Kanthalur, a quaint village nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is often referred to as the “Ooty of Kerala” for its pleasant climate, breathtaking landscapes, and untouched natural beauty. Located in the Idukki district, near the Tamil Nadu border, this high-altitude gem remains relatively unexplored by mainstream tourists, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, and offbeat travelers.
📍 Geographical Location
Kanthalur is located at an elevation of about 5,500 feet (1,676 meters) above sea level, approximately 49 km from Munnar and 7 km from Marayoor. The village lies close to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and shares its borders with Tamil Nadu’s Devikulam and Kodaikanal regions.
🌤️ Climate and Best Time to Visit
Thanks to its altitude, Kanthalur enjoys a cool and misty climate throughout the year. The best time to visit is from September to May, when the skies are clear, and the landscape is vibrant with blooming flowers, lush forests, and active waterfalls.
🍎 Famous For – Fruits and Farms
Kanthalur is known as Kerala’s only apple farming village. Unlike other regions in the state, Kanthalur has the ideal climate for growing apples, pears, strawberries, plums, peaches, and even passion fruit. Some of the unique highlights include:
- ✅ Apple orchards (ripening from July to September)
- ✅ Terrace farming of vegetables
- ✅ Strawberry and plum farms open for tourist visits
This region is often compared with Himachal Pradesh for its cold weather crops.
🌳 Major Attractions in and Around Kanthalur
1. Kundala Valley and Hills
The undulating hills and tea gardens of Kundala offer scenic views and are great for trekking and photography.
2. Pine Forests of Kanthalur
One of the rare pine forests in Kerala, offering a mystical and serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation and nature walks.
3. Keezhanthoor Village
Just a few kilometers from Kanthalur, Keezhanthoor is famous for apple cultivation and organic farming practices.
4. Anaimudi Shola National Park
A biodiversity hotspot that forms part of the Western Ghats UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to rare flora and fauna including the Nilgiri Tahr and Indian Gaur.
5. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located nearby, this dry deciduous forest is home to elephants, leopards, langurs, and the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India.
🛤️ How to Reach Kanthalur
- By Road: Well-connected via road from Munnar (49 km), Marayoor (7 km), and Udumalpet in Tamil Nadu. Private taxis and KSRTC buses are available.
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Aluva (180 km).
- By Air: Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (160 km).
🏡 Accommodation Options
Though Kanthalur is not commercialized, there are homestays and eco-resorts available:
- Apple Valley Eco Resort
- Clouds Valley Homestay
- Misty Mountain Farmstays
These offer immersive village life experiences including campfires, trekking, and fruit picking.
🍛 Local Cuisine
The cuisine here is a fusion of Kerala and Tamil Nadu flavors, with specialties such as:
- Bamboo rice dishes
- Traditional Kerala Sadya
- Organic fruit-based desserts
- Herbal teas made from locally grown plants
🧘♂️ Offbeat Experiences
- ✅ Agro-tourism visits to apple and strawberry farms
- ✅ Tribal village tours
- ✅ Nature camping under star-lit skies
- ✅ Ayurvedic rejuvenation using herbs native to the Western Ghats
⚠️ Travel Tips
- Carry warm clothing, even during summer.
- Avoid monsoon season (June to August) due to landslides and slippery roads.
- Respect the local tribal communities and protected forest zones.
- Book accommodations in advance during peak seasons.
🧭 Why Visit Kanthalur?
If you’re looking for a peaceful, unspoiled, and culturally rich mountain destination, Kanthalur is the ideal choice. Far from the crowd of Munnar or Kodaikanal, it offers a quiet retreat into nature’s raw and authentic form, with a touch of organic living, tribal culture, and eco-conscious tourism.