Javadi Hills, Thiruvannamalai
The Javathu
Hills (also Jawadhi, Jawadhu Hills) are an extension of the Eastern Ghats
spread across parts of Vellore and Thiruvannamalai districts in the northern
part of the state of Tamilnadu in southeastern India. This range separates Vellore and Thiruvannamalai
districts. Vellore district lies on the north western side and Thiruvannamalai
district lies on the south eastern side of this range. About 50 miles
(80 km) wide and 20 miles (32 km) long, they are bisected into
eastern and western sections by the Cheyyar and Agaram rivers, tributaries of
the Palar. They consist of bluish gray granites, with peaks averaging
3,600–3,800 feet (1,100–1,150 m).
The
hills are sparsely populated; the majority of the inhabitants are Malayali
tribes people, though other castes are also present. There are many tourist places
near Javathu Hills, e.g., the Beemanmadavu waterfalls. The Indian astronomer Vainu
Bappu selected the hills
as the site of the Kavalur Observatory (VBO), which began operations in 1967. The towns
of Tiruppattur, Vaniyambadi and Ambur of Vellore district are located on the
north western side and the towns of Chengam and Polur of Thiruvannamalai
district are located on the south eastern side.
The
Hills are verdant with greenery and towards sunset the hills look pretty with a
purple tinge which relates to the colour of the granite which is bluish grey.
The tribesmen plant a lot of fruit bearing plants and medicinal shrubs. One
other common tree that is found in the south eastern area of the mountains is
sandalwood trees. Javadi hills are one of the largest hill systems on the
Eastern Ghats.
History
During
the British colonization of India, the Javathu Hills appeared occasionally in
government gazetteers and manuals, ethnographies and travelers accounts. Henry
le Fanu, writing in 1883, admired the beauty of the Jawadhi hills, “The
Barahmahal hills to the west are somewhat bare, but the Jawadhi are clothed in
verdure to the very summit on the east: towards sunset the whole range puts on
a purple tinge like heather bloom. The sharper shadows mark out minor ranges
and valleys, which in the midday merge in the mass of the range, and beyond
Bommaikuppam, looking from Tirupathur, a silvery cascade may be seen, shining
bright in the setting sun.”
Cultivation
Malayali
tribes people grow a variety of trees on their patta land, including tamarind, jackfruit, guava, pomegranate, mango, lemon, coconut, plantain, Paddy, Saamai etc. The trees of the Javadi Hills also produce a
range of forest products. These include millettia
pinnata, Smilax
regelii, and
Castor oil plant.
They are
noted both for their fruit bearing trees, medicinal and for their sandalwood. Presently (2012), there are no sandalwood trees
remaining due to illegal logging. This theft was going on for many years. Jamanamarathur, is one of the larger villages in these hills and
thickly populated. It is the second village in high altitude in Javadi hills.
Places of
Interest
Beemanmadavu Falls:
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Komutteri Lake (Kolappan Lake):
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Valiyam Parai Caves (Chitra Kullar Caves):
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Vainu Bappu Observatory, Kavalur:
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Keezhanur Neolithic Site:
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Glass House:
For
brief details, please refer below link;
300 Years Old Banyan Tree:
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Amirthi Forest & Zoological Park, Vellore:
For
brief details, please refer below link;
The Forest:
The
whole forest area is full of interesting varieties of plant kingdom. People
visit these areas in search of certain specific plants and herbs of medicinal
value. The sight of hill slopes covered with greenery is refreshing change to
visitors coming from cities. The Amirthi forest area is a popular destination
for trekkers.
Activities
There is
a trekking trail from Jamanamarathur to Amirthi Forest, which is worth the risk
that has to be taken. There are other trails also and they pass through grassy
knolls and lovely little villages. The Komutteri Lake in the hills has boating
facilities.
Trekking:
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Best
Season
The best
period to visit Javadi Hills is between March to May. The average normal
temperature ranges between 100 C and 300 C. The upper regions are
generally cooler and moist.
Accommodation
Accommodations
are not available in this town. Decent accommodations can be found in Vellore
located at a distance of 72 kms from Javadi Hills. The people speak Tamil and
English is a weak option. There are no shops in the Hill area and the nearest
town is Vellore.
Connectivity
For
brief details, please refer below link;
