Kanthalloor is located in the Idukki district of Kerala. This silent hill station is 57 km from Munnar, a most sought after hill station in Kerala. Kanthalloor has all the right ingredients to give one a blissful holiday – charming hills, mesmerizing waterfalls, picturesque tea estates, etc. Kanthalloor is situated on the eastern side of the Western Ghats on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, between Munnar and Udamalpet. It is at an altitude of about 5000 feet above sea level.
Being elevated, Kanthalloor is blessed with cool climatic conditions. This is favourable for the natural farming of many fruits like apple, blackberry, orange, plums, strawberry, passion fruit, etc. Cauliflower, carrot, potato, garlic, cabbage and beans are vegetables that grow in plenty. Thus, Kanthalloor is well-known for crops that cannot be seen widely in other parts of Kerala.
Step Farming in Kanthalloor
Another reason for which Kanthalloor is famous for is step farming. Step farming is also known as terrace farming. In this type of cultivation, the hill slopes are cut into a series of receding steps and made suitable for cultivation. This kind of terraced agriculture is usually practiced on hilly or mountainous terrains.
Terraced fields tend to decrease both soil erosion and surface runoff. Soil erosion is the process of wearing away of the field’s top soil by the natural agents like wind and water. Surface runoff refers to water that flows through land due to its excess amount, due factors like rains.
Kanthalloor is untouched by commercial tourism. Therefore, one can enjoy unspoiled beauty of nature. Kanthalloor has many famous attractions nearby. Some of them are Marayoor, Kundala, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Keezhanthoor waterfalls and the cave temple of Sri Rama.