Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 92

The Western Ghats at an average altitude of 900 meters from the sea
level, with a number of peaks well over 1,800 meter in height and their
slopes and valleys are known for its exotic spices like cardamom, pepper,
cinnamon, and cash crops like tea, coffee and rubber. The Midlands, lying
between the mountains and the low lands, is made up of undulating hills
and valleys which are rich in cashew, areca nut, tapioca, banana, rice,
sugarcane and vegetables of myriad varieties. These areas have now
become hotspot of plantation tourism. Many of the plantation estates
are in the scenic locales of the Western Ghats. The breathtaking panoramas
bring one to a world of wonder. Though plantations are the lands of leisure,
it also imparts cognition about the cultivation and processing of these
great crops. The opportunities for trekking, fishing, swimming and other
recreations proffer an experience of being one with the virgin nature.
090

PLANTATION TOURISM|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS