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Kanthalloor is a hidden gem nestled in the Western Ghats of India at an altitude of 5000 feet above sea level. This village surrounded by lush greenery offers breathtaking vistas. From exploring the wilderness to indulging in the locally available natural resources, there are plenty of things to do in Kanthalloor for all kinds of travellers. It is a perfect destination for those seeking peace and tranquillity. The pleasant weather and diverse flora and fauna of Kanthalloor village make it a must-visit destination for avid nature lovers.
10 Things To Do In Kanthalloor
Here is a list of the best things to do in Kanthalloor that will make your visit to this quaint abode memorable.
1. Explore The Kanthalloor Apple Orchards
Photo: Skylar Zilka / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kanthalloor is often referred to as the ‘Apple Valley of Kerala’ due to its climate, which is conducive to cultivating a variety of fruits, including apples. A visit to these apple orchards is a delightful experience, especially during the harvesting season, which typically occurs between August and November. Visitors can walk through the orchards, interact with the farmers, and even pluck fresh apples right from the trees.
Location: Within the Kanthalloor village
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2. Soak In The Tranquillity At The Irachilpara Waterfalls
Photo: June Admiraal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Irachilpara Waterfalls, also spelled ‘Erachilpara Waterfalls’, are located at Kovilkadavu on the route to Kanthalloor from Marayoor. These waterfalls cascade from an impressive height of about 300 metres and are considered the largest waterfalls in Munnar. The gushing waters leave the visitors admiring it in wonder, and the fresh vibe of the place relaxes your mind and rejuvenates your spirits. As these are seasonal falls that emerge from the rainwater cascading down the Chinnamudi Hills the best time to visit this waterfall is during the monsoon season when the falls are in full flow.
Distance: 11 km from Kanthalloor
3. Experience The Eco-Tourism Of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
A must-visit for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, this 90 sq. km sanctuary protects leopards, elephants, gaurs, grizzled giant squirrels and the endangered Nilgiri tahrs. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its dry and thorny scrub forests. It also provides the opportunity to see over 225 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers. This sanctuary can be explored by a three-hour trek with tribal guides who belong to the two tribal groups that live there. Treehouse, mud hut and log house accommodations are available in the sanctuary.
Location: 22 km from Kanthalloor
Cost/Person: ₹10 as entry fee, ₹20 for ecotourism cultural visits to tribal villages
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4. Explore The Marayoor Sandalwood Forests
Photo: Jesse Gardner / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kanthalloor is in close proximity to Marayoor, which is famous for its sandalwood forests. With more than 57,000 sandalwood trees valued at ₹3,000 crores, the Marayoor reserve is one of India’s most valuable forest patches. The forests are managed by the Kerala Forest Department and visitors can opt for a guided tour of the reserve. This place also houses a sandalwood depot and a museum, where you can learn more about the history, uses, cultivation, harvesting, and processing of sandalwood.
Distance: 15 km from Kanthalloor
5. Visit The Megalithic Dolmens Of Marayoor
Photo: RAJENDRAN T M / Wikimedia Commons
In addition to the sandalwood trees, Marayoor also has many waterfalls, caves, ancient dolmens and rock paintings dating back to the Stone Age. The dolmens are locally known as ‘Muniyaras’, which roughly translates into rooms where munis (sages) meditated and eventually took ‘samadhi’. They are stone tombs from the megalithic period and are made of large stone slabs organised into impromptu chambers for the burial site. They provide valuable insights into the prehistoric era, and exploring these archaeological sites is a fascinating experience for history buffs.
Distance: 10 km from Kanthalloor
Suggested Read: Jain Temples In Kerala
6. Wander Through The Anamudi Shola National Park
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
This protected area is located along the Western Ghats at an elevation ranging from 2,152 metres to 2,305 metres. It is a part of the Anamalai sub-cluster of the Western Ghats and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering a total area of around 750 hectares, Anamudi Shola National Park provides a safe habitat to a rich range of wild flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, Nilgiri tahr, gaur, and the grizzled giant squirrel. The park is also an excellent spot for bird watching due to the numerous species of birds inhabiting the area.
Location: 5 km from Kanthalloor
Cost/Person: ₹125 for adults, ₹95 for children
7. Hike To The Bhramaram Viewpoint
Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons
Another highlight of Kanthalloor is the Bhramaram or Kanthalloor viewpoint. This large rock overlooking the valley below offers scenic views. It is an ideal spot for photographers as you can capture breathtaking vistas from here. The viewpoint became famous, especially after the movie ‘Bhramaram’. A small farm runs right near the viewpoint where you can buy fresh products from the forest- like wild honey, guavas, amla, and lemongrass oil. The farm also has a treehouse where you can spend time looking at the stunning scenery.
Distance: 2 km from Kanthalloor
Cost/Person: ₹50 for jeep rides to the point, ₹20 as entrance fee to the farm
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8. Enjoy The Scenic Beauty Of Thoovanam Waterfalls
Photo: VasuVR / Wikimedia Commons
A secluded gem, Thoovanam Waterfalls can be reached only through a 4 km long trek amidst dense forests. Nestled inside the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, this waterfall emerges from the Pambar River and cascades gracefully from a height of 84 feet. The area around the waterfalls is perfect for a picnic or a refreshing dip in the cool, crystal-clear waters. It is a safer idea to opt for a guide to help you with the route and provide information about the flora and fauna around the waterfall.
Distance: 17 km from Kanthalloor
Cost/Person: A guided trek costs ₹200 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners
9. Watch Marayoor Jaggery Making
Photo: Mullookkaaran / Wikimedia Commons
Organically prepared jaggery is another popular item that Kanthalloor is famous for. It is not made in factories using modern equipment but rather in quite a humble set-up using traditional methods. The jaggery production takes place in makeshift sheds with a thatched roof on the sugarcane farms. First, the sugar cane juice is boiled in huge cauldrons and then condensed into jaggery balls. One of the best dishes that is prepared by using this ‘Sarkara’ is ‘Marayoor Sarkara Payasam’, which is served in some famous Kerala temples.
Distance: 5 km from Kanthalloor
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10. Trek To The Kurinjimala Sanctuary
Photo: Aruna Radhakrishnan / Wikimedia Commons
It is a blue flower that grows at an altitude of 1,300 to 2,400 metres and blooms roughly once every 12 years. To promote awareness about the Neelakurinji shrubs, the Kerala Forest Department organises the Neelakurinji Festival every year in October. The blooming of this enigmatic blue flower in the year 2006 drew nearly 1,000,000 visitors to Munnar and neighbouring places.
Distance: 6-hour trek from Kanthalloor
Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, a wildlife enthusiast or someone seeking tranquillity, Kanthalloor is the perfect destination for you. This idyllic spot has something to offer to every type of traveller. TripXL is here to guide you through all the amazing things to do in Kanthalloor for an unforgettable trip. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this quaint village.
Cover Photo: Deepa Chandran2014 / Wikimedia Commons
