CARDAMOM HILLS

mountainous area in southeastern Kerala state, southern India, forming part of the Western Ghats range. Some of their eastern peaks are more than 4,500 feet (1,370 m) high. 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.