Kashmir of South: In a first, Kerala's Munnar covered in thin layer of ice as temperature dips to -3 degrees

first week of January brought in some good news for Sourn state of Kerala as several parts of hills and tea plantations in Munnar, which is kwn as Kashmir of South India', witnessed a thin blanket of frost on Saturday morning as temperature dipped to -3 degree Celsius. 

As cold waves from rth continue to take over Sourn part of country, several or hill stations including Chenduvara, Chittuvara and Lakkad also experienced a decrease in temperature to -3 degree Celsius on Saturday, covering grasslands in a layer of frost.

This climate change resulted in  increase of tourists flocking to state over weekend with people travelling to witness magical frost covering hilly areas.

Here are some pictures of hill stations in Kerala covered in thin layer of ice:

(Im tweeted by Kerala Tourism)

(Im tweeted by Kerala Tourism)

(Im tweeted by social media user)

chilling wear conditions are likely to continue in state for at least next few days with rrn hills witnessing heavy swfall in several parts. 

WATCH: Heavy Swfall At Mata Vaish Devi Cave Shrine In Katra

Meanwhile, Meteorological Department (Met) on Sunday predicted heavy swfall in hills of Uttarakhand over next 24 hours, prompting state government to ask all district magistrates to make necessary arrangements to help people.

Heavy swfall is likely to occur at isolated places in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bshwar and Pithoragarh districts during next 24 hours, Met said. Furrmore, Hailstorm is also likely at isolated places, especially in Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Haridwar, Nainital, Champawat and US Nagar districts during period, it said.

 Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla witnessed swfall on Sunday, second time this season.

READ: Uttarakhand Wear: Heavy Swfall Expected In Hills Over Next 24 Hours

(with ncy inputs)