The Itinerary
Heading north from Munnar, the landscape changes from lush tea carpets to dry deciduous forests and tribal hamlets.
- 08:30 AM – Lakkam Waterfalls: A crystal-clear cascade surrounded by "Vagai" trees. It’s a great spot for a quick morning dip.
- 10:30 AM – Marayoor Sandalwood Forest: The only place in Kerala with a natural growth of high-quality sandalwood. You can view the fenced groves from the roadside.
- 12:00 PM – Muniyara (Ancient Dolmens): Visit the burial chambers of the Neolithic age. These stone structures offer a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into prehistoric life.
- 02:00 PM – Thoovanam Falls Trek: A guided 4 km trek inside the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the most rewarding treks in the region, ending at a massive waterfall on the Pambar River.
- 04:30 PM – Jaggery Making Units: On the return trip, stop at a local "Kudippally" to see how the famous Marayoor Jaggery (Sarkara) is made from sugarcane.
Why Choose This?
It is perfect for travellers who have already seen the tea gardens and want to experience the archaeological and tribal heritage of the Western Ghats.
While most visitors to Munnar are captivated by the endless "sea of green" tea plantations, a different world lies just 40 kilometers to the north. As you drive toward the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, the humid, tea-clad slopes give way to dry deciduous forests, thorny scrub, and a landscape steeped in thousands of years of human history.
For the readers of Munnar.com, the Offbeat Fragrance Trail is the ultimate journey for those who seek culture, archaeology, and raw wilderness. This is a land where the air smells of sandalwood, where Stone Age civilizations left their mark in granite, and where wild rivers carve spectacular falls through the heart of a wildlife sanctuary.
08:30 AM – Morning Refreshment: Lakkam Waterfalls
The trail begins with a stop at Lakkam Waterfalls, a hidden gem tucked away in the Marayoor-Munnar stretch. Unlike the massive falls found elsewhere, Lakkam is prized for its intimacy and crystal-clear water. The falls originate from the core zone of the Eravikulam National Park and tumble down rocky ledges into a shallow, natural pool.
What makes Lakkam truly special is its setting. It is ensconced in a dense grove of "Vagai" (Syrissa) trees, which provide a cool, dappled canopy even on sunny mornings. The pool at the base is safe for a refreshing morning dip. An interesting natural feature here is the "natural fish spa"—tiny fish in the pool often nibble at your feet, providing a tingling, therapeutic sensation as you soak in the cold mountain water.
10:30 AM – The Gold of the Forest: Marayoor Sandalwood Forest
Continuing north, you enter the enchanted realm of Marayoor, the only place in Kerala where sandalwood grows naturally. This isn't just a forest; it is a highly protected natural reserve containing over 65,000 fragrant sandalwood trees (Santalum album).
As you drive through the fenced groves, the distinct, woody fragrance of the trees often permeates the air, especially after a light rain. Known as "liquid gold," sandalwood from Marayoor is world-renowned for its high oil content and purity. While the core forest is strictly off-limits to prevent poaching, you can view the majestic, dark-barked trees from the roadside and visit the Sandalwood Depot managed by the Forest Department to learn about the processing and conservation of this precious resource.
12:00 PM – Echoes of the Stone Age: Muniyara (Ancient Dolmens)
High above the Pambar River, on a rocky plateau, lie the Muniyara Dolmens. These are megalithic burial chambers dating back to the Neolithic (Stone Age) and Iron Age, some over 2,000 to 5,000 years old.
Locally known as "Muniyaras" (meaning cells of the sages), these structures are made of four large granite slabs topped by a fifth horizontal slab acting as a roof. Standing amidst these ancient ruins provides a hauntingly beautiful perspective on human history. These were the final resting places for tribal chiefs and elders, placed on high ground to be closer to the heavens. The site offers panoramic views of the Marayoor valley, making it a favorite for history buffs and photographers alike.
02:00 PM – The Wilderness Trek: Thoovanam Falls
The afternoon is dedicated to adventure as you enter the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary at the Alampetty Checkpost. The Thoovanam Falls Trek is widely considered one of the most rewarding nature walks in the Western Ghats.
Accompanied by a mandatory tribal guide from the local community, you will embark on a 4-km (round trip) trek through the dry deciduous forest. The trail is a hotspot for wildlife; keep your eyes peeled for the rare Grizzled Giant Squirrel, langurs, and even elephants. The trek culminates at the majestic Thoovanam Waterfalls, where the Pambar River thunders down a 50-foot cliff. The sight of the silvery cascade against the rugged, brownish-green terrain of Chinnar is a stark, beautiful contrast to the lushness of Munnar.
04:30 PM – Sweet Traditions: Marayoor Jaggery Units
No trip to Marayoor is complete without witnessing the making of its most famous export: Marayoor Sarkara (Jaggery). This jaggery is unique because of the region’s specific soil pH and rain-shadow climate, resulting in a product that is exceptionally sweet and high in iron.
Stop at a local "Kudippally" (traditional jaggery making unit) located amidst the sugarcane fields. Here, you can watch the entire process: from the crushing of sugarcane to the boiling of the juice in massive open vats over wood fires. Watching the skilled workers hand-roll the cooling syrup into dark brown, solid balls is fascinating. Don’t forget to taste the warm, fresh jaggery—it is a chemical-free delicacy that tastes like nothing you’ve ever found in a supermarket.
Why Choose the Offbeat Fragrance Trail?
This package is designed for the "curious traveler." If you have already explored the tea gardens and dams of central Munnar, this trail offers:
- Archaeological Wonder: A chance to stand where humans lived 3,000 years ago.
- Ecological Diversity: Experience the transition from tropical rainforest to dry deciduous scrub.
- Authentic Interactions: Meet the local tribal guides and farmers whose lives are intertwined with the forest.
Travel Tips for Marayoor & Chinnar
- Hydration & Sun Protection: Unlike Munnar town, Marayoor can be quite warm and dry. Carry plenty of water and wear a hat.
- Leech Protection: During the monsoon, the trek to Thoovanam may have leeches. Carry a small packet of salt or turmeric.
- Respect the Heritage: The Muniyara dolmens are precious archaeological sites. Do not climb on the stones or leave any litter behind.
- Booking the Trek: The Thoovanam trek starts at Alampetty. It is best to arrive by 2:00 PM to ensure you complete the hike before the sanctuary gates close for the evening.
The Offbeat Fragrance Trail is a journey of the senses. It is the scent of sandalwood, the taste of fresh jaggery, the sound of the Pambar River, and the sight of ancient stone tombs against a setting sun. It reminds us that Munnar’s beauty isn't just skin-deep—it goes back thousands of years.
Want to experience the history and wilderness of Marayoor? [Book an expert local guide and taxi for the Marayoor circuit on Munnar.com]
