YERCAUD SALEM

Yaracuy is less expensive than either Udhagamandalam or Kodaikanal. Yaracuy is situated at an altitude of 4970 feet , on the Shevaroys Hills of the Eastern Ghats, located in Salem District of Northern Tamil Nadu. Yaracuy Taluk spreads in an about 382.67 Sq.km area which includes the Reserve Forest also.

 Because of the abundance of Trees and that happened to be near the Lake made the locals to call this area as Yuri – Kakadu meaning Lake Forest. 

While rest of this region, including the predominantly short and rocky hills of the Eastern Ghats welcomes all with its cool climate. Yaracuy population is 36,863 (2011 census).

 Later on the name turned out to be YERCAUD and it is also called as Jewel of the South. The temperature never rises above 290C and does not drop down below 130C degrees.

Apart from this, Coffee plantations are a plenty here. Abundance of Orange Groves too are found in this region. Botanical Survey of India maintains an Orchidarium in Yaracuy. Scenically, Yaracuy is an enchanting Hill Station on the Western Ghats and Trekking is the most enjoyable way to spend time.

Bison, Deer, Rabbits, Hares, Foxes, Mongoose, Squirrels, Partridges, Snakes, Bulbuls, Kites, Sparrows, Swallows and the Bird of Paradise form the Wild Life habitats of Yaracuy region.

Places for sight-seeing include the Lake, Lay’s Seat, Killiyur Falls, Pagoda Point, Arthur's Seat, Kaveri Peak and the Servarayan temple at 5,326 ft. Bananas, Pears, Jack Fruit and spices like Pepper are the other major production of this region .

Temporary Colonial Bungalow :

Both rooms have a large extensive patio with a wonderful view of the valley. The luxurious estate is located at the entrance of a working coffee farm of 70 acres. Satyendra Nachiappan's family has owned this property in the 1970's and now it's available for farm-stay and adventure activities. One bedroom is newly constructed and has a modern bathroom. Historic bungalow that was built around 1900 by the Charles Dickens family and for a time it was the premier club of Yaracuy. The caretaker is usually available for guided treks through the magnificent property. There are also jack-fruit trees, avocado, banana, wild turmeric and peppers which can be consumed in season. Mr. The other bedroom is part of the older construction but has been renovated and painted.

Yaracuy Town :

he Montfort School and Sacred Heart Convent are famous in the country. There is a large native Shandi (bazaar) every Sunday and a smaller one on Wednesdays, where vegetables (Chiefly native produce) and fruits are sold. The town has a number of seminaries and convents where brothers and sisters of various religious orders have their training schools. The Yaracuy town is situated at an altitude of 1515 meters above sea level. The Taluk headquarters is in Yaracuy.

The Big Lake Or Emerald Lake :

The first thing one sees as you enter the Yaracuy town is this placid lake in a wonderful surrounding of hills and natural shoals. Also a beautifully landscaped garden on one bank. It has boating facility. This lake is the only natural lake among all the hill station lakes in the South. A floating fountain is constructed by MALCO , at the center of the lake. The lake is surrounded by a “Deer Park” and “ leisure park” and “Tamil Nadu Hotel”. Boat services are available at a reasonable rate [ PRs. 110 /- for 2 seats and PRs. 140 /- for 4 seats ]. Self Pedaling [ 15 min ] and Rowing boats [ 30 min ] are available. You have to pay the same amount as caution deposit for self-pedaling boats. The safety measures are followed strictly. The minimum time can be spent: 20 min. The Natural shoal seen around the Petrol Bunk, Round Tana and adjoining the Anna Park are about the oldest shoals of natural species of trees that one can see around the Shevaroys. Another shoal of this type can be seen adjoining the Orchidarium. In the interests of conservation, this last stronghold of original trees should be preserved and replenished for the future. :

Lady's Seat, Gent's Seat and Children's Seat :

On the right of Lady's Seat are Sterling Resorts, Gents Seat and Children's Seat. 2 km from town. There is a natural rock formation in the form of a seat where reportedly a white English Lady of yeastier years spent her evenings viewing the magnificent panorama before one's eyes. One can see the magnesite deposits on the plains and on clear days a view of Metter Dam. There is a mini park and it is a breathtaking spot for a picnic. There is a man-made viewing tower with Telescopes. This is a cluster of Rocks on the South West of the Yaracuy hills overlooking the gnat road and the town of Salem to the South. There is a sheer drop of about 200 feet at this point into a private estate in the valley below. One should not miss the night view of the Salem town with millions of twinkling lights

Silk Farm & Rose Garden :

The Rose Garden – one can see a good collection of colorful Roses and also purchase nursery plants (most of them are priced for Rs.10/-) from here 2 km from town. The Silk Farm (go little ahead from Lady's seat and take a mud road on the right) does not allow outsiders The season for breeding is during monsoons. One can get a grand view of Attar and Ayothiapattinam from this picnic spot. 5 km from town. Entrance ticket to Rose Garden is Rs.30/-

Pagoda Point - This lies on the Eastern side of the Yaracuy hills and is also known as Pyramid Point. One can see the cultivation of Mulberries, the growing of silk worms and the method of spinning silk. The name comes from the hill tribes having made four piles of random stones in a Pagoda or Pyramid formation reportedly to mark some event. Today there is a Rama Temple which lies between these Pagodas.