Cardamom Hills, Thekkady(Periyar), Kerala India

Cardamom Hills, mountainous area in southeastern Kerala state, southern India, forming part of the Western Ghats range. Some of its eastern peaks are above elevations of 4,500 feet (1,370 metres). The Cardamom Hills region produces tea, coffee, teak, and bamboo as well as the cardamom for which it is named. Most of its produce is shipped eastward through Tamil Nadu state down the Kambam River valley. The name Cardamom Hills is sometimes used for the entire Western Ghats range south of Palghat Gap. 

Cardamom Hills are the part of the Western Ghats located in the south Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The average elevation of the Cardamom Hills is 2637 meters or 8652 feet. Anai Mudi is the highest peak in the Cardamom Hills. Some of its eastern peaks are 1,370 meter high. The Cardamom Hills produces tea, coffee, teak, bamboo and cardamom. Pristine environment, scented tea gardens and spectacular mountain valleys is what makes Cardamom Hills the most sought after destination. The hills are under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the selection as the World Heritage Site. The Kerala Cardamom Hills are known by a few different descriptions such as Hill Stations, Tea Plantations, Kumily Spice Gardens. As always in Kerala there is stunning scenery all around.

The hills around Kumily and Thekkady are on the eastern side of Kerala, away from the coastline and on the border with the Tamil Nadu state. The climate is a few degrees cooler and very refreshing if you have come from a bustiling place like Trivadrum or Cochin. The place feels very spiritual and is a great place for meditation, reflection and gentle walks.The name Kerala Cardamom Hills stems from spice cardadmom , which is grown prolificly in the hills as also are tea, coffee and pepper.

You can get Cardamom tea almost everywhere in Kerala, and it is the best tea I have had ever! Ofcourse the best cups of Cardamom tea, can be found in the Cardamom Hills, cafes and spice gardens. There are many activities for you to do if you choose; you can take a ride on an elephant through a coffee forest, visit tea and spice plantations, or even watch some of Keralas well known cultural activities such as Kalari fighting or Katakali dancing.