Sunday, August 5, 2018

Yercaud

Yercaud is a well known hill station on the Shevaroys Range situated in Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a small hill station located in the Eastern Ghats at an altitude of 1515 m (4970 ft) above sea level. Shervarayan Temple is the top most point in this hill, at an elevation 1623 m (5,326 ft). Yercaud is a town municipality and also a Taluk in Salem District. The name "Yercaud" (Lake Forest) came for the lake surrounded by the forest.

The total area, which Yercaud covered is 382.67 km2, including reserve forest. There is 20 hair pin bends on the ghat road to reach Yercaud. The pleasant climate and scenic beauty of Yercaud admires every visitor came here.

In the month of May, Tamilnadu Government celebrates 7 day exhibition of Summer Festival every year. Yercaud is also famous for its stone age implementation

There is lot of theological schools and convents where brothers and sisters of various religious are going for training. The Montfort School and Sacred Heart Convent are popularly known schools in India. Every Sunday in Yercuad Big Market is held and a Small Market on Wednesdays, where native produced vegetables and fruits to be sold.

Attractions in Yercaud:

  • Anna Park. It is located adjacent to the Lake. Every year, Flower Show is arranged here in the month of May. There is a park called The “Japanese Park” inside Anna Park. The entrance ticket for adult is ₹2/- and ₹10 /- for Camera. The minimum time can be spent : 30 min for laymen.
  • Arthur Seat. The Big Lake, Yercaud Town and the Shevaroyan Peak can be viewed as a bird's eye from this vantage point. A steep road takes us from the heart of the town towards north to this place, which is nearly 1 km from town. 
  • Bears Cave. This is an Old European Bungalow. A famous criminal lawyer Norton had owned this once ago. As for as a private property, no one can access this without permission. Besides the bungalow, there is a cave which goes deep into the hill.
  • Bears Hill. (2 km from Yercaud Town) The South Eastern side of Yercaud, it is lied diagonally parallel to the Montfort and the East of Sacred Heart Convent. This hill has a landscape of Seminaries and Schools in Yercaud.
  • Bell Rock. This is a rock which makes bell sound when hitting it with a stone. It is located in the BSI campus. The only way to go here by climbing the rock. The entrance ticket for adult is ₹3/- and ₹10 /- for Camera. On Sundays and National holidays it is closed.
  • The Emerald Lake Or Big Lake (also referred to as Yercaud Lake). The only natural lake among all hill stations in the South, Which welcomes you with its amazing shallow water and the beautiful hills surrounded by. There is a scenic garden on one of its banks. Boating are also available for visitors. There is a floating fountain at the center of the lake which is established by MALCO. A “Deer Park”, a “ leisure park” and “Tamil Nadu Hotel” are located around the lake. The fare for Boating ₹75 /- for 2 seats and ₹95 /- for 4 seats. The duration of Self Pedaling is 15 min and Rowing boats is 30 min.
  • Deer Park. A photogenic bridge located in the Lake. There is a kids playground. It is available on all days except Tuesdays.
  • Fairholme Bungalow. On Tipperary road it is located which maintained to this day. It is one of the many colonial bungalows which completely furnished with old furniture that takes us back to the old days when tea parties and hunting were held. Now it is shown to the visitors as a heritage hotel.
  • The Grange. One of the oldest buildings in Yercaud is The Grange, which is established by MD Cockburn, the then collector in the 1820's who planted commercial plantation in this area such as Coffee, Oranges, Apples and other fruit trees brought from South Africa. At vantage points, 3 Canons were mounted during the Sepoy Mutiny. A landscaped Resort alongside the Grange where Coffee and Orange plantations and Silver Oak Trees are planted, is delightful to watch. 
  • Heaven's Ledge. It is a cliff that is being faced towards west, which is in Gowri Estate on the loop road, has a scenic views of the sunset. It has been converted into a campsite to progress the tourism.
  • Horticulture Farm. “Rose Garden” and “Children Seat” are located into this farm. The Rose Garden has diverse of Roses from Button Rose to Very Big Rose where there is a “Green Rose” plant along with other rose plants. Saplings are available to buy at our budget. The entrance ticket for adult is ₹2/- and ₹10 /- for Camera.
  • Kiliyur Falls. It is located in the Kiliiyur Valley which is 3 km from the Yercaud Lake. It is an amazing eye fetched falls which can be very delightful to visit after the South West or North East Monsoon. Opulence of Water from the Yercaud Lake and other sources of water from the Shevaroys hills make the falls fall down into the valley in a breath taking 300 feet fall. By trekking downhill towards the valley, is the only way to reach the falls. In summer season, one should certainly be disappointed as there will be no fall of water.
  • Kottachedu Teak Forest. It is located 11 km from Yercaud Town. These forest were farmed by the tribes of this region  After the break of plague, these lands were given up. Later it were used by Govt and planted Teak Plants. This forest is passed through Vaniar River towards the Vaniar Dam. Visitors can often watch Bisons in this forest.
  • Lady's Seat, Gent's Seat and Children's Seat. About 2 km from Town There is a natural cluster of Rocks located on the South West of the Yercaud facing towards the ghat road and Salem City on the south. It seems like a seat where a white English Lady used to spend his time here to view this panoramic landscape a long years ago. Mettur Dam can be viewed through viewing tower with Telescopes from this spot. It is the steep point of a private estate in a 200 feet drop valley, to view the plains. The night view of Salem with flashes of lights is spectacular to watch from this spot. Sterling Resorts, Gent's Seat and Children's Seat are located at the right of Lady's Seat. If you want to go for a picnic, there is a breathtaking park in this spot.
  • Montfort School. An Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School was founded in 1917 by St.Louis Marie Grignoin de Montfort. Enchanting complex, playgrounds, swimming pool and gardens make the school to remain top of all schools in Tamilnadu.
  • Orchidarium-Botanical Survey of India. One of two orchidariums in India where the Botanical survey of India is located. There is abundant of native orchids. The rare Ladies Slipper, an insect eating Orchid can be seen here. In this farm, there is a another rare tree called "Shevaroys Bombax". Plant lovers are never miss those. All days are open except saturdays, sundays and national holidays.


