Neilgherry Hills

Neilgherry Hills (Sansk." Blue Mountains"), near the Malabar Coast of South India, rise abruptly from the plains in an isolated mass, which is united with the Western Ghats by a granite ridge. The average height is 6,000 feet, and the greatest 8,760. The lower slopes are thickly wooded, and among the grassy uplands are many forest trees. There are five tribes, of which the Todas, few in number, are the most interesting. They are tall and powerful, speak a Dravidian dialect, practise polyandry, and are occupied chiefly in tending cattle. The climate is cool, and the hills form a health-resort for Utakamand.