Cardamom Hills are elevated regions, ranging from 2,000-2,500 m above sea level, at the southern tip of peninsular India. These long, narrow chain of hills in
Kerala form part of the
Western Ghats. The peak of Cardamom Hills forms the boundary between Kerala and
Tamil Nadu.
Around half a million travelers make their way up into the Cardamom Hills every year. It is the place where the crisp, cool air is fragrant with the scents of spices, and soaring mountains give way to tea plantations and dense jungle. The main crops grown in these hills are teak, bamboo, pepper, coffee and cardamom, which gives the region its name.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the stomping grounds for large herds of wild elephants, is situated in the middle of this region. The areas around Munnar, a three hour drive north of Thekkady, are another fascinating destinations in the Hills.
Excellent accommodation can be made at Cardamom County, KTDC Lake Palace, The Siena Village and Club Mahindra Lakeview. Sree Sankara Gardens, an ayurvedic resort placed in the fascinating landscape of the Cardamom Hills, is a performing art center as well as an ayurvedic treatment center.
