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Yercaud:
The new hill station THE cool fragrant breeze wafting through the dense forests and plantations of Shevroy Hills overwhelms every visitor who comes to Yercaud — the quaint little hill-station — perched atop the Shevroys at an altitude of 5000 feet. As compared with Nilgiris and Palni ranges (Ooty and Kodaikanal) these beautiful hills were almost unknown to tourists because of various reasons. But things began to change in 1994 when the development of Yercaud was undertaken by the Tamil Nadu government with a view to promote tourism. Originally explored by a British collector of Salem district, these hills were found suitable for providing a resting place for the British civil-servants and their families. So in 1829, the first coffee plantation was established by M.D. Cockburn, and followed by growing a small variety of apples and other hill-fruits. Over a period of time, figs and jack-fruit were added. Today, these plantations produce nutmegs, cloves, pepper, cardamoms and coffee. These things are raised in mixed plantations where trees like silver-oak, cypress and on the fringes the eucalyptus form an integral part of the plantations. |
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The majority of visitors who like to be on their own can conveniently reach Yercaud by taxis or buses from the Salem bus stand. The Ghat Road to Yercaud has the rare distinction of having 20 hair-pin bends on its short stretch of 25 kms. This provides breath-taking views of Salem valley from different elevations constantly.
As we have said that this hill-station is a quaint little plantation town, it means all the important sight-seeing places are located within 7 kms from the lake. Although local taxis can reach you everywhere, you could walk through the plantations, or take the roads and see the botanical gardens, the kiliyur water-falls (rainy season only), Pagoda Point, Bear Cave and the Telescope House from where you can have a view of the Mettur Dam. For the adventure-loving youngsters, trekking and rock climbing is a nice option. Last but not the least, unlike other hillstations, this plantation town never gets over-crowded. Even in the peak-season, there’s enough room for every one. Reaching Yercaud It’s easily approachable from Bangalore or Chennai. Salem is well-connected by an airport, a railway station and a big Bus-station. Phone calls from Salem to Yercaud are at the local rates. |