Yercaud - 'Poor man's Ooty'

Known As the "poor man's Ooty", Yercaud is easily overshadowed by its more commercialised and expensive counterparts,Ooty and Kodaikanal. Perhaps its lake isn't as handsome as the tranquil green waters at Kodaikanal. And the view from the top may not be as that afforded by the panoramic mountainside of Ooty.

Yercaud is a picturesque hill station at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level. It is situated in the Servarayan range (Shevaroys) in the Eastern Ghats. This hill station is renowned for its coffee plantations and orange groves. The Shevarayan Hills at an altitude of 5326 feet is the highest point in Yercaud. ArthurÂ’s Seat gives a birdÂ’s eye view of the Big Lake, Yercaud town and the Shevaroyan Peak. The Big Lake or Emerald Lake is a placid lake set in a wonderful backdrop of hills and natural shoals. It offers boating facilities. Adjacent to the lake is the Anna Park. The Japanese park inside the Anna Park is worth a glance. Tourists throng to the Rose garden to see a collection of colorful roses situated 02kms from Yercaud. Grange is one of the oldest buildings in Yercaud and is 03kms from Yercaud Lake. Lady’s Seat is a natural rock formation resembling a seat. It is on the south western side of Yercaud hills overlooking the Ghat road on the town of Salem to the south. Tourists also visit the mulberry cultivation, growing of silk worms and the method of spinning silk yarns at Silk Factory. On the eastern side of Yercaud is the Pyramid or Pagoda Point. This is an idyllic picnic spot located 05kms from Yercaud. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama here. The Kiliyar Falls is a majestic waterfall 03kms from yercaud Lake. It presents spectacular views from the top and bottom of the falls. The Botanical Survey of India has a range of orchids. Notable among these are the ladies Slipper and an insect eating orchid. Shri Shri Raheshwari Temple is dedicated to Shri Raheshwari the God of wealth and prosperity. The Kottachedu Teak Forest is 11kms from Yercaud and one can see the bison here. Tipperary View Point is the southern most view point from Yercaud. One can see the Elephant Tooth Rocks which is reportedly said to be the remnants of a meteorite which fell to earth.

Yercuad a less crowded hill station as compared to the other major hill stations in the state of Tamil Nadu, is situated on the Shevaroy (Servarayan) hill ranges in Salem district at an altitude of 1,500 metres above sea level. Yercaud is also called Shevaroy Hills, as it is situated in the Shevaroy hill ranges on the Eastern Ghats. The place with an area of 383q. kms. is popularly known as 'poor man's Ooty' as it is comparatively less expensive yet as picturesque as the more popular hill station, Ooty. Literally the name Yercaud in Tamil means lake (Yeri) and forests (Kadu), and is said to be named after the lake amidst wooded trees in the centre of the town. Yercaud is famous for its schools such as Monfort School and its various monasteries and convents. A delightful hill with magnificent views of the hills and the plains in between. On top of the hill there is a cave temple with a modern facade dedicated to the local deity Lord Shervarayan and his wife Goddess Kaveri. It is the highest point in Yeracaud, 5,326 ft above sea level.Thousands of tribals take part in the colourful annual festival in the month of May.

Yeracaud is situated in the green vistas of the Shervaoyan Hills in the Eastern Ghats, close to the town of Salem in Tamil Nadu. Its popularity as an escape from the heat and grime of the city rests not just upon its landscape of forest covered hillsides, and coffee, cardamom and black pepper plantations, but also its very affordability, as against the more upmarket Ooty and Kodaikanal nearby. The picturesque manmade lake here is a popular spot for picnickers.

Yercaud Town is situated above 4800' from mean sea level. The highest point in Yercaud Taluk is Shevaroy Temple which is situated at a height of 5326'. Hence, Yercaud hill area is called "Shevaroyan Hills". It is also called "Ooty of the Poor". The Summer Festival is being celebrated in the second week of May of every year. The climate of Yercaud is a moderate one. The maximum temperature is 167.6°F and minimum is 66°F. In the year 1988,the average maximum temperature was 27°C and minimum is 15°C. Winter season starts in the month of September and ends in December. During Winter, the hills are covered by mist and looks beautiful.

