Apples, Mist and Magic: Discover Kanthalloor, the Enchanting ‘Kashmir of Kerala’

Where apples grow in Kerala and barter still thrives — welcome to Kanthalloor, the misty hill station locals call the ‘Kashmir of Kerala’. (Image: Kerala Tourism)

If Kerala had a secret tucked high in the hills, it would be Kanthalloor — a misty village near Munnar that feels like stepping into another time. Often called the ‘Kashmir of Kerala’, this little-known hill station is where rolling orchards replace tea gardens, barter still thrives, and the air smells faintly of sandalwood. In winter, when the mornings are crisp and the hills are shrouded in mist, Kanthalloor transforms into one of South India’s most enchanting getaways.

A Slice of Kashmir in God’s Own Country

Tucked away in the Idukki district, about 50 km from Munnar, Kanthalloor sits 5,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by the majestic Western Ghats. Its unique microclimate makes it the only place in Kerala where apples are cultivated commercially.

Rows of apple, plum, peach, and orange trees stretch across the hills, painting the landscape in soft greens and reds — an unexpected sight in tropical Kerala. When the harvest season begins, you can even go fruit-picking or sip fresh juice made from orchard-fresh produce.

Where Time Stands Still — The Barter Shop of Kanthalloor

In Kanthalloor, time slows down — sometimes by more than half a century. Since 1962, a small village store has been running entirely on the barter system. Locals bring produce like ginger, garlic, mustard, or beans and exchange them for rice or household essentials. More than 160 families still rely on this humble shop, a living museum of community spirit and simplicity.
For travellers, it’s a rare chance to witness an age-old economic practice that predates money — a true time capsule in modern Kerala.

(Image: Incredible India)

The Hills Turn Blue Once Every Twelve Years

Every twelve years, Kanthalloor experiences a phenomenon that feels straight out of a fairytale. The Neelakurinji flowers — a rare species that blooms once in twelve years — transform the valley into a stunning carpet of violet-blue.

The last bloom was in 2018, and the next one is expected in 2030, drawing botanists, photographers, and dreamers from across the world.

Long before calendars, local tribal communities used these blooms to mark time — each flowering season meant another twelve years of life.

Sandalwood Forests and the Fragrance of ‘Liquid Gold’

Kanthalloor and its neighbouring village Marayoor are the only places in Kerala where sandalwood trees grow naturally. The forests here are protected, and their earthy, woody fragrance hangs in the air like nature’s own perfume.

The Forest Department’s sandalwood oil factory produces what locals lovingly call ‘liquid gold’ — a precious extract valued for its aroma, medicinal uses, and cultural significance. Exploring these forests feels like wandering through a living fragrance museum.

Walk Through 5,000 Years of History

Just 55 kilometres from Munnar lie the Muniyara Dolmens, massive stone burial chambers dating back to 3000 BC. Believed to have been built during the Neolithic period, these megalithic structures offer a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric human life. Archaeologists from around the world visit to study the dolmens, while travellers come to feel the eerie stillness of a site where history whispers through every stone.

Nature Trails, Waterfalls, and Forest Adventures

Kanthalloor is perfect for those who prefer quiet, sustainable tourism. Its organic farms, wildflower valleys, and peaceful orchards invite slow exploration. Take a walk through orange groves, chase waterfalls like Kanthalloor Waterfalls and Irachil Paarai Falls, or hike through the Anamudi Shola National Park — home to rare flora, birds, and butterflies.

Nearby, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a peek into Kerala’s wild heart, with 960 plant species, spotted deer, and even the endangered grizzled giant squirrel. For a spiritual pause, visit the Cure Monastery, surrounded by sandalwood trees and meditative silence.

Top Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

• Fruit Picking at Kanthalloor Farms – Apples, strawberries, and passion fruit fresh from the orchards.
• Othamalai Off-Roading – A thrilling drive through rugged hill terrain.
• Lemon Grass Viewpoint – Also known as Bhramaram Shooting Spot, offering sweeping views of the valley.
• Anakotapara Park & Murugan Paarai – Ideal for serene walks and photography.
• Visit the Local Jaggery Factory – To see traditional sugarcane processing in action.

The best time to visit is from September to March, when the air turns crisp and the hills shimmer in winter sunlight. December and January are particularly magical — temperatures drop sharply, and on rare mornings, you might even wake up to frost-dusted fields that look almost like snow.

Kanthalloor (Image: Kerala Tourism)

Getting There

• Nearest major town: Munnar (50 km)
• By Road: The most convenient way is to drive or hire a cab from Munnar, Coimbatore (120 km), or Kochi (160 km).
• By Train/Bus: The nearest major junction is Udumalpet, from where you can take a bus or shared jeep to Marayoor, and then continue to Kanthalloor.

Stay and Eat

Accommodation options are modest but charming — think homestays, farm cottages, and eco-lodges with misty morning views. The food is simple and delicious, with farm-fresh vegetables, local curries, and hearty breakfasts. Don’t forget to taste the region’s fresh honey and homemade jams.

Why Kanthalloor Should Be Your Next Winter Escape

If you’ve already explored Munnar, Ooty, or Kodaikanal, Kanthalloor will feel refreshingly new. It’s quieter, cleaner, and still untouched by commercial tourism. Here, you can watch the clouds roll across apple orchards, barter for essentials, or just sit still long enough to hear the hills breathe.

In every sense, Kanthalloor is not just a destination — it’s a reminder of a slower, simpler Kerala.