Yercaud is a hill station in Salem District, in Tamil Nadu, India. It is located in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats.
It is situated at an altitude of 1515 metres (4970 ft) above sea level, and the highest point in Yercaud is the Servarayan temple, at 5,326 feet (1,623 m).The hill station is named owing to the abundance of forest near the lake, the name signifying Lake Forest.
As a popular tourist destination, Yercaud is also called as Jewel of the South.
Nature of Yercaud :
Yercaud is a wonderful scenery place and have a beautiful nature environment.
Coffee and citrus fruits, most notably oranges, are grown in abundance, as well as bananas, pears and jackfruit. Scenically, Yercaud is as enchanting and picturesque as the hill stations on the Eastern Ghats and trekking will be an experience.
The National Orchidarium and Botanical garden is situated in Yercaud, it is maintained by southern circle of Botanical Survey of India. The National Orchidarium established in the year 1963. The total area of orchidarium is 18.4 hectares. There are 3000 trees and 1800 shrubs grown in Orchidarium. Insectivorous pitcher plant is among the interesting plants grown in the Botanical garden.
Some of the original forests still exist in the Yercaud hills and contain several endemic species of plants and fauna.
Yercaud is rich in endemic and charismatic species of wildlife including bison, sambar deer, spotted deer, ant-eater, jackals, hares, foxes, mongoose, civets, giant squirrels, and many reptiles including in this hillstation.
History:
Sir Thomas Munroe, erstwhile governor of Madras Presidency in 1842 found this place. David Cockburn, the Scottish collector of Salem district, between 1820 and 1829, was called the ‘Father of Yercaud’ because he helped in the development of the resources of the Shevaroy and for introducing the cultivation of coffee, pears and apple. The first survey of the Shevaroy hills was undertaken in 1827. Though the first European house was built in 1840.
The attention of planters on the Shevaroys has been confined solely to coffee plantations. Tea plantaion has been introduced in 1840s by Dr.Wallich on the property of G.F.Fischer. Trees of cinnamon has been introduced in Yercaud by Mr.Richardson during the same period. The cool climate attracted Christian missionaries, who established the Sacred Heart Convent for girls, the Nazareth Girls’ Hr. Sec. School for Girls, and the Montfort School for boys. Schools such as the Holy Cross Novitiate House, started by the Brothers of Don Bosco, followed these.
Mr. G.F. Fischer, a European of German origin, purchased the Salem Zamindar in 1836. He was the only European Zamindar in the Presidency. The area of his zamin was 125,000 acres (510 km2).
The first Indian coffee planter to settle in these hills was Mr. MSP Rajes whose father started off by trading with the European planters. He eventually bought them out and settled in Cauvery Peak. His descendants continue to manage the plantations under the names MSP Plantations and MSP Coffee.
Climate For Yercaud:
The climate of Yercaud is moderate humid subtropical (koppen:Cwa). Winters are fairly mild, starting in December and ending in February. During winter, the hills are covered in mist.
Winters range from 12 °C to 24 °C, and summers from 16 °C to 30 °C. Rainfall is 1500–2000 mm. The coffee bushes blossom in April and offer a spectacular view. The climate is also particularly pleasant.
Place To Visit In Yercaud:
Many place to visit in this hill station where like
Yercaud Lake: a pool surrounded by gardens and well-wooded trees.
Lady’s Seat: Tourists can have a panoramic view of the plains below through the telescope mounted at the Lady’s seat.
Killiyur Falls: a 90-foot (27 m)-high waterfall.
The Servaroyan Temple: Situated atop Servaroyan hill, the annual festival of Lord Servaroyan is celebrated in May every year. The temple is a narrow and dark cave having the God Servarayan and the Goddess Kaveri inside, which are believed as the deities of the Shevaroy Hills and Cauvery River.
Bear’s Cave: Situated near the Norton’s Bungalow, Bear’s Cave is considered as one of the abodes of Lord Murugan.
Green House: The greenhouse cultivates many varieties of flowers and spices.
Botanical Survey of India: Botanical garden situated at the Nagalur main road 2 km from Yercaud town.
Best Time Io Visit in Yercaud:
The best time to visit Yercaud is from October to June when the weather is pleasant and conducive enough to enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities and the temperature ranges between 13°C and 25°C.
Map For Yercaud:
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