Yercaud- Hillstation of Tamilnadu - Part-3

Shimmering Emerald lake at Yercaud in the evening

Enjoy dinner of “Hot and Tasty” chilly Bhajiyas at the lake. Not to forget the hot corn cobs and Malabari parattha.

Strong smell of coffee covers entire town of Yercaud. For coffee lover like me it is a heaven. Town , though not quite big, can be quite crowded during working hours. We visited Vinayak Coffee shop and bought some freshly ground coffee. Owner explained to us that ideally coffee should contain 12 to 15% chicory and not more. Pepper is another thing to buy from the market here.

There are few typical “points” to visit which all hill stations boast of. Lady’s seat, Pagoda point, Killiyur’s waterfalls to name a few. Highest point in Yercaud is Sherveroyan temple. Temple is inside the large rock. One needs to bend and go inside to pray to the deities Sherveroyan and Cauvery.

Way to KiliyurFalls Yercaud

Our stay was arranged at Lake Forest hotel. Its colonial buildings and wooded environment transported me to another world.

http://www.indecohotels.com/lakeforest-hotel.html

Lake Forest hotel Yercaud

This charming little hill station doesn’t have much to offer like its other stellar competitors. And I think therein lies its attraction. From Hotel Lake Forest to its scenic drive to its shimmering lake in twilight it holds your interest. For people living in South India it will be a wonderful way to spend a long weekend.

Being a photographer, its charm made my creative juices flow.

Yercaud- Hillstation of Tamilnadu - Part-2

Anyone visiting Yercaud must spare few hours to take 31 kilometers scenic drive in Sheravoy hills.  Our drive took us right up to Cauvery peak and back.

Beauty around is seen to be believed. Coffee, pepper and orange plantations abound. Teak plantations are in plenty. Peeping in the woods, one can find lovely colonial planter’s bungalows.

Cavery Pak- Yercaud

Planter's Bungalow - Yercaud

Misty atmosphere and smell of vegetation prevails. We stop frequently to enjoy the beauty which I have rarely seen in my frequent travels around India. Hidden charms of Sheravoy hills are on display through entire route. I feel this is a must do thing for any traveler to Yercaud.

Misty Forest of Yercaud

To be continued....

YERCAUD - Under-rated Hillstation of Tamilnadu -1

Any talk about hill stations of South India is likely to include Ooty, Coorg, Munnar , favourites of travelers. Yercaud,in Tamilnadu, for reasons unknown, has been relegated to backseat. Situated at height of 5000 ft., in Sheravoy hill range, it is situated just 28 kms from town of Salem. My recent visit there has convinced me that its beauty is highly underrated. It has its own charm and has retained, more or less, characteristics of the town of yore.

Sheravoy Hill Range, Tamilnadu

Road to Yercaud

With trusted Canon 7D in tow, we undertook a journey to Yercaud on picturesque mountain road consisting of 20 hairpin bends.Each curve of the road brought a beautiful vista in sight. With not much written in praise about Yercaud, my expectations were pretty low. And to be frank, the first sight did nothing to alleviate that feeling. But as the hours passed its special charm grew on me. Yercaud’s name is derived from lake at its center. Yeri means lake and Kaddu means forest. Established by British, it came to be known as Yercaud. Life of this tiny town revolves around its lake. It is worth spending time at the lake at twilight which makes its water shimmer with wonderful glow. Eating corn cob and enjoying the setting sun can be highlight of the evening.