Why Kanthalloor?

About Kanthalloor, Kerala

Kanthalloor is a picturesque village located in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki District, Kerala. Situated in the high ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of approximately 1,400 metres above mean sea level, Kanthalloor enjoys a unique microclimate that sets it apart from the rest of Kerala.

Unlike much of Kerala which experiences a tropical climate, Kanthalloor’s altitude gives it a temperate feel — cool, misty mornings, refreshing afternoons, and crisp starlit nights. This climate, more reminiscent of Himachal Pradesh than South India, has made Kanthalloor famous for something extraordinary: apple cultivation.

Apple Cultivation in Kanthalloor

Kanthalloor is one of very few places in South India where apples grow. The Royal Gala and Anna varieties thrive in the cool highland air. Farmers here have successfully cultivated apples for decades, creating a cottage industry that draws visitors, researchers, and agricultural enthusiasts from across India.

The apple orchards typically bloom between April and June, and the harvest season runs from September through November. Visiting during harvest season allows tourists to pick apples directly from the trees — an experience that feels almost surreal in the context of Kerala.

Strawberry Farms and Other Produce

Alongside apples, Kanthalloor is known for its strawberry cultivation between December and February. Roadside strawberry stalls are a beloved part of the journey to Kanthalloor. The village also produces peaches, plums, pears, and a range of highland vegetables including cabbage, carrots, and beetroot — much of which supplies the broader Kerala market.

Kanthalloor vs Munnar: What’s the Difference?

Both Kanthalloor and Munnar sit in the Idukki District at high altitude, and both offer spectacular mountain scenery. But the experience is fundamentally different. Munnar receives millions of tourists annually and has a well-developed tourism infrastructure with hotels, resorts, and commercial attractions. Kanthalloor, by contrast, has far fewer visitors and retains its authentic village character.

For travellers who want the beauty of the Kerala highlands without the crowds, traffic, and commercialisation, Kanthalloor is the clear choice. It is quieter, more personal, and offers a more genuine connection to mountain life.

Family Travel and Weekend Getaways

Kanthalloor is ideal for family travel and weekend getaways from cities like Kochi, Coimbatore, and Madurai. The cool climate, safe environment, and farm-based activities make it particularly suitable for families with children. Nature walks, farm visits, and bonfire evenings provide wholesome experiences that screens simply cannot replicate.

For city dwellers, Kanthalloor offers a genuine digital detox — mountains, orchards, clean air, and the kind of silence you didn’t know you were missing.