Our Story
About AaraGrove
How It All Began
A Home in the Hills
AaraGrove Homestay was born from a simple wish — to share the quiet magic of Marayoor with the world. Nestled in the hills of Idukki District, our family has called this land home for generations, watching the sandalwood forests breathe through the seasons and the mist roll in each morning over the valleys.
What started as a small family home slowly grew into a place of welcome for travellers seeking something real — not a resort, not a hotel, but a genuine experience of Kerala hill life. We opened our doors to guests because we believed the beauty around us was too good to keep to ourselves.
Today, AaraGrove is a labour of love. Every room is kept with care and every guest is treated as a member of our family.
Your Hosts
Meet the Family
Behind AaraGrove
We are a family rooted in Marayoor — farmers, nature lovers, and proud Keralites who have spent our lives surrounded by the forests and hills of Idukki District. Hosting guests is not a business for us; it is an extension of who we are.
We speak Malayalam, Tamil, and enough English to make sure you feel at home. We know the best trails, the quietest viewpoints, the most authentic local eateries, and the hidden corners of Marayoor that most visitors never find. We are happy to share all of it.
When you stay with us, you are not just booking a room — you are stepping into our home and our story. We hope it becomes a small part of yours too.
Family-run · Always available · Genuinely welcoming
What We Stand For
The AaraGrove Way
These are the things we believe in — the principles that guide how we host, how we live, and how we care for this beautiful corner of Kerala.
Genuine Hospitality
We treat every guest like family. From the moment you arrive to the day you leave, your comfort and happiness is our priority.
Rooted in Nature
AaraGrove is built around the natural world. We keep things simple, sustainable, and in harmony with the forests around us.
Local Knowledge
Born and raised in Munnar, we know every trail, forest path, and hidden viewpoint. We love sharing our home with curious travellers.
Quiet & Unhurried
There are no schedules here. Come as you are, rest as long as you need, and leave feeling genuinely refreshed.
The Region
Marayoor —
Kerala's Best Kept Secret
Tucked away in the Idukki District of Kerala, Marayoor is a small village that carries an extraordinary story. It is home to Kerala's only natural sandalwood forests — vast, fragrant groves that have been protected for centuries and continue to fill the air with their unmistakable scent.
The village is also known for its ancient dolmens — megalithic stone structures believed to be over 4,000 years old, scattered across the hillsides like silent witnesses to a forgotten civilisation. Marayoor's jaggery (known as Marayoor Sharkara) is famous across Kerala, made from sugarcane grown in the fertile valley below.
At 1,200 metres above sea level, the climate is cool and refreshing year-round — a welcome escape from the heat of the plains. The surrounding hills offer excellent trekking, and the proximity to Munnar makes Marayoor a perfect base for exploring the wider Idukki region.
42 km
from Munnar town
1,200 m
above sea level
3,000+
acres of sandalwood forest
4,000+
years of dolmen history
"In Marayoor, the forest doesn't just surround you — it welcomes you."
— The AaraGrove Family
Come Stay With Us
We'd Love to Welcome You
Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat, a nature escape, or a genuine taste of Kerala hill life — AaraGrove is ready for you.