If you are planning to travel in winter then ‘Kashmir of Kerala’ is the best location, you will not feel like returning after seeing the beautiful views of winter.

If you think you have seen every beautiful corner of Kerala, then you might not know about Kanthalur. Yes, away from the hustle and bustle of Munnar, this tranquil and charming village is no less than a hidden gem. Located at a short distance from Munnar, this high altitude village is the perfect place to visit in winter. The fresh mountain air, fruit laden gardens, lush green mountains and peace will captivate your heart. The most special thing about this place is that it is the only place in the whole of Kerala where apples are grown. That is why Kanthalur is also called ‘Kashmir of Kerala’.

Barter system still exists here
A glimpse of the old days is still visible in Kanthalur. There is a unique shop here which has been running on barter system since 1962. Yes, this is not a story, but a reality. Locals bring their farm produce like ginger, garlic, mustard, coriander or beans and exchange them for rice or other household essentials. Around 160 families depend on this shop, making it one of the oldest and heart-warming traditions of Kerala.

When the mountains are covered with blue sheets
Kanthalur also offers a rare natural wonder. Every 12 years, the mountains here turn completely blue when Neelakurinji flowers bloom. This view is so amazing that tourists come from all over the world to see it. These flowers last bloomed in 2018, so if you missed it, start planning for 2030. An interesting thing is that the local tribal community here used to calculate their age based on the season of blooming of these flowers; One blooming season was considered equivalent to 12 years of age. Sandalwood trees grow naturally here
Kanthalur and its neighboring area, Marayoor, are the only places in Kerala where sandalwood trees grow naturally. The government protects these sacred forests, where the air is filled with sweet scents and earthy smells. Locals call sandalwood oil “liquid gold”. When you see the shiny bottles of oil in a forest department factory, you will understand why it has been given this name.

Places to visit in Kanthalur
There is a lot to see and do in Kanthalur:

Fruit Orchards and Farms: If you love greenery, this village is for you. There are several organic farms where you can enjoy picking apples or strawberries, stroll through orange groves, or watch the fog roll in while sipping fresh juice.
Muniyara Dolmens: Located about 55 kilometers from Munnar, these huge stone tombs date back to the Neolithic period, making them around 3000 BC. This is a great place for history lovers.
Adventure and Wildlife: Adventure lovers can trek to the waterfalls hidden in the forests here. Additionally, you can experience wildlife at the nearby Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary or Anamudi Shola National Park.
Kure Monastery: Surrounded by sandalwood trees and peace, do include this monastery in your itinerary.

When to visit Kanthalur?
The best time to visit Kanthalur is between September to March. During this time, the air is cool, and the weather provides a pleasant respite from the heat of South India.