Marunthuvazh Malai
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 Thiruvananthapuram.
