Marayur Idukki

Located in Idukki district of Kerala, Marayoor (also known as Marayur) is renowned for its natural sandalwood forests. The place is home to preserved ancient dolmens and well crafted rock paintings, which date back to the Stone Age. The forest is supposed to have the remains of a Stone Age civilization, which dates back to as old as 10000 BC. The place is also a home for a number of old dolmen-buildings, which are present at this site in large scale. The beautiful and exotic land with its unique dolmens, grottos, rock edicts and engravings assert its rich heritage. It is stated in the history of this place that people from Tamil Nadu shifted to this place when their king was defeated and assaulted by Tippu Sultan. This took place in the eighteenth Century. Consequently, the people who had relocated themselves to this place gave rise to the formation of five villages, which were named as Kanthalloor, Keezhanthur, Karayur, Marayur and Kottakudi. These villages were later termed ‘Anju Nadu’, which literally means five lands. These places, although very old, are still an integral part of the forest. A few aboriginal tribes still live in these villages. They still practice their unique customs.

Topography
The terrain is highly rising and falling, with the altitudes ranging surprisingly from 500 m at Chinnar to over 2300 m at Nandala Malai. The heterogeneous topography of Marayur is quiet visible through its mountains, rain forests paddy fields, river, waterfalls, rocky hills, and hamlets. Other topographical features include tropical evergreen forests and grasslands.

Flora and Fauna
Marayoor is covered with thick flora and fauna. The vegetation differs from place to place, because the topography of the place is varied. This in turn helps the native animals change their shelters from time to time. There are a number of animals found inside the forest. One can also find avifauna here.

Attractions
Dolmenoids are the prime attractions of Marayur. Dating back to Megalithic Age, the Dolmenoids are customized burial chambers made of five stones. The four stones form the edges, while and the fifth stone forms the roof or ‘cap’ of the chamber. A visit to Marayoor will not be complete without exploring the ancient rock paintings here. The paintings form an integral part of the heritage of this forest. Marayur Forest is popular for its historical value as well as its scenic beauty. This place is highly suitable for trekking. A number of tourists are attracted to this place for the adventurous activities such as trekking.

How to Reach Marayur
It is each to reach Marayoor from the places nearby Idukki. Due to the efficient road transport, one can get a public transport to and from this place, even during odd hours. One can board a train to the nearby cities from Aluva railway station. Cochin airport is located not too far.