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

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

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

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

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

(Image tweeted by Kerala Tourism)

(Image tweeted by Kerala Tourism)

(Image tweeted by social media user)

The chilling weather conditions are likely to continue in the state for at least the next few days with northern hills witnessing heavy snowfall in several parts. 

WATCH: Heavy Snowfall At The Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine In Katra

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

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

The Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla witnessed snowfall on Sunday, the second time this season.

READ: Uttarakhand Weather: Heavy Snowfall Expected In Hills Over Next 24 Hours

(with agency inputs)