The recent recognition of Kanthalloor in Kerala’s Idukki district as one of India’s top five tourism villages exemplifies its commitment to ecological sustainability, agricultural prosperity, and responsible tourism.
Hidden from Kerala’s sun-kissed and rain-drenched tourist havens on the bountiful hills of the Western Ghats, the village of Kanthalloor stands out as a unique and late-blooming gem. For decades, only the most intrepid of travellers ventured into this village in Idukki district seeking the thrill of being one of the few brave enough to enter the wilderness where the road ends.
Kanthalloor, a Tamil-speaking village in a Malayalam-speaking state, was overshadowed by the popular hill station Munnar, just 50 km away. But the village has recently carved a place for itself on the tourism map.
In September 2023, the Kanthalloor gram panchayat secured the central government’s prestigious “gold” award given to five villages in the “best rural tourism villages” category – the sole winner from southern India.
That’s not its only claim to fame. Nestled just 14km apart, Kanthalloor and Marayoor stand adorned with an exclusive honour – the geographical indication (GI) tags for Kanthaloor Vattavada garlic and Marayoor jaggery. This is the shortest distance between two GI-tagged locations in the country.
The Kanthalloor panchayat encompasses 13 villages and clusters of small hamlets comprising approximately 10 to 50 households each. These villages cradle traditions as rare as their distinguished produce and natural beauty.
Beyond the tourist’s gaze lies the intrinsic allure of Kanthalloor. Its matchless charm stems from its geography, flowing eastwards towards Tamil Nadu, the Pambaaru, aptly named “snake river”, meanders through Kanthalloor’s verdant valleys – a rare spectacle among Kerala’s westward-flowing rivers.
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Amidst this natural spectacle, Kanthalloor boasts three big waterfalls, along with numerous small ones. Arumbuli falls in Keezhanthoor is a discreet peek into nature’s artistry. For the adventurous, Kacharam falls invites exploration into forested realms. Alongside the road in Kovilkadavu, Irachil Para falls beckons, a popular yet captivating cascade.
While southern landscapes rarely echo with the chants of Ram temples, Kanthalloor defies expectations. Perumala village, nestled in the embrace of dense forests, cradles a shrine dedicated to god Ram. Locals share whispers of a tunnel beneath the temple, weaving a mysterious connection to Madurai of Tamil Nadu.
Also, the village harbours a profound surprise at Anakottapara Park – a rocky terrain concealing 15 prehistoric dolmens, burial chambers from ancient times. These “Muniyara”, as locals call them, crafted from megaliths between 3,000 BCE and 14,000 BCE, stand as silent witnesses to Kanthalloor’s rich history.
With so much to showcase, the Kerala tourism department picked Kanthalloor among 10 villages to nurture them for the central government’s award under its Sustainable, Tangible, Responsible, Experimental, Ethnic Tourism Hubs (STREET) initiative.
Sustained efforts over the past few years paid off eventually. While Pinarayi in Kannur district – the native village of Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan – was one of the candidates, Kanthalloor claimed the “gold”.
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Kanthalloor introduced women-friendly tourism practices and special women-oriented tour packages.
“We’ve installed a ‘Take a Break’ centre for breastfeeding mothers in Keezhanthoor village. Work is underway for two more at Keezhanthoor and Kovilkadavu. Despite aggressive plastic waste segregation, we seek government permission for a green check-post to halt the entry of plastic into our villages,” said panchayat president PT Mohandas, sharing the secret of their success – a tourist-centric approach harmonized with unwavering sustainability.
In a holistic approach to enhancing the tourist experience, various initiatives were undertaken, including maintaining street lights, installing public water vending machines, and placing destination signboards.
Water kiosks dispense cold water for Re 1 and hot water for Rs 5, transcending the hurdles of remote hilly landscapes. To further enrich the rural tourism experience, distinct areas were designated vegetable, fruit, and flower streets.
As whispers of eco-tourism flutter through the village, the systematic collection of waste from households and tourism properties was established. Shop owners gently remind tourists of blue and green dustbins, nurturing a shared responsibility for waste disposal.
In the tapestry of Kanthalloor’s success, agro-economy and eco-tourism intertwine seamlessly. With a population exceeding 8,000, agriculture remains the lifeblood. Fruits and vegetables find eager buyers among the tourists, offering a unique farm-to-table experience.
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The village’s economy revolves around agro-products, with GI-tagged garlic and jaggery being prime exports. The success story includes farmers saving on transportation costs. “Buyers directly visit our farms. The Kanthalloor Vattavada garlic, a 100-day crop, stays fresh for over a year,” said V Narayanasamy, a 49-year-old garlic farmer, highlighting the GI tag’s impact.
S Palaniyammal, a 47-year-old sugarcane farmer and Marayoor jaggery manufacturing unit owner, echoed the sentiment. “In the plains, a tonne of sugarcane sells for Rs 2,000. Here, sugarcane sells for about Rs 8,000 a tonne, not just for the crop but for our efforts to protect them from the ever-raiding elephants,” she said.
44-year-old Vasanthi Ganesan, who owns an outlet selling the prized garlic and fruits, attested the bustling sales of over Rs 10,000 a day during peak seasons to Kanthalloor’s economic prowess.
Kanthalloor, etched with stories in every leaf and stone, invites the world to join its harmonious pirouette – a dance that whispers tales of endurance, bounty, and the rhythmic heartbeat of a village crowned in gold.
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Vignesh. A is an Independent Journalist based in Tamil Nadu. He was earlier with The New Indian Express and BBC.
