Cardamom Hills

Cardamom Hills, mountainous area in southeastern Keralam (formerly 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 meters). Locally known as Yela Mala, 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.