Jalagamparai and Bheeman falls in Jawadhu Hills open for tourists as water flow resumes due to rain

The Forest Department began to allow tourists to visit in Jalagamparai and Bheeman falls in Jawadhu Hills of Tirupattur and Tiruvannamalai districts respectively after rain in the upstream area helped resume water flow in the falls.

Forest officials said that the region has been witnessing sudden showers with strong winds, especially in the evening for more than a week. It has helped increase ground water level in the area. Small water bodies such as lakes and ponds are gradually filling up. “Tourists are allowed to visit Jalagamparai falls. However, they are prohibited to venture out to surrounding forest areas,” K.R. Cholarajan, forest ranger, Tirupattur, told The Hindu.

Located in Nagalathu reserve forest (RF), Jalagamparai falls, which is maintained by the Forest Department, is located at a distance of four km from the foot of the Yelagiri Hills. Tourists used to halt at the falls before heading towards the hills. 

Officials said that tourists also visit a few temples near the falls. Like earlier, trekking teams were also allowed to visit the thickly wooded Reserve Forests (RFs) between Jalagamparai falls and the Forest Department outpost in Swamimalai, a distance of four km, with a forester.

Spotted deer, sloth bear, and peacocks are commonly found in the RF. On an average, around 1,000 tourists visit the falls during weekends. “Rains have reduced the searing heat in the region. Waterflow in the falls is slow but it is ideal for a one-day holiday drive,” said K. Manoj, a tourist.  The neighbouring Beeman falls in Jamunamarathur along Jawadhu Hills is also open for visitors. Jamanamarathur is the nearest town located around 40 km atop the hills from Polur town.

After Tirupattur, Vellore and Tiruvannamalai have been receiving rain, especially during night for the past few days. Key towns like Pernambut, Gudiyatham and parts of Vellore town, Vaniyambadi, Ambur and Jolarpet witnessed sudden downpour on Tuesday. Trees were uprooted and electrical poles were damaged in villages like Gundalapalli near Pernambut town in Vellore.