Maruthuva Malai, Kanyakumari:

Kanyakumari is located at the end of the Western Ghats and is home to stunning mountains. This biodiversity hotspot is home to hundreds of rare plants and animals, some of which are endemic and cannot be found anywhere else. The neighborhood also features an outstanding freestanding hill known as Maruthuva Malai, which translates to "Medicinal Hill." Continue reading to learn more about the Maruthuva Malai and the legend that surrounds it.

Where is the Maruthuva Malai?

This lovely hill is on the way to Kanyakumari and is 14 kilometers from Nagercoil via the NH66. The area surrounding Maruthuva Malai is known as Pothaiyadi. In reality, you won't miss the massive mountain range on your way to Kanyakumari by rail or road.

What is unique about the Maruthuva Malai?

Locals believe the Maruthuva Malai is a portion of the Sanjeevni Mountain that came off while Hanuman was bringing it to Sri Lanka to cure Lakshman. The Sanjeevni Mountain is named after the mythological Sanjeevni booti, or herb capable of reviving the dead. Maruthuva Malai, like the famous mountain, is home to a variety of medicinal herbs utilized in Ayurvedic and Siddha therapy.

It is also said that Sage Agastya and Athri Maharishi meditated on the hill. Narayana Guru, a 19th-century social reformer and spiritual leader, pondered on Maruthuva Malai and became enlightened. The hill is also mentioned in Sri Pada Sri Vallabha Charithaamrutham, a biography of Lord Sri Paada Sri Vallabha.

The mountain is considered one of the holiest destinations for Kanyakumari's Ayyavazhis, or followers of Ayya Vaikundar, who is considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Activities At The Maruthuva Malai:

The hill is a popular hiking trail among locals. This is a somewhat difficult trek that takes approximately an hour and a half to reach the summit. The view from the peak is just breathtaking. Kanyakumari offers a 360° vista of the three seas and the edge of India's V-shape. Depending on time you hike, you can see the dawn or sunset.

On the approach up the peak, you will see several cave temples dedicated to Sage Agasthya, Shiva and Parvathi, and Lord Hanuman

Hiking to the summit is exciting, especially if you're trekking on a clear day and the view from the summit is breathtaking.