Javadi Hills

The Javadhu Hills (also Jawadhu, Jawadhu Hills) are an extension of the Eastern Ghats spread across parts of Vellore, Tirupattur and Tiruvannamalai districts in the northern part of the state of Tamil Nadu in south-eastern India. The hills separate Vellore, Tirupattur and Tiruvannamalai districts: Tirupattur district, with its towns of Tirupattur, Vaniyambadi and Ambur, lie on the north-western side; Vellore district with the city of Vellore and Amirthi forest are located on the North-eastern side. and Tiruvannamalai district with the towns of Chengam and Polur are located on the south-eastern side.
The hills consist of bluish-grey granites, with peaks averaging 3,800–4,000 feet (1,300–1,350 m). 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. "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 Tirupatur, a silvery cascade may be seen, shining bright in the setting sun.". 8 During the British colonisation of India, the Javadhu 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.
Naviramalai is one of the hills mentioned in Sangam literature. The Javadi Hills region, which spans the present-day districts of Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, and Tirupattur, was known as "Palkundra Kottam" around 2000 years ago. The region was notably ruled by Sengann Matthuvel Nannan Sey Nannan, a prominent king. Poet Perungausikanar, in the Sangam literary work Malaipadukadam, referred to Naviramalai as the mountain of this ruler.
A performer, who had received gifts from the generous Nannan, on his way back, encounters another performer in a similar state of poverty. He then describes Nannan’s land, the richness of the hills, and the king’s generosity. In Malaipadukadam, the poet Perungausikanar specifically mentions Naviramalai in the following lines:
"நீரகம் பனிக்கும் அஞ்சுவரு கடுந்திறல் பேரிசை நவிர மேஎ யுறையும் காரி உண்டிக் கடவுள தியற்கையும்" (மலை.81-84)
"கழைவளர் நவிரத்து மீமிசை ஞெரேரென" (மலை.579)
Today, the region referred to as Naviramalai is known as the Javadi Hills or Jawadhu Malai.
Naviramalai (Javadi Hills) can be accessed via Vellore, Polur, Chengam, and Alangayam. An inscription found in Pudurnadu within the Javadi Hills bears the ancient Sangam-era name "Naviramalai."
The Indian astronomer Vainu Bappu selected the hills as the site of the Kavalur Observatory (VBO), which began operations in 1967.
There are few tourist places near Javadhu Hills; Beemanmadavu waterfalls is one of the most frequented one.
Vellore Sripuram Golden Temple, dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, is a world-renowned spiritual landmark situated at the foothills of the Jawadhu Hills in Tamil Nadu, India. This magnificent temple is renowned for its intricate gold-covered architecture, making it one of the most unique and visually stunning places of worship. Designed as a star-shaped pathway, the temple complex symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and guides devotees through a journey of devotion and self-reflection.
Beyond its architectural splendor, Sripuram Golden Temple is a center of peace and spirituality, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists from across the world. The temple is not only a place of worship but also serves as a hub for charitable activities, including education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives.
A visit to this sacred site offers an unparalleled experience of devotion, tranquility, and architectural brilliance, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking both spiritual fulfillment and cultural enrichment.
Kottaimalai Venugopalasamy Temple is located on one of the highest peaks in the Jawadhu Hills, offering a breathtaking view of the Shenbaga Thoppu Dam.
Reaching the temple is extremely challenging due to the dangerous off-road terrain. It is not accessible without proper precautions and the right equipment.
Velandappan Perumal is a Kaval deity worshiped in the Jawadhu Hills. The local people of the region consider him a powerful and sacred deity. A special pooja is conducted every Saturday at a naturally formed rock, which is believed to be a Swayambu Perumal (self-manifested deity). This site holds great spiritual significance for the devotees of the Jawadhu Hills.
it is a scenic and one of the highest peaks in the Jawadhu Hills, located in Peenjamandai village, Vellore district. Rising to an elevation of 1,050 meters (3,445 feet), it plays a significant role in the region's weather patterns. The peak is known as a frequent site for thunderstorm formation, contributing to pre monsoon showers that benefit the districts of Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, and Ranipet.
Reaching the temple is extremely challenging due to the dangerous off road terrain. It is not accessible without proper precautions and the right equipment.
Vellore Amirthi Zoo is located at the foothills of the Jawadhu Hills. It has direct road connectivity from Vellore City to Jawadhu Hills via Amirthi Zoo. The route from Amirthi Zoo to Kavalur via Jamunamarathur is one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich hill routes in Tamil Nadu, situated close to Chennai. During the monsoon season, visitors can experience the true essence of the region's natural beauty.
