Why Kerala’s Dravyappara Hills Hold Importance As A Historical Site

Amboori of Thiruvananthapuram district in the state of Kerala in India is a popular tourist destination. One of the major attractions of this place is Dravyappara (the treasure rock). In the western hills of Amboori, there is a large boulder called the Dravyappara. The Dravyappara is a big boulder that can be seen in Amboori’s western highlands. It is said that during his exile, Raja of Venad (now Travancore), spent his days on top of this rock. There are 72 stairs etched into the side of the boulder, allowing one to climb to the top. The height of the Dravyappara is approximately 700 feet from its base and approximately 1500 feet above sea level. There is a cave temple at the top of Dravayappara.

According to reports, in 1721 Marthanda Varma escaped from the Pillas in eight houses and sought shelter in a house of 61 Brahmin families in Aryancode. By the time Ettuveetil Pillamar and the soldiers reached Keezharoor village on hearing this information, they had fled to Amboori.

The inhabitants of Amboori, which was then a densely forested area, were only tribals.This cave, Dravyappara, was chosen by the tribals to safely hide Marthanda Varma, who escaped from the attack of the Pillas in eight houses. The 72 stone steps seen here are hastily built steps for this purpose. It is said that some stone inscriptions, which are remnants of ancient times, are also left on the rocks here.

Amboori is well-known for its high-yielding rubber plantations; the region also grows coconut, pepper, herbs, and medicinal plants. Amboori has a plantation of sacred Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus sphaericus) trees. Adjoining Amboori is the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary that is separated from the populated area by the catchment area of Neyyar Reservoir.

Amboori is situated in the southern tip of the western ghats, surrounded by hills, and is near Kattakkada. The state of Tamil Nadu is located south-east of Amboori. It is surrounded by the gram panchayats of Vellarada, Aryancode, and Kallikkadu in the south, south-west, and west, respectively. The densely covered forest Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is in the eastern part.