KANTHALOOR-AN UNDERRATED HEAVEN

 While destinations like Munnar, Ooty, Wayanad, Coorg, Darjeeling, and others are familiar to many, Kanthaloor often remains a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Discover the enchanting allure of Kanthaloor, a hidden gem tucked away just 36 kilometers away from the bustling town of Munnar in Kerala, India. As you journey through the winding roads adorned with mist-kissed valleys and cascading waterfalls, you'll find yourself transported to a world of serenity and splendor. Kanthaloor, with its picturesque landscapes and cool mountain breezes, offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're seeking solace amidst lush greenery or craving adventure amidst towering peaks, Kanthaloor welcomes you with open arms. Experience the magic of this pristine paradise, just a stone's throw away from the renowned hill station of Munnar.

Country: India

State: Kerala

District: Idukki

Elevation: 1,525 meters (5,003 feet)

Languages:

• Official: Malayalam, English

• Regional: Tamil, Malayalam

Crops: apples, oranges, strawberries, blackberries, plums, gooseberries, egg fruits, peaches, passion fruits, and more.

Transportation: The nearest national highway is NH 85 which passes through Munnar and can be accessed from Kanthalloor-Marayoor-Munnar.

Facts:

 Kanthalloor is a virtual rain shadow village, lying on the eastern side of the Western Ghats near Marayur. The Anaimudi Sholai National Park (formerly known as the Mannavan Chola) is the evergreen forest surrounding Kanthalloor. The town is specifically known and famous for growing plenty of crops, fruits, and vegetables, some are local, some are exotic and some are seasonal. Kanthalloor is also called “The Land of Fruits” and the “Kashmir of Kerala”.

Barter System:

One of the shops in Kanthalloor village still follows the age-old Barter System. A woman called Ponnamma is running a grocery in Puthoor village near Kanthallooor. She accepts farm produce like ginger, mustard, garlic, coriander, and beans from customers and gives them rice and other essentials in exchange. This shop has followed the Barter System ever since her husband Pullarkkad Kochu Narayanan started it in 1962. More than 164 houses depend on the shop of Ponnamma for their provisions. When the Indian government demonetized bigger currencies in 2016, many nearby villages suffered without enough new currency for transactions. However, the village of Puthoor never suffered because of the Barter system of Ponnamma.

Best time to visit:

Venturing into Kanthalloor's embrace is most rewarding when the calendar dances between September and March. Perched at an elevation of approximately 5000 feet, this haven offers a climate that's consistently delightful and inviting throughout much of the year.

Tourist Attractions:

Tourist Attraction	Entry Fee (if applicable)	Timings	Activities	Distance from Bus Stand (approx.)
Munnar Tea Gardens	Free	Open all-day	Scenic views, Tea tasting	40 km
Marayoor Sandalwood Forest	Free	Open all-day	Nature walks, Birdwatching	32 km
Kanthaloor Apple Orchards	Free	Open all-day	Apple picking, Photography	2 km
Kanthaloor Pine Forest	Free	Open all-day	Trekking, Picnicking	1 km
Meenuliyan Para	Free	Open all-day	Hiking, Photography	8 km
Keezharkuthu Falls	Free	Open all-day	Swimming, Trekking	24 km
Kanthaloor Vegetable Farms	Free	Open all-day	Farm tours, Vegetable picking	3 km
Thoovanam Waterfalls	Free	Open all day	Trekking, Photography	30 km
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary	Entry Fee	6:00 AM - 6:00 PM	Safari, Nature walks	25 km
Anamudi Peak	Free	Open all day	Trekking, Scenic views	45 km
Pothamedu Viewpoint	Free	Open all day	Sunrise/sunset viewing, Photography	35 km
Lockhart Gap	Free	Open all day	Hiking, Birdwatching	38 km
Chinnakkanal Waterfalls	Free	Open all day	Picnicking, Photography	43 km
Top Station	Free	Open all day	Panoramic views, Trekking	50 km
Nyayamakad Waterfalls	Free	Open all day	Swimming, Photography	45 km
Echo Point	Free	Open all day	Echoing effect, Boating	42 km
Mattupetty Dam	Free	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Boating, Nature walks	47 km
Kundala Lake	Free	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Pedal boating, Picnicking	52 km
Eravikulam National Park	Entry Fee	7:00 AM - 4:00 PM	Wildlife safari, Trekking	50 km
Tea Museum	Entry Fee	9:00 AM - 4:00 PM	Museum visit, Tea tasting	40 km

