Gudalur, the Nilgiris
The Nilgiris — the "Blue Mountains" — form one of the highest ranges of South India, rising from the plains of Tamil Nadu to the east, Karnataka to the north and Kerala to the west. Gudalur lies close to the borders of all three states.
Tea, coffee and spices grow on large plantations owned by multinational companies. Small and marginal farmers grow vegetables, bananas, spices and tapioca in villages around the plantations, while tribal families live in small, isolated hamlets.