Forty kilometres north of Munnar the landscape changes completely. The road to Udumalpet drops out of the tea into a sheltered valley in the rain shadow of the Ghats, where the hills are drier, the air warmer and the fields are full of sugarcane. This is Marayoor, known for three things: Kerala’s only natural sandalwood forest, its prehistoric dolmens, and a dark, soft jaggery that carries a Geographical Indication tag.
Beyond Marayoor the road enters Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, about 90 km² of dry thorn scrub and riverine forest quite unlike anything else in Kerala — the best place in the state to look for the endangered grizzled giant squirrel and the star tortoise.
Top things to do at Marayoor & Chinnar
Visit the muniyaras
On bare rock shelves above the valley stand clusters of muniyaras — burial chambers of upright slabs and a capstone, built in the megalithic period perhaps two to three thousand years ago. The easiest group to reach is near the high school at Kovilkadavu. There is little signage, so a local guide or driver helps.
See sandalwood and jaggery
The sandalwood trees grow in fenced, guarded government forest beside the road; you look at them from outside, and the Forest Department runs a sales outlet. In the cane fields, small sheds boil juice into balls of Marayoor jaggery — most are happy for you to watch and buy.
Trek in Chinnar
From the check post on the highway, the Forest Department offers guided walks along the Chinnar and Pambar rivers, a watchtower climb and the trek to Thoovanam Falls, a wide curtain of water inside the sanctuary that takes roughly three to four hours on foot in all. All walks need a guide and a ticket from the forest office.
Detour to Kanthalloor
Above Marayoor, the village of Kanthalloor grows apples, oranges, plums and cool-climate vegetables — unusual for Kerala — and has its own scattering of dolmens and farm stays.
How to get to Marayoor & Chinnar
- From Munnar: Marayoor is about 40 km north (1.5 hours) on the road past Eravikulam’s entrance and Lakkam Falls. The Chinnar check post is around 18–20 km further.
- From Tamil Nadu: the same road continues to Udumalpet (about 45 km from Marayoor), linking to Coimbatore and Pollachi.
- By bus: KSRTC and Tamil Nadu buses between Munnar and Udumalpet stop at Marayoor and Chinnar. A hired car gives you far more freedom to stop.
Insider tips
- Combine it with Eravikulam: do the park at opening time, then carry on north for the afternoon.
- It is hotter and drier here than in Munnar. Carry water and a hat for the dolmens and any trek.
- Never buy sandalwood from individuals — trade is tightly controlled and it is illegal.
- Wildlife in Chinnar is most active early and late; start treks at opening time.
Tours that include Marayoor & Chinnar
These guided trips cover Marayoor & Chinnar or combine easily with a visit:
Private day trip from US$75 Kochi to Munnar: Eravikulam, Lockhart Tea Factory & Waterfalls Day Tour
The most complete way to see Munnar in a day from Kochi. A private car climbs the ghat road to Eravikulam National Park, the Lockhart Tea Factory and its estate, Attukal Waterfalls and the valley viewpoints, with a traditional Kerala lunch included. It is a long day — an overnight option is also listed.
- Eravikulam National Park, home of the Nilgiri tahr
- Lockhart Tea Factory visit and a walk in the tea estate
- Attukal Waterfalls, viewpoints and a Kerala lunch
Small-group trek from US$12 Munnar: Half-Day Guided Trek
A morning on foot through tea estates and up into the Lekshmi (Lakshmi) Hills west of town, with a local guide who knows the paths, the birds and the plantation villages. A good-value way to get out of the car and into the landscape.
- Tea plantations and the Lekshmi Hills on foot
- Panoramic views over the Munnar valleys
- A local guide in a small group
