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| Physiographic Divisions of Kerala/Envis |
On the basis of geographical entities, the state of Kerala can be divided into three major geographic regions. These are
1. The Eastern Highlands
2. The Central Midlands
3. The Western Lowlands
The Eastern Highlands
The Sahaya Mountains forms the Eastern Highlands region of Kerala. The average elevation of this region is about 900 m and has a number of peaks which can reach upto 2000 m. It is spread over the area of 18650 sq. km which is 48 per cent of total area of the state. Anaimudi with an altitude of 2694 m (8842 ft) is the highest point in the state. Interestingly, it is also the highest point in the South India. The region is known for its spices such as cardamom, black pepper, clove and cinnamon. As it is one of the largest cardamom producer in the world, the region is often referred as the Cardamom Hills. Most of the river which drains the Kerala originate for this region.
The Central Midlands
The Central Midlands is the area sandwiched between the Sahaya Mountains and the coastal lowlands. It is made up of undulating hills and valleys and spread over the area of 16200 sq. km which is about 41 per cent of the total area of the state. This region is known for intensive cultivation practices and leads in cashew, coconut, arecanut and banana production.
The Western Lowlands
Also known as the Coastal Plains, the Western Lowlands covers an area of 4000 sq. km and comprises a network of interconnected brackish canals, lakes, estuaries and rivers known as the Kerala Backwaters. Kerala's largest lake Vembanad is part of Kerala Backwaters. This area is known for its coconut and paddy cultivation. Kuttinand is one such place in Kerala where farming is practiced below sea level.
Also Read:
1. 44 Major Rivers of Kerala
2. Mountain Peaks of Kerala
3. Sea Coast of Kerala
Source
1. Kerala Envis