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The Javadhu Hills (Jawadhu or Javadi Hills) are a part of the Eastern Ghats spread across Tiruvannamalai, Vellore and Tirupattur districts. The main village, Jamunamarathur, sits about 75–85 km from Tiruvannamalai by road via Polur. The hills are known for sandalwood, fruit trees and farming by the local Malayali tribal community, and one unusual attraction: a working astronomical observatory.
This weekend plan is built around Saturday, the one day the observatory opens to the public. On Sunday you come down the hills and stop at Tiruvannamalai, so the trip mixes cool hill air with one of Tamil Nadu’s great temple towns.
The Vainu Bappu Observatory, Kavalur
Run by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the observatory at Kavalur houses several large telescopes, including the 2.3 m (93-inch) Vainu Bappu Telescope, designed and built in India. According to the institute, it is open to the public every Saturday from 2 pm to 9 pm. Tickets are bought at the security gate; general entry is between 2 pm and 4.30 pm, and entry for the evening sky observation only is between 6.30 pm and 7.15 pm. Night viewing depends on the weather and is often not possible on cloudy monsoon evenings.
Timings and rules can change, so check the institute’s website before you go. If your trip cannot fall on a Saturday, the rest of this itinerary still works; you simply skip the observatory.
Beema falls and Komutteri lake
Beema falls (Beemanmadavu) is about 5 km from Jamunamarathur and has water for roughly eight months of the year, best from the monsoon through winter. Komutteri lake, also called Kolappan lake, is the largest lake in the hills, with boating and a small island in the middle. Both are simple local attractions rather than developed resorts, which is part of their charm.
Tiruvannamalai on the way home
The Arunachaleswarar Temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing fire, and one of the largest temple complexes in India. Sri Ramana Ashram sits at the foot of Arunachala hill on the girivalam path. The temple closes for a few hours in the early afternoon, so the plan has you there by late morning. Expect large crowds on full-moon days and festival weekends.
Best time to go
September to February is the most pleasant period, with water in Beema falls and cool evenings. March to May is warm but still cooler than the plains. A summer festival is held in the hills each year.
Stay and facilities
Accommodation in Jamunamarathur is limited to simple lodges, guesthouses and a few homestays, and food is basic. If you prefer a hotel, you can stay in Tiruvannamalai instead and drive up on Saturday morning, which adds about two hours of driving each way. Carry warm layers for the evening, a torch, water and some cash.
Route at a glance
- Pondicherry → Tiruvannamalai: about 108 km, 2.5 hours
- Tiruvannamalai → Polur: about 29 km
- Polur → Jamunamarathur up the ghat: the rest of the 75–85 km from Tiruvannamalai, about 2–2.5 hours in all
- Jamunamarathur → Kavalur observatory: about 10–11 km
- Jamunamarathur → Beema falls: about 5 km
Driving the Javadhu ghat
The road up from the Polur side is narrow and winding, with forest on both sides and little traffic. Our drivers avoid the ghat after dark where possible, which is why the evening sky session at Kavalur is only worth staying for if you are sleeping in the hills. If you choose to stay in Tiruvannamalai instead, we will plan to leave the observatory after the afternoon visit.
How to customise
- Add Gingee Fort on the way out, as in the Tiruvannamalai and Gingee day trip
- Visit the Sripuram Golden Temple at Vellore instead of Tiruvannamalai on Sunday
- Add a night in Tiruvannamalai for an early-morning girivalam on foot
- Compare with the Kalvarayan Hills weekend and the Hogenakkal and Yelagiri weekend
Frequently asked questions
How far is Javadhu Hills from Pondicherry?
Jamunamarathur, the main village, is about 165–175 km from Pondicherry via Tiruvannamalai and Polur, around 4–4.5 hours by car including the ghat climb.
When can you visit the Kavalur observatory?
The Vainu Bappu Observatory is open to the public on Saturdays from 2 pm to 9 pm, with general entry between 2 pm and 4.30 pm and entry for evening sky viewing between 6.30 pm and 7.15 pm, at the time of writing. Check the Indian Institute of Astrophysics website before you go.
Is there water in Beema falls all year?
No. It flows for about eight months of the year and is best from the monsoon through winter. In late summer it may be dry.
Can I see the night sky through the telescopes at Kavalur?
Public sky viewing is arranged on Saturday evenings when the weather is clear. Cloudy or rainy evenings mean the session may not happen.
