Marunthuvazh Malai — Local services in Agastheeswaram

The Marundhuvazh Malai also known as the Marundhu Vazhum Malai/Maruthwamalai ("the abode of medicinal herbs"), the part and the southernmost tip of the Western Ghats of Agasteeswaram taluk of Kanyakumari district. People living in southern Kerala call it Maruthuva Mala.

A good place for trekking on the way to Kanyakumari. You will need atleast half a day to enjoy this place for trekking. On the top there is a Temple for Anjeneyar (Hanuman).

Marunthuval Malai is almost a bare mountain with a height of 800 ft lying at the southernmost tip of the Western Ghats on the NH 47 reached by taking a diversion at the town Pothaiadi which is about 11 km from Nagercoil and 7 km from Kanyakumari. Trekking up the mountain on a cloudy or rainy day in the morning by 7 a m would be an enthralling experience. As you climb you would find caves where swamis are staying and whose entrances are no bigger than those of the Toda huts in Ooty. The climb, however a little steep and tedious for an inexperienced trekker, would not make you tiresome as you come into view a vast stretch of cool and green coconut grooves, banana cultivation and paddy fields. If it is a misty morning, you can enjoy the mist emerging from the plains and brushing against you to the top. The most exciting experience would be the panoramic view, seen through binaculars, of the confluence of the three seas - the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea at Cape Comorin and the waves reaching the shores from three different directions.

According to tradition, the Maruthuva Malai is a fragment of the Sanjeevi Mountain, a piece of which fell down here, and it was carried by Hanuman from Mahendragiri to Lanka for healing the fatal wounds of Lakshmana, the brother of Rama, the epic hero. It stretches for more than a km, reaching a height of 800 feet at the highest point. From the highest point of the hill, one can see the 'V'section of the Indian subcontinent . The three Sea (Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian sea) with different shades of blue and coconut trees with different shades of green are visible from this hill. It is about 1 km from Pothaiyadi, a place along NH44 and NH66, 10km from kanyakumari entire to Nagercoil.

This hill is also believed to be noted in Ayyavazhi mythology as Parvatha Ucchi Malai. Apart from the Mythology, this hill is historically related to the life of Vaikundar. So a few theologians consider this hill as sacred and consider it one among the Ayyavazhi holy sites. Backing some quotes from Arul Nool and Akilam some even argue that Marundhuvaazh Malai is one among the Vaikundapathis. Narayana Guru attained enlightenment while undergoing penance (tapas)...

Marunthuvazh Malai, also known as the Marunthu Vazhum Malai ("the abode of medicinal herbs"), forms the part and the southernmost tip of the Western Ghats. Maruthuva Malai is a holy hilly place that is entirely filled with several life-saving medicinal plants with medicine mixed free air. It is located near Kanyakumari Town in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. It stretches for more than a km, reaching a height of 800 feet at the highest point. Nestled in the magnificent Travancore Hills, a mile north of Cape Comorin, it makes for a beautiful locale with checkered paddy fields carpeting the plains and the foothills of the Western Ghats silhouetting the sky.

Maruthuva Malai is a great place for trekking and hiking thanks to the beautiful surroundings. Ideally, visit the temple at sunrise or sunset to drink in the breathtaking view of the sun’s rays washing over the valley below. The spectacular sights from the mountain include the estuary of the Manakkudy Lake, temple gopurams, emerald paddy fields and the coastal area from Leepuram to Muttom.

Parmartha Lingeswarar Temple is a quaint little Shiva Temple located at 300 feet above the hill protected by a canopy of trees. Many devotees used to visit this small temple during the Karthikai Deepam festival in December.

On the top of this hill have a cave known as Pillathadam where Guru Narayana used to meditation for many years.

Agasthya Cave Climb up to the top of the hill. There’s a cave here where Sage Agasthya is supposed to have lived in.

Anjaneya Temple

Maruthuva Malai has nine Theerthams - Shiva, Agasthya, Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Palar, Devendhran, Brahma and Kalidhasan.

Marunthuvazh Malai is located at about 4 Kms from Kottaram, 8 Kms from Vattakkottai, 6 Kms from Suchindram, 6 Kms from Marungoor, 9 Kms from Theroor, 10 Kms from Kanyakumari, 9 Kms from Kanyakumari Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Kanyakumari Railway Station, 4 Kms from Swamithoppu Bus Stop, 3.5 Kms from Swamithope, 14 Kms from Nagercoil and 86 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kanyakumari and Nearest Airport is located at...

Also known as Maruthwamala, this small mountain by the NH 66 just 7km before kanyakumari offers a splendid experience. A moderate trek of about 45-60 mins, one should carry water with them as there is no water source on the trail. There's a small shop at the start of the trail and a fleet of rock cut steps welcome you first. The best time to climb the mountain would be early morning, preferably around 5 in the morning so that you will be at the peak just in time to catch a memorable sunrise. The distinct land boundary of Indian mainland is easily visible from the peak on a clear day and one can even see the Vivekananda rock in the distance.

We were lucky to experience a beautiful sunrise off the Indian ocean and the windmill farms in the distance just adds to the view.

Theres a small cave where sree narayana guru spent 6 years and one has to squeeze themselves through crevices in the boulders to get there. But its worth it.

Marunthuvazh Malai is one of those mountains that offers a moderate trek experience and the view it has to offer is unlike any other. Surrounded by sea on almost three sides and a sunrise in this frame is absolutely breathtaking!

NB: Try not to litter the trail with plastic wastes. A couple of trash bins are placed along the trail so kindly make...