| Palamathi Hills | |
| Native Name Lang: | Tamil |
| Other Name: | Balamathi Hills or Balamathi |
| Settlement Type: | Village / Hill station of Vellore city |
| Pushpin Map: | Tamil Nadu |
| Pushpin Label Position: | right |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location of Palamathi in Tamil Nadu |
| Coordinates: | 12.885°N 79.161°W |
| Subdivision Type1: | Village Panchayat |
| Subdivision Type2: | Village Panchayat |
| Population Rural: | 2004 (as of 2011) |
| Timezone1: | IST (UTC + 05:30) |
The Palamathi Hills (also Balamathi, Balamathi Hills) are an extension of the Eastern Ghats spread across southeastern parts of Vellore City in Tamil Nadu. The Palamathi Hill range, the nearby Palamathi Reserve Forest, and the Otteri lake are collectively referred to as Palamathi Hills. The area is a thriving hotspot for various birds and various flora. The hill top has a famous Hindu temple (Bala Murugan Kovil). The place is also a developing tourist destination.
The Palmathi Hills, the Palamathi Reserve Forest and the Otteri lake are situated in the periphery of the Vellore City. The whole range is a part of the Eastern Ghats. The official designation of the area is a Village Panchayat. The whole Palamathi village panchayat is spread over five habitations namely Arasankulam, Chetteri, Senganatham, Krishnapuram, Melsenganatham and the main village Palamathi.[1]
Balamathi Hill, located in Vellore, is often referred to as "Vellore's Ooty" due to its pleasant and chilly weather, particularly in the early morning and post-evenings. With a height of approximately 1640 feet, this mountain range offers a refreshing environment for visitors. Known for receiving ample rainfall during summers and the Southwest monsoon period, it attracts a large number of people from Vellore seeking relief from the heat and to enjoy the scenic beauty. Balamathi Hill is also popular among drivers for its picturesque routes.
The total rural population of Palamathi village panchayat is 2004 as per the 2011 census. Majority of the people living in Palamathi village atop the hill are migrants from other places of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Most of the population does not have a tribal status. The people here generally cultivate paddy, groundnut and ragi. The main income for many here is selling the small cultivation in the nearby city market. Blue metal mining is also prevalent in and around Palamathi.
The Palamathi Hills is home to many species of birds, some of the common birds found here include: Red vented Bulbul, Green bee eater, Myna, White throated kingfisher, Indian Roller bird and Black Drongo
At the foot of Palamathi hills is the Otteri Lake. The lake was man made in the British era to supply water to Vellore.[2] The lake is also a thriving hotspot for various avians as it is undisturbed by the city's pollution and is located in the periphery of the city. The lake reached its maximum capacity in 2015 due to heavy rains.