  • Pagoda Point. Also referred to as Pyramid point, about 5 km from town, it is located on the east of Yercaud.  It is known for  its shape of a Pyramid or Pagoda which was created by the tribes with four piles of random stones. It was considered to denote some event. In between the Pagodas, a Rama Temple is built. From here, Attur and Ayothiapattinam can be viewed delightfully. 
  • Retreat. A Religious Society established by the Saint, St.Don Bosco. The Retreat is run as a Novitiate school where students stay and study in religious order. 
  • Shevarayan Temple. It is the highest point of the Shevaroys hills.  It lies on top of the mountain with a plateau. It looks like a map between the far and near hills surrounded by. The wonderful views around it make the visitors as a spectator.  One can view the Yercaud town and Nagalur from this spot. A narrow and dark cave deeply lies on this temple. There are God Shervarayan and Goddess Kaveri lied inside the sanctum of the temple. The tribes take part in the annual festival in the month of May. 
  • Silk Farm & Rose Garden. This is the place where the cultivation of Mulberries, the growing of silk worms and the method of spinning silk take place. It is located about 2 km from town and just far away from the Lady's Seat. The Breeding season comes during monsoons. In the Rose Garden, there is a vast collection of Roses and they are out for sale.
  • Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple. The Goddess of all Gods in the Hindu Religious order is surronded by plenty of Gods here. This temple was established by Tirukovilur Thapovanam Srila Sri Gnanananda Giri Swamigals Parampara Disciple HH Swami Poornananda Giri in the year 1983 and late it was run by his son V Sri. 
  • Tipperary View Point. It is located at a distance of 2 km on the southern most of Yercaud in the Tipperary Road. Elephant Tooth Rocks can be visible clearly, which known as a meteorite fell to earth. Compared to the other Black Granite rocks in this hills, It remains purely white in colour. The Tipperary Estate is very close to this view point. The mesmerising view of Salem with lights at night is truly delightful. 
  • White Elephant Tooth. It is located about 9 km from town. There are two rocks lied on this hills. On the Southern Spur of the Shevaroys underneath the Guntur village is the larger one and on the Ghat road which is facing the east above the 60' bridge is the smaller one. The larger one has two rocks of pure white quartz and is about 120' high. Climbing up to this rock is easy but climbing down is a bit hard as the crust of the rock is soft and makes you fumble down beneath your feet. The Smaller one is the shortest route to the 60' bridge from Tipperary Estate where Gold Mining Activity takes place. 


