Sandalwood forest, Maraiyoor, Kerala India

Marayoor is the only place in Kerala with a natural growth of sandalwood trees. The sandalwood factory run by the Forest Department is of tourist interest. A reduced amount of rainfall is ideally suited for the abundant growth of the best sandalwood trees in the country. Sandalwood oil is extracted from the roots and wood of sandalwood (Santalum album)trees. The sandalwood oil otherwise called the "liquid gold" is a popular perfume, especially among the elite.