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Yercaud
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'.
Places to see
While Yercaud itself offers panoramic surroundings there are many places that you could visit here.
- The Big Lake is the center of attraction at Yercaud. Surrounded by greenery and beautiful flower gardens, this lake also offers boating facilities.
- Located near the Big Lake is the Anna Park where children can have fun on the slides and play in the open ground.
- Killiyur Falls is a 300 feet high waterfall set amidst picturesque surroundings. The water source for these falls is the Big Lake.
- Lady's Seat offers one of the best views from Yercaud. Tourists can get a good view of the ghats and the plains below from this point. Lady's Seat also offers spectacular views at night where you can view the town of Salem all lit up from here. Even the Mettur Dam is visible from here.
- The Pagoda Point is another view point that is adorned with stone pagodas and a huge temple. From here also you can view Salem and a little village called Kakambadi.
- The Bear's Cave, situated near the Norton Bungalow en route to the Shevaroyan Temple, is a huge cave formation meant to be a home for the bears.
- The Retreat serves as an institution where students of religious order reside and study. Visit the Retreat during noon and read the sun-dial located at the view point.
- Imparting education to boys, the Montfort School is a popular educational institution in Yercaud. The school has a well-designed Church with architectural masterpieces. There is even a zoo located inside the school.
Salem
The largest city in the region, Salem is located around 30 kilometers from Yercaud. Located at the base of the Yercaud Hills, Salem is surrounded by hills that offer breathtaking views of the entire region. Apart from the Yercaud and Shevaroy Hills, tourists can also view the Jeragamalai, Kanjanamalai and Godumalai Hills. Salem city also has a fort that is believed to be the oldest construction in the town.
How to reach
The best way to reach Yercaud is to reach Salem first. A 30 kilometer drive from Salem brings you to Yercaud. Salem can be reached either rail or road. The nearest airport is Trichy (160 kilometers). Tourists could also fly to the Coimbatore or Chennai airports and proceed to Yercaud by rail or road. Regular bus and train services are available to Yercaud. Private taxis can also be hired from any of these cities.
Shopping
While Yercaud may not be a great place to shop, tourists can shop at Salem on their way to Yercaud. Salem is popular for textiles and bright handloom fabrics. Fresh garden produce is available all along the winding road uphill from Salem to Yercaud. You can also pick up sachets of freshly packed cloves and pepper from these wayside stores.
Info for you!
- The Retreat is open to public on Sundays.
- The Montfort School has a zoo which is open only on Sundays.
- The Summer Festival is held during the middle of May. Don't miss the flower shows, boating races, dog shows and the fair.
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