Javadi Hills

The Javadi Hills are a range of hills, one of the largest in the Eastern Ghats, in Vellore District, in the northern part of the state of Tamil Nadu in southeastern India. 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). Their steep southeastern flanks are forested with sandalwood. The hills are sparsely populated; grains, legumes, and oilseeds are the chief crops. They are noted both for their fruit bearing trees and for their sandalwood. Jamanamarathur is one of the larger villages in the hills. There are many tourist places near Javadi Hills. Among them are the Beemanmadavu waterfalls and the Indian astronomer, Vainu Bappu selected the hills as the site of the Kavalur Observatory (VBO), which began operations in 1967. The town of Vaniyambadi is located nearby.