Situated at an altitude of 4,920 ft above sea level, Yercaud is not as popular as Ooty and Kodaikanal. Nestled amongst the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern Ghats, the extraordinarily beautiful hill resort is blessed with natural beauty and a salubrious climate. Also known as the 'Ooty of the Poor', it is much quieter and cheaper than its more popular hill mate. The aromatic coffee plantations and orange groves make it even more desirable to those who are looking for the places where they can get rid of the din of the daily lives and want a break from the strenuous city lifestyle. The highest point in Yercaud is Shevaroy temple, situated at a height of 5,326 ft above sea level. Yercaud is an amalgamation of two Tamil words 'yeri' and 'kaadu' meaning lake and forest respectively. Yercaud was discovered by the British in the early 19th century. It is famous for its educational institutions such as the Sacred Heart Convent for girls, Montfort School for boys and the Holy Cross Novitiate House.

Yercaud is a lesserknown hill station when compared to Ooty and Kodaikanal. Yercaud is situated at an altitude of 1,500 metres (4,920 feet), on the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern Ghats. The lofty hills are of extraordinary scenic beauty endowed with a salubrious climate. Although close (33km) to the bustling industrial town of Salem, Yercaud has a spirited charm of its own.

Looking forward to a laid back holiday? Welcome to the hill resort of Yercaud in Tamil Nadu. The tranquil haven of Yercaud is often referred to as the Ooty of the poor.

There are nearly 20 hairpin bends that afford panoramic views of the hills and valleys. It overlooks the winding ghat road and provides a breathtaking view. This view is spectacular at night with the twinkling lights of Salem town in sight. The tourists can have a panoramic view of the plains below through the telescope mounted at the Lady's Seat.

Yercaud is also called "Ooty of the Poor" and is known for Coffee Plantations and Orange Groves. Yercaud is still comparatively more peaceful and cheaper than the major southern resorts of Ooty and Kodaikanal, but every year the influx from the plains is growing larger. The highest point in Yercaud is Shevaroy temple, which is situated at a height of 5,326.

Coffee plantations, orange groves and picturesque surroundings make your visit to Yercaud well worth the hairpin bends. Situated on the Shevaroy Hills, Yercaud is a quiet little hill station sometimes referred to as the 'poor man's Ooty'.

Nevertheless, at an altitude of 1500 metres, this quiet and unexploited hill station deserves to be experienced if only for its quaint beauty. The sedate pace, the serenity, and the lush misty expanse of coffee, orange, butterfruit, silver oak, and pepper vines are sure to win you over once you negotiate the hairpin bends to the top of the Servarayan (Shevaroy) hills of the Eastern Ghats.

Yercaud got its name from the Tamil words yeri and kaadu, which translate as lake and forest, respectively.There's nothing spectacular about Yercaud's beauty, and that's precisely its charm.

And, aside from the solitary lake, the endless expense of green is all that meets the eye. Take a long walk away from the lake into the mysterious wooded hillside or climb up to the Murugan temple for a heartstoppingly beautiful view of the valley, and you're guaranteed an experience as exhilarating perhaps even as mystical as you could hope for in any of the more celebrated hill stations in the country.

Here are two major attractions that draw visitors to Yercaud,the temperatures are cool all year round, and the fact that it is easy on the pocket. But don't let the budget factor fool you into believing that you might be headed for a completely tame experience.

Scenically, Yercaud is as enchanting and picturesque as the more commercialised hill stations on the Western Ghats and trekking can be one of the most pleasurable ways to spend the vacation. If not trekking, even plain good old walking is an agreeable activity.

At the highest point sits the Servarayan temple dedicated to the deity Servarayan and his consort Kaveri. The cave at the temple extends far beyond the shrine's limits. Legend has it that it extends all the way to the very source of the Kaveri in Kodagu, Karnataka,a distance of 480 km. Very few have explored the entire cave, an enterprise beset with dangerous terrain and poisonous snakes.

Clouds appearing and flowing past you climbing the hills and blurring the vision one second and next clearing and giving a glimpse into mother nature’s beautiful creation. You are at such a height that human existence ceases to be visible. There seems to be no houses nor vehicles nor the associated noises until the sun sets and night becomes black do you realize the the golden glitter and diamond studs that humanity has created through its lighting system.

Yercaud is a wonderful family get away other than being the beautiful hill resort. With the Yeracud Lake and the Killiyur waterfalls, the place is always green, enjoying a pleasant climate through out the year. Other than the natural charms the place also has a beautiful temple on the Shervaoyan hills.

The hill resort of Yercaud has its own vintage points. There is the lady's seat that offers wondrous vistas of the gorgeous ghats and the trees. At dark you must watch out for the view of the lit Salem that resembles the twinkling stars. The other vintage points at Yercaud are the Gent's Seat, the retreat and the Pagoda Point.

