Do not pay for the goods, barter instead
This unique ancient way of Kanthalloor will surely captivate you. One of the shops in Kanthalloor village still follows the age-old barter system. This shop accepts farm produce like ginger, mustard, garlic, coriander and beans from customers and in turn, gives them rice and other essentials. Since 1962, the shop has been bartering the goods. More than 164 houses are dependent on this shop for their provisions. You will have this unique opportunity to travel back in time and dwell deeper into the basics of demand and supply of goods.
Flowers that bloom once in 12 years
A rare natural phenomenon occurs in Kanthalloor every 12 years.The valleys of the village transform into breathtaking shades of blue. The blue colour actually comes from the Neelgiri flowers that bloom once every twelve years. You will find that these uncommon blue-purple flowers adorn the hillsides, forming a truly awe-inspiring rows of visual display. The majestic site is visited by people from all around the globe. The second-to-last recorded bloom occurred in 2006, while the most recent bloom took place in 2018. The upcoming bloom is anticipated to happen in 2030.
For certain tribal communities, who were the initial inhabitants of the region, the blossoming of Nilgiris aided in determining their personal age. Each time the plant bloomed, an additional 12 years were added to their age.
Kerala’s only place for ‘Liquid Gold’
Kanthalloor and its surroundings, including the village of Marayoor, is the sole location where sandalwood trees naturally thrive. The sandalwood forests are protected by the State Government, which spans across vast areas. A factory operated by the Forest Department produces oil and various commodities derived from the sandalwood trees. Many tourists throng to these forests due to their exclusive sandalwood trees and natural beauty. The sandalwood tree holds great importance in the spiritual, religious, and traditional medicinal practices of the state. The precious sandalwood oil extracted from the roots and wood is often referred to as 'liquid gold.'
Memoirs of neolithic period
The Muniyara Dolmens are a collection of remarkable prehistoric megalithic structures situated in close proximity to Kanthalloor village, approximately 55 kilometres away from Munnar. The above ground burial chambers, which can be traced back to the neolithic period, which dates from 3000 BC to 14000 BC, are constructed using large stone slabs, hence earning the name megaliths. These ancient granite slabs have captured the attention of historians worldwide, drawing the interest of anthropologists and archaeologists to this captivating location. You have the opportunity to explore the ruins of Dolmenoid cists from the ancient Megalithic era, thereby discovering an intriguing chapter of history right in the midst of Kanthalloor hamlet.
A biodiverse haven for eco-tourism enthusiasts
Kanthalloor invites eco-tourists with its abundant and vibrant natural scenery. You will find that this picturesque village possesses a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare orchids, colourful butterflies, and numerous bird species residing in their untouched environments. Explore the organic fruit orchards and selectively harvest apples, oranges, and strawberries while gaining knowledge about sustainable farming practices. You can embark on treks that wind through dense forests and lead to cascading waterfalls, while nearby Munnar and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary offer further opportunities to explore pristine landscapes and encounter indigenous wildlife.
Natural treasures and serene retreats
Kanthalloor offers a plethora of captivating attractions that you can choose to explore. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise, with a diverse range of birdlife that includes local, exotic, and migratory species, as well as an array of water life and fluttering butterflies. The refuge is a botany enthusiast's heaven, with roughly 963 plant species encompassing marshes, deciduous forests, shrubs, and cactus. Meanwhile, the calm Kanthalloor Farms offer a tranquil escape amidst nature's grandeur, where birdwatchers may enjoy the feathered wonders and nature enthusiasts can marvel at the aquatic life and lush vegetation, which add to the attractive scenery.
Nature lovers might also try visiting the Anamudi Shola National Park, a nature wonderland with a diverse range of animal and bird species. This park, which includes Mannavan Shola, Idivara Shola, and Pullardi Shola, also has exhilarating woodland paths for experienced hikers. Those looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience can visit the Cure Monastery, which is bordered by sandalwood trees that fill the air with a soothing perfume. An ayurvedic centre offers possibilities to restore the body, mind, and spirit, while saunas, massage parlours, and apartments with garden views assure a tranquil getaway.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kanthalloor is between the months of September and March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Since the village is located about 5000 feet above sea level, the weather is relatively pleasant for the majority of the year.
