Idukki: This year, Kanthalloor is abuzz with plum picking as the lack of summer rains has resulted in a bountiful plum harvest. Plum, thriving due to favourable weather conditions, has attracted attention as Kanthalloor emerges as a hotspot for farm tourism, fetching good prices for the produce.

Plum cultivation is predominantly seen in villages like Guhanathapuram, Perumala, Puthur, and Keezhanthoor. The absence of summer rains has proven beneficial for plum farming, with all flowers successfully transitioning into fruit, resulting in higher yields compared to previous years.

Traditionally, plums ripen in early May, but this year's harvest commenced in early June. Among the varieties grown, the Victoria plum, known for its flavourful taste, is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Plum cultivation, a once-a-year affair, is proving lucrative for farmers, with prices reaching Rs 150 per kg in local markets and fetching even higher prices, up to Rs 200 and Rs 225, from tourists visiting Marayoor.

A well-maintained plum tree, reaching heights of 10 to 15 feet, can yield between 50 to 70 kilograms of fruit under favourable weather conditions. Each plum fruit weighs between 30 to 50 grams, and Kanthalloor stands out as the primary hub for plum cultivation in Kerala, a legacy believed to have been brought by European settlers during colonial times.

Kanthalloor: The valley of apples and plums in Kerala

Kanthalloor, a picturesque village nestled between Udumalaipettai and Munnar on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, boasts a serene climate and stunning landscapes. Famous for its apples and plums, tourists flock to Kanthalloor to experience the charm of its orchards firsthand.

Fruits ripen in the apple orchards here in the months of June, July and August. Tourists come to see the apple blossoms in late December, January and February. Kanthallur is 1,525 metres above sea level.

Apart from plums and apples, Kanthalloor is also known for cultivating guava, pomegranate, strawberry, and garlic. Tourists can explore various attractions such as Pattissery Dam, Kulachivayal Rocks, Keezhanthoor Falls, Irachil Para Falls, and the Anakkodu Para, Cave temple, and Muniyaras, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The other nearby tourist spots are Munnar and Vattavada.