by Kanthalloor Homestay | Jul 22, 2024 | Kanthalloor Blog
Kanthalloor’s apple orchards are a captivating sight, drawing visitors from far and wide.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Apple Varieties: The orchards in Kanthalloor cultivate various apple varieties, including Royal Delicious, Granny Smith, and Granny Gold. Each type has its unique flavor profile and texture.
2. Blooming Season: The apple trees bloom during the winter months, typically from January to February. The landscape transforms into a sea of delicate white and pink blossoms, creating a picturesque scene.
3. Harvest Time: The harvest season occurs in July and August. Farmers carefully pick the ripe apples, ensuring they are at their peak sweetness and juiciness.
4. Farm Tourism: Kanthalloor encourages farm tourism. Visitors can explore the orchards, learn about apple cultivation, and even participate in apple-picking activities. It’s a delightful experience for nature enthusiasts and families.
5. Scenic Beauty: The orchards are nestled amidst the Western Ghats, offering breathtaking views of mist-covered hills, lush greenery, and pristine landscapes. The cool climate adds to the charm.
6. Direct Purchase: Tourists can buy freshly harvested apples directly from local farmers. There’s nothing like biting into a crisp apple straight from the tree!
Remember, Kanthalloor isn’t just about apples—it’s a place where nature’s bounty thrives, and the apple orchards are a testament to that. So, if you ever visit, don’t miss the chance to savor these delectable fruits!
by Kanthalloor Homestay | Jul 22, 2024 | Kanthalloor Blog
Kanthalloor, a picturesque village in the Idukki district of Kerala, is renowned for its diverse fruit cultivation. Let’s explore the delightful fruits that thrive in this charming locale:
1. Apples: Kanthalloor is the only place in Kerala where apples grow naturally and are farmed in abundance. Varieties such as Royal Delicious, Granny Smith, and Granny Gold flourish here. The cool climate and high altitude (above 1500 ft) make it an ideal spot for apple cultivation. The village is often referred to as the “Apple Basket of Kerala” due to its thriving apple orchards⁵⁴.
2. Oranges: Alongside apples, Kanthalloor boasts natural farming of oranges. The juicy citrus fruits add vibrant color to the landscape.
3. Sweet Lemon (Mausambi): These refreshing fruits are cultivated in Kanthalloor.
4. Strawberries: The village is home to strawberry cultivation, offering visitors a chance to savor fresh, plump berries.
5. Blue Passion Fruit: The exotic blue passion fruit vines adorn the orchards, providing a delightful treat for tourists.
6. Tree Tomato (Tamarillo): Known locally as “tree tomato,” this fruit grows abundantly in Kanthalloor.
7. Guava: The guava trees yield sweet and fragrant fruits, adding to the village’s agricultural diversity.
8. Lemon: Lemons thrive in a favorable climate, contributing to the local economy.
9. Peaches: Although not as widely grown as apples, peaches find a niche in Kanthalloor’s orchards.
10. Pomegranates: These ruby-red fruits add color and flavor to the landscape.
The apple orchards, covering approximately five hectares, attract tourists during the blooming season (January-February) and harvest time (July-August). Visitors can explore the orchards, pluck fresh fruits, and directly purchase them from local farmers. Farm tourism activities have received a boost, benefiting both farmers and nature enthusiasts. Kanthalloor, often called “Little Europe in Idukki,” remains a hidden gem, less touched by commercial tourism, yet rich in natural beauty and agricultural bounty
So, whether you’re craving crisp apples or curious about other delightful fruits, Kanthalloor invites you to experience its fruitful charm!
