Javadi Hills are also called Jawadh. These hills are one of the many locations in the state of Tamil Nadu, famous for its tourist attractions. This spot provides opportunity to enjoy the weather and surroundings. Javadi Hills can boast of peaceful coexistence of flora and fauna, without disturbing the ecological equilibrium.

History

Government gazettes and travelers’ accounts find mention of this area in the eighteenth century, when the British had established their reign in India. The original residents of this region are people of Malayali tribes. The whole hilly terrain is sparsely populated. Slowly other people also made migrated to this region. Still the density of population is quite thin here. The same factors have maintained the virginity of the nature and hills. So, far the hills have not experienced an onslaught of modernist development, which consequentially results in erosion of natural charm.

Extension of Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu is in the northern part of the state. Javadi Hills is one area where general tourists and trekkers are both interested in visiting. The area measuring about 80 kms wide and 32 kms long form alluring stretches of Javadi Hills. Two rivers, namely, Cheyyar and Agaram, both tributaries of the main river, Palar, bisect the hill range, into eastern and western sections. Bluish grey granites form the main content of the hills. Quite a few peaks in the range have a height of over 1000 meters. Jamanamarathur is the main village in the hills.

Places of Interest

Beemanmadavu Waterfalls

People visiting Javadi Hills also visit these waterfalls. The picturesque beauty of nature can be fully appreciated at the site. A five kms walk or drive from the main village takes the tourists to the waterfall site. For about seven months in a year, plenty water flows through the water body. Bottom of waterfalls provides opportunity for tourists to take a bath and engage in the frolicking. A thick forest envelops the area. Sandalwood is found aplenty in this region. A twelve kms trek in the thick jungle leading to the falls can be undertaken by those, who enjoy adventures.

Kavalur Observatory

This observatory is operated by Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The gigantic telescope of 93 inch diameter aperture is installed in the observatory. The telescope is tipped as the biggest one in Asian region. Very clear sky in the night is distinctly tailor made situation for Kavalur area. It has thus become an ideal location for watching the celestial bodies. Many astrophysicists throng this facility for deeper study of distant heavenly objects. The observatory has seamlessly blended the nature and the human urge of development and progress.

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 Amrithi forest area is a popular destination for trekkers.

Komutteri Lake

This Lake is also known by another name as Kolappan Lake. This water body is the biggest one in the hills. There is a man-made island in the lake. The lake, the island and the surrounding areas, all are ideal locations for picnics. Boating in the lake is a pleasant experience. The lake and surrounding area is home to many natural products.

Yelagiri

This place is about 1400 meters high above sea level and naturally has all the virtues of a hill station. Greenery in the valleys, gardens and orchards are special features of this place. Many people enjoy the salubrious weather.

Adventure lovers have many trails worth the excitement. The trails are all passing through thick jungles. The trails, sometimes lead to unexpected sightings and equally electrifying experiences. This terrain is offering the unique mixture of thrill and beauty. Earth, water and sky together offer unforgettable picturesque surroundings here.

Accessibility

Public transport and private taxis are available from the nearby town of Tiruvannamalai to reach Javadi Hills, covering a distance of about 75 kms. Similar transport facilities are also at hand from surrounding bigger towns. Katpadi and Villupuram are two nearest railheads, both being about 60kms away from Javadi Hills. Nearest airport location is Chennai, which is 206 kms away. All the roads are in good condition.

The best period is from March to May every year, although there is a steady stream of visitors in other months as well. The average ambient temperature range of 10 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius makes this place, a preferred destination for many tourists.