Plan your weekend: Jawadhu Hills, a haven for trekking enthusiasts

The hills consist of bluish-gray granites, with peaks averaging 3,800–4,000 feet (1,300–1,350 m).

During the British colonisation of India, the Jawadhu Hills appeared occasionally in government gazetteers and manuals, ethnographies and travellers’ accounts. It is said that the hills were discovered by Henri Le Fanu, a French citizen in 1883, who loved these hills. Indian astronomer Vainu Bappu selected the hills as the site of the Kavalur Observatory (VBO), which began operations in 1967.Prominent tourist spots in and around Jawadhu Hills are:

Beemanmadavu waterfall: This waterfall is one of the most popular ones. Located in a thick forest, the waterfall is about 40km away from Polur. It is said to have water for the most part of the year, making it a great spot for a natural shower. The hills, which are said to be sparsely populated, are inhabited by Malayali tribes people. 

Kavalur observatory: The place was selected by Indian astronomer Vainu Bapu and the observatory started functioning from 1967. The telescope inside the premises is named as Vainu Bappu Telescope after the famous astronomer. It is the biggest telescope in Asia. This observatory is generally used for research. Situated on a hundred-acre plot, the other guests apart from visitors and locals are deer, snakes and scorpions. This Observatory is owned and operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. 

Komutteri Lake: Also known as the Kolappan Lake, it is the biggest one in the Jawadhu Hills. The surroundings of the lake are beautiful and there is a manmade island in the centre of the lake. This is a good place for picnics and boating.