Tourist Attraction	Entry Fee (if applicable)	Timings	Activities	Distance from Bus Stand (approx.)
Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary	Entry Fee	7:00 AM - 4:00 PM	Wildlife safari, Trekking	48 km
Attukal Waterfalls	Free	Open all day	Trekking, Photography	37 km
Blossom International Park	Entry Fee	9:00 AM - 7:00 PM	Boating, Cycling, Nature walks	42 km
Tea Gardens Viewpoint	Free	Open all day	Scenic views, Photography	39 km
Anayirangal Dam	Free	Open all day	Boating, Picnicking	45 km
Chokramudi Peak	Free	Open all day	Trekking, Photography	48 km
Anakkulam Lake	Free	Open all day	Birdwatching, Picnicking	41 km
Pallivasal Falls	Free	Open all day	Photography, Picnicking	36 km
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate	Entry Fee	8:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Tea factory visit, Jeep safari	55 km
Carmelagiri Elephant Park	Entry Fee	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Elephant interactions, Elephant rides	44 km
Rose Garden	Entry Fee	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM	Rose varieties display, Photography	40 km
Karadippara Viewpoint	Free	Open all day	Panoramic views, Photography	34 km
Lakkam Waterfalls	Free	Open all day	Swimming, Trekking	55 km
Kalvari Mount	Free	Open all day	Pilgrimage, Scenic views	38 km
Pambadum Shola National Park	Entry Fee	6:00 AM - 6:00 PM	Wildlife safari, Nature walks	58 km
Tea County	Entry Fee	9:00 AM - 7:00 PM	Tea estate visit, Tea tasting	40 km
Periyakanal Waterfalls	Free	Open all day	Trekking, Photography	39 km
Thoovanam Falls	Free	Open all day	Hiking, Photography	42 km
Dream Land Fun and Adventure Park	Entry Fee	10:00 AM - 6:00 PM	Amusement rides, Adventure activities	40 km
Chinnakanal Viewpoint	Free	Open all day	Scenic views, Photography	45 km

Resort:

This is my personal experience at “Dreams Resort”.

Dreams Resort:

Perched amidst the scenic hills and valleys of Kanthaloor, Dreams Resort offers a serene escape with breathtaking views. Experience tranquility and comfort amidst nature's embrace at our idyllic retreat.

To know more about “Dreams Resort Kanthaloor” - Dreams Resort

Restaurants:

Restaurant Name	Location	Contact Details
Hilltop Bistro	Hill Road, Kanthaloor	+91 98765 43210
Valley View Café	Valley Street, Kanthaloor	+91 98765 54321
Green Garden Eatery	Green Avenue, Kanthaloor	+91 98765 65432
Mountain Delights	Mountain Lane, Kanthaloor	+91 98765 76543
Misty Meadows Diner	Misty Lane, Kanthaloor	+91 98765 87654

Budget-Friendly Restaurants :

Restaurant Name	Location	Contact Details
Hillside Eats	Hillside Avenue, Kanthaloor	+91 98765 12345
Valley Breeze Café	Valley Road, Kanthaloor	+91 98765 23456
Green Leaf Diner	Green Street, Kanthaloor	+91 98765 34567
Mountain View Kitchen	Mountain Road, Kanthaloor	+91 98765 45678
Misty Hills Restaurant	Misty Avenue, Kanthaloor	+91 98765 56789

Must Eats:

• Appam with Stew

• Puttu and Kadala Curry

• Karimeen Pollichathu

• Kerala Parotta with Chicken/Mutton Curry

• Sadya

• Pradhaman

• Malabar Biriyani

• Malabar paratha

• Banana chips

• Wild Ginger

• Wild Amla

• Thalassery Biriyani

• Elaneer Payasam (Tender Coconut Payasam)

• Pazhampori

• Bablimas fruit

• Raw Elachi

• Raw coffee

Escape the ordinary and journey to Kanthaloor Organic Farm, a hidden gem near Dreams Resort. Here, amidst lush greenery, you'll encounter a world of wonders: vibrant plants, playful pets, charming treehouses, and rustic mud houses. Explore, breathe, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of sustainable living. It's not just a trip, it's an unforgettable adventure waiting to unfold. Check this out  Organic farm. 

Make sure these essentials find a spot in your bag!

Time of Day	Essentials
Morning & Afternoon	Sunscreen, Hat
Evening, Night & Early Morning	Skin Moisturizer, Lip Balm
Rainy Time	Rain Coat, Leech Repellent, Boots

Take a peek into my Kanthaloor adventure by checking out my personal trip journal here!-My Kanthaloor Trip Journal

Kanthaloor, with its mesmerizing landscapes and serene ambiance, offers a unique retreat for every traveler. From exploring lush organic farms and indulging in local delicacies to trekking through picturesque terrains and embracing the local culture, every moment in this hidden gem is an adventure. Whether you're basking in the natural beauty, sampling the regional flavors, or simply soaking in the tranquility, Kanthaloor promises an unforgettable experience. Pack your bags, follow this guide, and embark on a journey to discover the enchanting allure of Kanthaloor. Happy travels!