Marayoor
| Marayoor | |||
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| State : |
 India
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| State : | Kerala | ||
| District : | Idukki | ||
| Sub-district : | Devikulam | ||
| Location : | 10 ° 16 ′ N , 77 ° 10 ′ E | ||
| Height : | 1009 m | ||
| Area : | 225 km² | ||
| Residents : | 12,399 (2011) | ||
| Population density : | 55 people / km² | ||
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Marayoor or Marayur is a town of about 12,000 people in Kerala , India . Because of its high altitude and its beautiful natural surroundings, it is popular with Indian vacationers and honeymooners.
location
Marayoor is located in a high valley of the Western Ghats surrounded by mountains at an altitude of approx. 1000 m . The Pambar , known in Tamil Nadu as the Amaravathi River and ultimately flowing into the Kaveri , has its source in the mountains to the west of Marayoor . The city of Munnar is located about 40 km (driving distance) southwest.
economy
Most of the region’s inhabitants live directly or indirectly from agriculture. The small town itself is the center of a large sugar cane growing area. In numerous small businesses, the unrefined juice is thickened into jaggery lumps.
history
According to local tradition, the history of the city can be traced back to the Stone Age because of the numerous 'dolmens' in its area. However, there is only historical evidence that Tamil settlers from neighboring regions to the east came here during the times of Tipu Sultan (r. 1782–1799) .
Attractions
Apart from the charming natural surroundings, in which several national parks have been established, the city itself hardly offers any sights.
There are several dolmens or dolmen-like structures ( muniyaras ) in their vicinity , the former meaning and function of which is unclear. Some consider them to be Stone Age tombs, others to be the primitive dwellings of hermits and other 'holy men' ( sadhus ). Many of the buildings, which usually consist of four vertical stone slabs ( orthostats ) and a cover slab , have door sills.
There are also figurative and abstract geometric rock paintings in the Attala district to the west . Others can be found at Kovilkadavu, 5 km to the south .
Web links
- Marayoor - Photos and information (English)
- Marayoor and surroundings - Photos and information (English)
- Idukki District - Photos + Info (English)