While watching a nail-biting chase scene on television,
have you ever wondered what the fate of the protagonist would be had they taken the other road?
We all have, haven’t we.
Well,
what if we tell you that you can explore a place that seems straight out of a thriller movie?
In the midst of natural sandalwood forests,
roughly at a distance of 42 kilometers from Munnar, lie the remnants of an untold historical tale.
We are talking about the rain-shadow village situated on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats – Marayoor.
The very name has an enticing ring to it,
being a combination of the words “Mara” meaning “hide” and “Yoor” meaning “village”.
This hidden village is sure to wake your inner archaeologist with its prehistoric dolmens.
From rocky hills to brooks, from cave temples to Neolithic period stone coffins,
Marayoor has everything.
The Western region of the village houses about 90 rock paintings that are situated in gigantic rock shelters.
Wondering what the paintings are about?
Come see for yourself!
What are these dolmens?
Although the why, when,
and by whom questions regarding the dolmens remain mostly unanswered.
There are two popular theories regarding their origins.
The first theory states that the dolmens were originally built by saints as shelters while the second,
more popular one,
states that these dolmens were originally burial chambers.
A majority of dolmens are similar in their structures.
They comprise four flat slabs of stone placed on edges with a fifth one called the capstone covering them on the top.
Reaching Marayoor
Marayoor is nestled in the Idukki district of Kerala,
and is about 305 kilometers away from Thiruvananthapuram,
which takes about eight hours to reach.
If you prefer traveling by flight or by train,
you can get all the necessary details of the journey here.
Marayoor rock paintings. Image from Wikimedia
There’s more to explore
Marayoor is a place where tourism meets adventure.
It houses several tourist attractions which will keep you hooked to the place.
Once you reach Marayoor,
chart out a well-planned itinerary to cover these captivating sites:
Kovilakadavu
The serene village of Kovilakadavu is home to many rock painting sites
It is situated at a distance of six kilometers from Marayoor.
Thoovanam Waterfalls
Located inside Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary,
Thoovanam Waterfalls is at a distance of ten kilometers from Marayoor.
To reach this waterfall,
you need to start trekking from Alampetty check post.
Not only is the trek of a moderate level,
but it also provides an opportunity for animal sighting amidst the dense forest.
Image courtesy Deccan Chronicle
Marayoor Sarkkara Making
Marayoor Sarkkara is one of the sweetest jaggeries in the world.
Plan a trip to Marayoor during the sugarcane harvest season and not only will you be able to witness the sarkkara being made,
but also buy some from the farm.
Marayoor is a place blessed with natural beauty.
Its mist-clad hills and fresh mountain air is rejuvenating not to mention beautiful.
The aboriginal tribes with their traditions and customs are a sight to see.
So,
do not wait anymore and plan a trip to this pristine,
unexplored tourist spot now.
Want us to plan an itinerary for you?
Connect with us on +917899603009 and we will assist you.
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