Marunthuvazh Malai, Kanyakumari

Marunthuvazh Malai

If one wish to undertake a trek near Kanyakumar then, Marunthuvazh Malai (which also has abundance of unique native medicinal plants) located on the Kanyakumari-Nagercoil highway is a treat for the trekker. It was believed Lord Hanuman dropped a piece of earth as he was carrying a mountain with a life-saving herb, Sanjivani, from the Himalayas to Sri Lanka during the Rama-Ravana war. This chunk of earth is called Marunthuvazh Malai, which is literally translated to "hills where medicine lives".

Marunthuvazh Malai Sign Board

Marunthuvazh Malai forms the southernmost tip of the Western Ghats and is about 11 kilometers from Nagercoil and 7 kilometers from Kanyakumari. It stretches for more than a km, reaching a height of 800 feet at the highest point.

On Oct 9 2011, decided to experience Marunthuvazh Malai and reached the foothill at 7 A.M. The locals advised that it will be a 2 hour journey to the top and not to expect shops or rest rooms on the way. For the first 30 minutes, one can enjoy the well laid out staircase after that, the arrows painted on rocks assist the trekker to the top. The water bottles and snacks in my backpack came in handy at several times as some portion of the trail tested my endurance.

Initial stairs at Marunthuvazh Malai

Unpaved path to the top

Painted arrows assist trekkers

Once on the top, it is a visual treat to see the coconut grooves around the hill in the background of  Kanyakumari seas. After spending 30 minutes enjoying the panoramic view and the breeze and offering prayers at the small shire of Lord Hanuman, trekked back downhill with ease.

Lord Hanuman Temple at the top

Rock Carving at Marunthuvazh Malai

Rock Carving of Lord Krishna at the foothill

Once at the foothill, the tender coconut water (cost Rupees 10) offered the prefect solution to quench my thirst. Wouldn’t have traveled even half a kilometer back home, the sight of Nongu (palm fruits) on the road side shop made me to take a short break again. Each fruit cost less than Rupees 10, but the joy of having them fresh right after a good trek is priceless. Most vendors offer fresh Plam fruit soaked with Nannari Syrup (Nannari Sarbath). Nannari root is used to prepare the concentrate and Nongu-Nannari offer an excellent natural way to reduce the body temperature. My advice is, don’t miss to try it out. As mentioned after a good trek, I guarantee that you will crave for more of these delicacies.

View of Marunthuvazh Malai 

Quick Facts:

Trek	Marunthuvazh Malai
Trek Duration	3-4 hours
Trek Difficulty	Challenging for new trekkers, but one can find people from all age groups between 10 and 60.
Expected Cost	Nil (No Entry Fees)
Location	Hill situated on the Kanyakumari-Nagercoil highway at Potraiyadi (or Pottaiyadi) Junction
How to reach	Well connected by public transport system and private vehicles from Nagercoil and Kanyakumari
Nearby Attraction	Thanumalayar Temple at Suchindram and Kanyakumari

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