Kanthalloor

Malayalam is the most widely spoken language in Kanthalloor. Tamil is also well understood, owing to its proximity to Tamil Nadu. One can expect to find a mix of cultures because of the different types of settlements in the area. Onam is the most important festival celebrated in Kanthalloor, followed by Christmas and Easter. All festivals are celebrated with utmost pomp and zeal. The local cuisine is known for its generous use of coconuts and rice. The food prepared over here is usually fresh and extremely healthy as they use the vegetables and spices grown on their farms.

Kanthalloor offers plenty of lesser-explored attractions that are unique and captivating.
The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area full of diverse ecosystems and rich cultural heritage. It boasts of a healthy population of a wide range of flora and fauna and is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

1. The Kanthalloor Farms are another unique attraction. You can spot rarely seen fruits and vegetables on these farms along with apple, orange, peach, custard apple, plum, strawberry, fig, lemon, guava, lime, kiwi, passion fruit and many more.

2. The Anamudi Shola National Park is another protected area located near Kanthalloor. It is being considered for the title of a World Heritage Site and is frequented by nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

3. Mannavan Shola Forest is the most significant section of Shola forest in Kerala. Travellers often plan treks through this unique ecosystem.

4. Cure Monastery is an offbeat destination that offers to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. It is an Ayurvedic centre located far from the busy city life and is surrounded by sandalwood trees. The monastery offers a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments and services to its visitors.

5. Kurinjimala Sanctuary is another popular tourist attraction in the vicinity of Kanthalloor. It is also a place of great geographical, ecological and faunal significance. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary is the natural habitat of the Neela Kurinji flower which blooms once in 12 years.
Other major tourist attractions in Kanthalloor include Kulachivayal Rocks, Patisserie Dam and Sandalwood Forest.

Ponnamma, a resident of the Kanthalloor village, follows the age-old barter system to this date. She runs a grocery store very near to Kanthalloor and accepts farm produce in return for payment. Her husband is said to have started this small grocery store in 1962, and they have followed the barter system since. More than 150 houses in this vicinity are still dependent on Ponnamma’s shop for their essentials. They offer her farm produces like ginger, mustard, coriander and garlic in return for the provisions. The surrounding villages were adversely affected during the demonetisation, but Kanthalloor did not face any suffering because of Ponnamma’s barter system.

Kanthalloor is situated at a distance of 48 km from Munnar and 84 km from Idukki. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport at a distance of 155 km. Aluva Railway Station, at a distance of 160 km, is the closest major railway station to Kanthalloor. Travellers can either opt for public transport or hire a private taxi to reach Kanthalloor from Kochi or Aluva. The village is very well connected by road, making it easily accessible. There are plenty of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation function buses that connect Kanthalloor to other major towns and cities in Kerala.