Things To Do in Yercaud:

Dirt Biking. Very close to the Grange Resorts, Dirt Biking takes place which is around 4 km from the lake. From Anna park to pagoda point, adjacent to the T junction, take the road on the right to visit here. Different tracks are available for an adventurous experience. Each track is available at a different rate. The fare for the basic ride is ₹100 and the detailed one is ₹400. There is a section for kids also available here.

Village visit to Sampakam. It is located about 10 km from town. Here you can view the Horticultural Station, Sholay Forest, Raja Rajeshwari Temple, Chakra Maha Meru Temple, Priya Plantations, Big Banana Trees.


Best Season to visit:

October to June is the best season to visit Yercaud.

Climate:

Avg Annual Temperature : Min 15°C - Max 28°C

Avg Temperature in Summer :  Min 19°C - Max 27°C
Avg Temperature in Monsoon Season :  Min 14°C - Max 20°C
Avg Temperature in Winter :  Min 10°C - Max 25°C

Cuisine:

  • Eggetarian Restaurant, Near the Lake. On Kamaraj Street
  • Karuppiah's Chettinad Mess, Near the lake.. Tasty chappathis @ ₹18 each. 
  • Waterfront Restaurant, Opp. Lake..

Stay:

  • Hilton Hill Resorts, Opp. Bus Stand.. Cottages with view.
  • Pon Kailash Holiday Home, Five Roads Junction, Near Montefort School, ☎ +91 4281 222555. Mr. Abdul Quayyoom, very friendly manager. 1300 for room. 350 for dormitory.
  • Rahm's House (500 m from Montfort School), ☎ +91 -99427-32644. Owned by Brothers of Holy Cross
  • Shobha Lodge (Near bus stand). ₹800. 
  • Sterling Resort, Near Lady's Seat, ☎ +91 4281 222700. 
  • Tamil Nadu Hotel, Near the Lake, ☎ +91 4281 223334, e-mail: . Youth hostel provided for a minimum of 20 occupants. ₹1,100. 
  • Uma Lodge, State Bank building, ☎ +91 4281222562. Old and cute rooms. ₹600.


Local Transport To get around:

Auto rickshaws are available for ₹350 to get around to all the major spots such as Pagoda Point, two temples, ladies, gents and children seat, Rose Garden and Botanical Garden.

For more convenient, Cars are also available for ₹450 to get around.
Fares may be charged high during the peak season.

How To Reach:

Salem is the nearest city at a distance of 32 km for all the three connectivities. TNSTC - Salem connects all major destinations with Yercaud. Dharmapuri is also the nearest one alternate to Salem.  Salem Airport and Railway Station both are accessible at a distance of 38 km. 22 km uphill from Salem towards Yercaud. Buses are available frequently from Salem central bus stand.

By Air:

The nearest airports are at Salem (38km), Trichy (163 km), Bangalore (230 km), Coimbatore (190 km) and Chennai (340 km).

By Train:

The nearest Railway Station is Salem Junction (35 km)

By Road:

Buses are available from Salem Central Bus stand.

By car, The roads are connecting Yercaud with various places towards South via Salem. It is 358 km from Chennai (via. Tindivanam) 222 km from Bangalore (via. Hosur - Krishnagiri - Dharmapuri - Salem - Yercaud), 190 km from Coimbatore (via. Avinashi) 163 km from Trichy (via. Namakkal) 271 km from Madurai (via. Karur) 80 km from Mettur (via. Toppur).

Other Tourist Places near Yercaud:

Kolli Hills, Ooty, Hogenakkal, Mettur Dam, Bhavani sagar Dam, Yelagiri Hills, Javvadhu Hills.
at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)