Marayur or Marayoor is a town in Devikulam taluk of Idukki district in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala.

Marayur is situated at around 990 metres above mean sea level and is the only place in Kerala that has natural sandalwood forests.

[7] People migrated from Tamil Nadu to this area when the Madurai king Bangaru Thirumala Nayak was defeated by Chanda Saheb, in the eighteenth century CE.

[citation needed] Maritime contacts Sangam period Tamilakam Cheras Spice trade Ays Ezhil Malai Confluence of religionsMamankam festival Calicut Venad - Kingdom of QuilonValluvanad Kolattunadu CochinArakkal kingdom Minor principalities Age of Discovery Portuguese period Dutch period Rise of Travancore Mysorean invasion British PeriodBattle of TirurangadiMalabar DistrictNorth MalabarSouth Malabar Battle of Quilon Communism in KeralaLakshadweep Economy Architecture Also called Muniyaras, these dolmens belong to the Iron Age.

Dozens of Dolmens around the area of old Siva temple (Thenkasinathan Temple) at Kovilkadavu on the banks of the River Pambar and also around the area called Pius nagar, and rock paintings on the south-western slope of the plateau overlooking the river have attracted visitors.

However, as the place is the most famous rock art site in Kerala, it attracts a large number of visitors and has been extensively vandalized since it was brought to wide public attention.

[citation needed] Kovilkadavu is less than five kilometers from Marayur town and the place is famous for Neolithic dolmens and rock paintings.

Generally Marayur experience a moderate climate, temperatures varying 21 °C to 27 °C with minimum seasonal variation except in winter.

Marayur and Kanthalloor are virtually rain shadow areas, lying in the eastern side of the Western Ghats.

There are 114 endemic species and the sighting of Aibizia lathamii, a critically endangered tree, was recently reported from the dry forests.

Chinnar - the wildlife sanctuary in Marayur - has recorded the largest number of reptilian species, including the mugger crocodile, in Kerala.

Other important mammals found are elephant, tiger, leopard, guar, sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri thar, common langur, bonnet macaque etc.

Processing of sandalwood and its associated oil forms part of local economy, a depot near Marayur town supporting this industry.

A climate with low rainfall is suitable for the growth of choice sandalwood trees from which good quality oil can be extracted.

The auction rate for first quality Marayur sandal is quoted at ₹1,100 per kg, according to forest department sources (2004).