Peermede, a lovely hill station, an ideal retreat in the Western Ghats is known for its green landscape. Sprawling estates of tea, coffee, cardamom, rubber and eucalyptus surround this charming hill station, famous for its pleasant climate all through the year, beautiful scenery and flowers. Nestled in the lap of the Sahyadri Ranges, this famous plantation town once served as the summer retreat for the Rajas of Travancore and the palace is an important monument, given its historical and cultural significance. The cloud covered hilltops and lush greenery for miles have made Peermede a tourist destination with a once-upon-a-time air about it. Unlike other hill stations that are bustling tourist spots, this enchantingly picturesque place, has natural grasslands and pine forests making it a quiet getaway where you can be with nature.

The town takes its name from Peer Mohammed, a Sufi Saint who is believed to have been the first trader of spices in the region and a close associate of the royal family of Travancore. The whole region, being the most fertile part of the Western Ghats, with a long history of spice growing, now concentrates on producing organic black pepper, white pepper, ginger and turmeric. At a recent show, spice growers from Peermede participated in the displays of organically grown spices like cardamom, black pepper, white pepper, nutmeg, mace, cloves, turmeric, ginger, vanilla beans, vanilla powder and herbs like oregano, sage, thyme and rosemary and also oils of thyme and rosemary.

The history of Peermede can be traced back to the rule of the Changanacherry kings. In 1756, the Maharaja of Travancore conquered Changanacherry when Kuttikanam and Peermede were yet unexplored, wild areas. It was Henry Baker Junior, a CMS missionary, who first discovered the potential of the place and established coffee plantations here, and over time, the focus shifted to tea. With the arrival of the British, Peermede began to prosper and soon became a destination for the rich and famous. As it gained in popularity, others like Daniel Munroe, toed the line of Henry Baker. Munroe, who was instrumental in starting various estates, is the most remembered name in these hills. The legacy of British Raj remains in scattered structures and colonial bungalows, some of which have been restored and are open to public viewing.