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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Javadi Hills, Thiruvannamalai

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 tamarindjackfruitguavapomegranatemangolemoncoconutplantainPaddySaamai etc. The trees of the Javadi Hills also produce a range of forest products. These include millettia pinnataSmilax regeliiand 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;