Yercaud started gaining popularity as a hillstation in the 19th century. It was David Cockburn, the Scottish Collector of Salem (said to have first introduced the cultivation of coffee here) who set about developing its natural resources. The Grange, his old home which still stands, was fortified and equipped with ramparts and cannons, to act as a sanctuary for the European community here, in the event of another uprising after the Indian Mutiny.

The road to Yercaud has nearly 20 hairpin bends that offer panoramic views of the hills and valleys. Orange Groves, and Coffee plantations which blossom in April are a few among the prime attractions. The hill station is a great place for trekking and has many vantage view points like Ladies Seat, Children's Seat, Arthur's Seat and Pagoda Point which give beautiful views of the surrounding hills, villages and cities in the vicinity.

Yercaud situated 1,515 metres high in the Shevaroy Hills, in the state of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is quiet little hill station on the Eastern ghats is the only one of its kind in northern Tamil Nadu. While the rest of this region is generally dry, Yercaud presents a welcome contrast with its cool climate where temperature never rises above 30 º C and dip below 13 º C . It is also a less expensive place than either Udhagamandalam or Kodaikkanal the peaceful hill station of Yercaud nestles among coffee plantations and thickly forested slopes and is a good place for trekking and boatin .

Some people believe that these hills were part of the ancient megalithbuilders' domain which stretched from Cornwall through Brittany and Iberia to India. Clearly visitors have been streaming into Yercaud from well before recorded history.

The main crop of this Taluk is Coffee. At first, Coffee was cultivated in "Grange Estate" in the year 1820. Coffee plant was brought from Africa to Yercaud by the then collector Thiru. Cock burn in the year 1820. Jack Fruit, Berri, Orange, Guava and spices like Pepper and Cardamom are the other crops raised in Coffee Estate. Sandalwood, Teak and Silver Oak are abundant.

In Tamilnadu people talk only about Ooty and Kodaikanal as hill stations. No mention is ever made, even in passing, of Yercaud. Majority of the people even refuse to accept that Yercaud is also a hill station. Yercaud is, in a way, the poor man's Ooty, much like elandai pazham being the poor man's apple! If Ooty is the queen of hills, Yercaud is the princess! For the people in the Northern districts, suffering for centuries due to poverty, drought, famine, hunger and heat, the only silver lining is Yercaud.

Yercaud which is 1515 metres above sea level is 333 sq. km in extent. The maximum temperature is 29 celsius only. The population is 32,746 and most of the people are tribals. A number of buses ply from Salem to Yercaud and back. The only mode of travel from Salem to Yercaud is by bus. It takes an hour of negotiating 20 dangerous hairpin bends to reach the peak.

One is gripped by fear as the bus negotiates the hairpin bends one breathes easy only after seeing the greenery on either side of the road signalling the end of travel! It is very scary if one looks down through the window! All along the route, monkeys playing pranks and violet flowers on trees makes one wonder where one is. There is greenery all round this is a new experience, for the city bred. The forests make one energetic and enthusiastic, like a child.

It is interesting to note that Yercaud got its name from the Yeri and Kaadu (Tamil words) meaning lake and forest respectively. Like many other hill stations in India, the British discovered Yercaud in the early 19th century. The British officers also introduced the coffee plantations here in Yercaud.

The English who returned to their native land, after our Independence, would certainly have felt a sense of anguish and a tinge of sadness at being forced to leave this wonderful place, surrounded by Nature! Yercaud is a lesserknown hill station when compared to Ooty and Kodaikanal. Yercaud is situated at an altitude of 1,500 metres (4,920 feet), on the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern Ghats. The lofty hills are of extraordinary scenic beauty endowed with a salubrious climate. Although close (33km) to the bustling industrial town of Salem, Yercaud has a spirited charm of its own.

Other famous tourist destinations here include Killiyur Falls, Botanical Gardens and Montfort School. While Yercaud itself offers panoramic surroundings there are many places that you could visit here.

About 32 km from Salem, this hill station was established by the British who introduced the coffee plant here. The Yerikadu Lake and the Killiyur Falls are very scenic spots. Thanjavur to Pondicherry The Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary has wide saltflats that attract many estuarine and sea birds from November to January. There is said to be a good beach, and deepsea fishing may be possible. Tranquebar (which sounds like a brand of whisky) was a Danish colony from 1616 until 1845 when they sold it to the East India Company. The castle, the Dansborg, and several fine churches survive. This was the site of the first Protestant mission in India in 1706. Georgina Harding’s Tranquebar A season in South India is fascinating. Good beach, limited accommodation. Access by bus from Thanjavur or rail.

