddish brown soil whereas the other type is drawn with white clay.

Sandalwood forest
Kerala has lesser number of sandalwood trees when compared to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This is mainly due to the higher rainfall here. Marayur is the only place where naturally sprung out sandalwood trees are seen. There are around 65000 trees here .The natural outcrop of sandalwood were exploited and trees were ruthlessly cut down and sold out in the past by many. Thereby vehicles near the borders are constantly checked and cameras are fixed inside the forest. The dense jungle is situated about 40 kilometers from Munnar. There is a famous sandalwood factory here and it is possible to see the processing of sandalwood with prior permission. The lush green plantations and shadows of the huge trees give a cooling effect to the forest.It is possible to get more information about the sandalwood here from the ‘sandalwood experiment regeneration plot’ run by the government.

Chinnar wildlife sanctuary
The wildlife sanctuary is a protected area in the Western Ghats and a home to a number of species of flora and fauna. With many number of rare species of mammals including Nilgiri Tahr, Hanuman monkey, common langur, Gaur, panthers and spotted deer, Chinnar is recognized as a world heritage sanctuary by UNESCO. The Chinnar and Pambar rivers that flow through the sanctuary are the
lifesources for the animals here. A number of activities like nature walk, treks, safaris, campsetc. are providing on additional charges. The best time to visit Chinnar is during December to April when the climate is cool. But it is also blissful to visit during the rainy season if you would like to see the forest in full swing.

Marayur Jaggery Making Unit
The Marayur jaggery making Unit is famous here. You can see the process in which large quantities of sugarcanes are crushed and boiled in large vessels to make the jaggery. The jaggery here is of high quality with about 97% sugar content. With the right temperature,shade, Ph value of the soil and sunlight, the sugar content inside each cane is high. The Marayur Sharkara is famous for its taste and quality and people all over the state comes to buy this. If you visit Marayur during the harvest season, you will get a chance to see the locals making sharkara balls in large quantities.

TATA tea outlet
Marayoor has a big stretch of rain drizzled and sunkissed tea plantations. You can check out the TATA tea out let and maybe buy a few packets for home.

Lakkam waterfalls
The mighty falls is part of Eravikulam National Park. It is a tributary of Pambar River. You can visit the lake from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and do a trek near the falls with a fee of Rs 100/-. You will reach the falls while travelling from Udumalpettu to Munnar. The falls at a height of 7300 feet above the sea level is indeed majestic along with the Vagavurai Valley which got its name for the densely populated vaga trees
of the area.

Tengashinadhan Temple
This temple has a rich history to boast about. Meddled with traditions and myths, there is a rock to the west side of the temple chiseled withthe deity’s face. Thisrock is said to have been untouched by man and carved in this particular shape by natural forces. Later the rock which attained special powers upon the blessings of Adhri Maharshi,still thrives to be the life force of the people around the temple. Paari, a famous ruler had laid foundations of the temple. Later with theCholan and Pandian invasions, the temple underwent several changes.The temple is famously known as Guhaikovil (Cave temple) as there is an ancient cave which has been there since 2000 years.

Spice plantation visit
Other than acres of sugarcane fields, the fertile land of Marayur has the aroma of strong spices like Cinnamon, nutmeg, beetle nut and other medicinal plants. It is possible to see and walk through acres of land sown with cocoa, coffee, pepper and Cardamom. These plantations are at a walkable distance from the mud house at Marayur promoted by Niche stays. There is an extracting unit of lemon grass in the vicinity and many other farms to explore.

Kanthaloor fruit garden
Kanthaloor is a small village near Marayur. It is famous for the fresh fruits and vegetables. The cool and bright climate with the fertile soil helps with flourishing of agriculture. There are large orchards of apples, oranges and carrots and it is indeed ecstatic to visit these fields. The Pamba River, which originates at the Anamudi hills flows in between Kanthaloor and Marayur.

Alampatty trekking
The trek to Thoovanam falls which starts at Alampetty is pretty famous for its scenic view and the long Chinnar River which stretches along with the whole trail. Located 4 kilometers from Alampetty check post, the three hour trek is moderate and a relief from the scorching sun.

Mannavan shola trekking
Be privileged to do a trek in Kerala biggest shola forest, the Mannavan Shola. With a heritage of 500 years, the grand forest hosts more than 500 species of trees. The trek through this nestled place located What is a vacation without a proper stay? Searching for the best resort in Marayur? Leave all luxuries of a concrete building and enjoy nature inside a mudhouse in Marayur. Make this vacation special with a unique experience in the lap of nature. With amazing food options, breathtaking view around and comfortable stay with all amenities, this mud house promoted by Niche stays is definitely the best budget resort in Marayur.