Jamanamarathur is one of the larger villages in these hills, populated with around 10,000. With an altitude of 857m, it is the second village in height in Javadhi hills in Tiruvannamali district. One can reach Jamanamarathur, from west – Tirupattur or Vaniyambadi , from east – Polur, from northeast –Vellore, and from by South Chengam.
Highest peak : 1,300 m.
Way : Vellore Polur Alangayam Tirupattur.
Nearest City : Vellore.
Nearest airport : Vellore Airport
Nearest Major Railway Station: Vellore City Katpadi Junction and Jolarpet.
Even though Jamunamarathur is located in the Tiruvannamalai district, the people here primarily rely on Vellore. This is because Vellore is closer than Tiruvannamalai.
The distance from Jamunamarathur to Vellore city is only 56 kilometers, whereas Tiruvannamalai is 78 kilometers away.
The hill dwelling residents of this area travel to Vellore for education, healthcare, and all other essential needs.
Kolappan Lake is a picturesque lake in Tamil Nadu, India, known for its scenic beauty and boating facilities. It is situated in the heart of the Jawadhu Hills, near Jamunamarathur.
Pudur Nadu is a part of the Jawadhu Hills and one of the highest peaks in the region. It is located near Tirupattur and lies directly opposite Yelagiri Hills. From Pudur Nadu, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Yelagiri Hills.
One of the most challenging mountain climbs in Tamil Nadu, Parvathamalai is located in the Jawadhu Hills.
The Shiva temple here is highly renowned.
Parvathamalai holds a significant place alongside Velliangiri and Sathuragiri in spiritual importance.
People prefer to travel in hills and forests while enjoying a pleasant experience, avoiding motion sickness, and staying health conscious. This destination is ideal as it features gently rising hills with gradual elevations rather than steep inclines.
The Javadi Hills, also known as Jawadhu Hills, are indeed significant in influencing weather patterns in the surrounding districts of Tamil Nadu, including Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu. These hills contribute to the formation of thunder and rain clouds due to their elevation and geographical features, making them a critical area for rainfall production in the region.
The Javadi Hills, part of the Eastern Ghats, are indeed an important geographical feature. They mark the end of the Deccan Plateau and play a crucial role in weather patterns, particularly in rain cloud formation. The hills' elevation and location contribute to the strength and prevalence of the clouds that form there, impacting the weather in the surrounding districts.
The hills are sparsely populated; the majority of the inhabitants are Malayali tribes people, though other castes are also present.
Malayali tribes people grow a variety of trees on their patta land, including tamarind, jackfruit, gooseberry, guava, pomegranate, mango, lemon, coconut, plantain, Paddy, Saamai etc.
The trees of the Javadhi Hills also produce a range of forest products. These include millettia pinnata, Smilax regelii, 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.
Javadhu hill range is large, and thinly populated. Many peaks and valleys have tribal settlements. Jamuna Marathur is the most populated in the range, located centrally.
By Road : Vellore-Amirthi-Jamuna Marathur.(JavvadhuHills)(Shortest and scenic route)
By Road : Chennai-Arcot-Arni-Polur-Jamuna Marathur.(JavvadhuHills)
By Road : Chennai-Arcot-Kannamangalam-Amirthi-Jamuna Marathur.(JavvadhuHills)
By Road : Tirupattur-Alangayam-Jamuna Marathur.(JavvadhuHills)
By Road : Bangalore-Krishnagiri-Tirupattur-Alangayam-Jamuna Marathur.(JavvadhuHills)
By Road : Vellore-Vanniyambadi-Alangayam-Jamuna Marathur.(JavvadhuHills)
From Chennai Take NH4, Chennai-Poonamallee Bypass- Arcot and take Arni road, after Arni Bypass take the Polur Road, upon reaching Polur town, ask the route for Aththimur and after Aththimur one can see the sign boards for Jamuna Marathur. The weather and roads are very nice, thanks to Tamil Nadu government and its state highways department for maintaining the roads in good condition. Please Avoid driving at night or dark hours Safe timing for travelling is 6am-5pm, After polur town To jamuna marathur 40 km of Ghat roads, mostly one cannot see any shops or even people. But it is mind blowing road. Places like Bheeman falls have become alcohol drinking spot for the tourist groups, so not so safe for families unless law and order is enforced.
In March 2024, more than 100 megalithic burials were unearthed inside Pattarakadu Reserve Forest atop Jawadhu Hills. The burials were located in Keel Cheppili and Mel Cheppili villages near Jamunamarathur. This was hailed as a rare and significant find.
Earlier, in 2021, a large number of Neolithic tools had been found in the area also.
12°35′N 78°50′E﻿ / ﻿12.583°N 78.833°E﻿ / 12.583; 78.833