Yercaud is known for Coffee Plantations and Orange Groves. The lofty hills of extraordinary scenic Yercaud, TamilNadu, India beauty is endowed with a salubrious climate. Yercaud Taluk is divided into 3 Firkas viz., Yercaud, Vellakkadai and Puthur. The highest point in Yercaud Taluk is Shevaroy Temple which is situated at a height of 5326'. Hence, Yercaud hill area is called "Shevaroyan Hills".

There is a long road going around the middle part of the Taluk connecting Nagalur, Semmanatham, Cauvery Peak, Vellakkadai, Manjakuttai villages and it is 35 kms in length. There is also a bus route from Salem to Yercaud via Ayothiyapattanam, Kuppanur and Kottachedu. State Transport Corporation, Salem and two private operations serve the travelling public. There are many villages connected by bus in Yercaud Taluk.

The main crop of this Taluk is Coffee. At first, Coffee was cultivated in "Grange Estate" in the year 1820. Coffee plant was brought from Africa to Yercaud. Jack Fruit, Berry, Orange, Guava and Spices like Pepper and Cardamom are the other crops raised in Coffee Estate. Sandalwood, Teak and Silver Oak are abundant.

One can avail the boating facilities available here. Boats come in two options. Paddling ones for a couple or four and the other type where there is a guy rowing it for you as you relax. Boating in the cold water of the lake is enhancing as well as refreshing.

The best time in Yercaud is in the warmer months between May and October. May and June are the months when tourist activity is high. The nearest railway stations are the two in Salem (36 km) and the nearest airport is at Trichy (180 km). There are direct trains from Chennai, Coimbatore and Bangalore.

The hill station is most favoured by visitors from southern states during the summer and again during autumn. The coffee bushes blossom in April and offer a spectacular view. The climate is also particularly pleasant; residents say with pride that they never need to use a fan.

Yercaud is about 30 Km away and an hour's drive from Salem. You can take a bus or taxi from Salem. Regular bus services both private and government run ply from Chennai and other important cities and town.

Bus services operate from Salem Junction and Salem bus stand to Yercaud frequently. There is no town bus service in Yercaud, but certain buses coming from Salem ply through Yercaud and connect the important Villages like Cauvery Peak, Valavanthi, Nagalur, Velakkadai, etc., with Yercaud. Trains and buses are available from these three cities to Salem from where one can reach Yercaud by bus Famous for its scenic beauty, calmness and natural charm, the place has bounty of beautiful and exotic flowers like sunflower, roses and dahlias giving you a sense of serenity when you pass through them. As you approach Yercaud, you can't afford to miss the coffee plantations and orange groves on the way. The Grange, Bear's Cave, Montfort school are amongst the other places worth visiting in Yercaud.

Tour to Yercaud The hill resort of Yercaud has its own vintage points. There is the lady's seat that offers wondrous vistas of the gorgeous ghats and the trees. At dark you must watch out for the view of the lit Salem that resembles the twinkling stars. The other vintage points at Yercaud are the Gent's Seat, the retreat and the Pagoda Point.

Then there are the wondrous waterfalls of Killiyur. The falls are indeed refreshing when they fall from a height of 300 feet. While in Yercaud you may visit the Shervaoyan temple in the Shervaoyan Hills. The temple plays venue to an Annual Festival hosted by the tribes.

October and November are the best months here. Foreign tourists are more during the other months. Since Dassera holidays are in Oct., there a re a lot of tourists from Bangalore. In Nov. tourists from North India visit Yercaud, taking advantage of Diwali holidays. Yercaud is less expensive than other tourist destinations and is preferred by the middle class. By car, the expense is Rs.400 only, for a full tour of Yercaud. Travel guide charges are Rs.150 only the entire family can tour Yercaud on a budget of about Rs.1000. Tamilnadu Hotel offers rooms at very economical rates," says a tourist guide.

Saturday was spent exploring Lady's/children and Gent's seat and the rose garden where we bought some beautiful plant sampling. Then we moved towards pagoda point and while returning checked out MM Inn,Grange resorts(inside coffee plantations), Shevoroys Hotel and Grand Palace located on top of hill facing the lake in front and mountains behind. On sunday we did boating and went to Shevroys temple, the route was breathtaking and the temple is in cave and it it believed that the cave opens up in Talacauvery in Karnataka.

Rose Garden is a well maintained repository of all the rare flowers and plants you can possibly think of. Closed to the Rose Garden is a viewpoint called ‘Children’s seat’ which has a breathtaking view of the town and the hills around. It’s so high that you can almost touch the clouds. Two more famous view points of Yercaud are Lady’s seat and the Gent’s seat.