The topography of Kerala is remarkably varied given its relatively small size. The highest point is Anamudi peak, soaring to 2,695 meters (8,842 feet) in the Western Ghats, making it the highest peak in India south of the Himalayas. The highlands are characterized by deep ravines, thick forests, and extensive tea and spice plantations.
The midlands feature undulating hills and valleys that are heavily cultivated with rubber, cashew, and tapioca. Moving west, the topography flattens into the coastal belt, a low-lying region dominated by paddy fields and coconut groves.
Notably, Kerala is home to Kuttanad, known as the "Rice Bowl of Kerala," which features the lowest point in India. Here, agricultural practices are carried out at elevations of 1.2 to 3.0 meters (4 to 10 feet) *below* sea level, maintained by a complex system of dikes and canals.