Idukki's cool, humid, shaded hills are close to ideal for cardamom, often called the queen of spices, and for black pepper, which has been prized for centuries.
Research institutions such as the Cardamom Research Station at Pampadumpara and the Indian Cardamom Research Institute at Myladumpara work on varieties and growing methods for the high range.
Beyond spices, tea in Munnar and Peerumade, coffee near Vandiperiyar, and winter vegetables in Vattavada show how altitude creates very different farming landscapes within a single district.
- Cardamom
- Pepper
- Spices
- Pampadumpara
Spotted a mistake, or have something to add? Tell us and we will check it and update the story.