Text: Jess Jose; Photos: M K Paul
A canopy of mist flamboyantly adorned with fruits and flowers welcomes travelers to Yercaud in December. In the swish of a magic wand the teeming hotness of Salem vanishes just 20 beautiful curves up and the breathtakingly beautiful ghat road leads to a world apart. The emerald lake, woods, plantations of coffee, tea fruits like yala, star apple, water apple, fig, pear, orange, a wonderful abundance of flowers, gardens of pepper, cardamom and trees such as teak and silver oak adds to the opulence of the place. The antecedent of this hill township commences in the early 19th century when Mr.David Cockburn, known as the father of yercaud groomed this 383 square kilometer area into a hub of plantations, orchards and spice gardens. This hilltop in the lap of Shevaroy range of eastern ghats, is 4970 ft above sea level. Nicknamed as the ooty of the poor, this paradise offers a gala of excitement to wandering souls. Anointed with snow the entire hilltop chills one. The nature hiding under the veil of haze is an exhilarating feeling. Roaming about in the murk of winter is the real adventure here.
KILLIYUR FALLS., the glistening current
This appealing spot in the suburbs of Yercaud town that offers an array of activities from trekking to getting soaked in the cool cascade. The alleys of steps forming a deep pathway, meandering through the thickets, leading to the foot of the falls are thrilling. There are almost 250 wide stairs that offer a grand exercise. The dark woods around and eddies of mist falling from the peaks set up unique ambience to get lost in the depths of nature. Calm and quiet are these pathways since Yercaud is not much crowded in winter. The pristine water combined with cool weather is a lucrative getaway. The stream from Yercaud lake , falling from a height of 300 ft is quite a captivating sight. A romantic can’t help getting drenched in the cool water that forms a magnificent shower.
PAGODA POINT, the exotic view
This unique name is derived from the four mysterious piles of stones akin to Pagodas/ Pyramid. It is the reflection of rural tribal craftsmanship. The secret of alluring natural beauty here is the greenery growing within the rugged terrains of hills entwined with craggy cliffs. Located in the eastern part of Yercaud, Pagoda point offers a panoramic vistas of Salem and its suburban village kakambadi along with engulfing cliffs. The 21 beautiful curves uphill Yercaud can be traced from this spot as they smoothly envelope the ghat road. Adding serenity to the solemn sunsets and sunrises of the location, a temple dedicated to LORD RAMA is there. The locals call the place as Gents Seat and Yercaud’s beauty can be best admired from the watchtower here. The late evenings with its twilight and foggy attire make pagoda point a unique experience in winter.
SACRED HEART CHURCH, the centurion shrine
Magnificent architecture and tranquility in unison, a perfect space to sit and ruminate this ancient church is worthy of all these descriptions. Established by Rev.H Prunier, Sacred Heart Church is elegant with its cruciform with a resonant bell tower behind. The place in the winter evening especially on Christmas eve was like a drop of paradise. The luminous outline of this ancient structure is really luscious with stunning light patterns. Wandering through this misty country roads to church in the Christmas season enlightens the spirits. Yeah! numerous bells were jingling all the way. The marvelous background scenery of this gothic style church on a hillock takes away your breath. A poignant landmark of history, the tomb of Rev. Fr. Leezon (1884-1968) who built this church and met with a fatal death during the construction of it can be seen in the premises. Stories of pain lurk behind pretty things. Though the oldest church of the hill station, it is well maintained. The stylish windows with beautifully stained glasses displays stylish light pattern in the night. The imperturbability of this stone miracle touches the depths of soul and takes it to ataraxy.
LADY’S SEAT , the ravishing view point
It is more than a cluster of rocks, an awesome viewpoint noted for its rock faces and cliffs. The steep cliff has a drop of many hundred feet like some humans who have unknown depths within. During the night the lights of Salem town blinks in glazing rows.
The winding road amidst lush green thickets of coffee plantations like a gigantic snake is the prime attraction of Lady’s seat. In addition to a watch tower, there is a telescopic house that gives a better view of the hills.
The model of a tribal hut with freehand drawing captures the attention of any traveler. Simple but elegant cabin made of mud and straw stands as a reminder of eco-friendly constructions of our ancestors.
Commute can be informative as well as entertaining. The seri tourism center at Lady’s seat offers a lot to any age group. It imparts an encyclopedic knowledge on silk, the rich tradition of this amazing country where silk has been an inevitable border of any celebration. To add cream to the cake, there are scientific amusements for the tourists to relish on.
ROSE GARDEN AND BOTANICAL GARDEN, the hub of greenery
The stunning pitcher plant is the prime attraction of the Botanical garden where gigantic trees, numberless species of shrubs and plants form lush green world of beauty. Rose garden is a colourful experience. A vast variety of roses are perfectly maintained here.The blossoms in the background of green foliage make the heart float in a herbage.
LOOP ROAD, a swirling way through verdure
The 32 km loop road traced by English about one and a half centuries back is a unique experience. The soul of yercaud could be touched during this trip through the villages of Manjakuttai, Vellakkadi, Semmantham and Nagalur. The aroma of verdant coffee beans tantalise you at cauvery peak where a vast variety of coffee can be sipped enjoying the antecedents. The history of coffee is as exciting as its taste. Coffee is of numerous combinations, smells, colours and tastes. The plantations, peaks and the precipice that fall in perfect proportion are glimpses of culture, the essence of rural lives and elixir of agricultural heritage. A gala of local slang, food and tunes imparts a saga of bygone ages. The mesmerising factor about loop road is its deserted, balmy pathways which make our spirits soar to azure skies. Winter drives are class apart when the entire stretch is hidden in the veil of mist. The mellow oranges, cool breeze and fragrant coffee buds set the ambience dreamy.
EMERALD LAKE, the heart of Yercaud
Half hidden under the cloak of mist , the lake is a mind blowing sight in winter. The crystal clear waters in the frondescence of numerous flora reflects thousands of beautiful images. The tranquil current of this lake is in contrast to the hustle of activities going around the lake. Yercaud is a shy bride in winter and an adventurous teenager in other seasons. Each mode is fabulous, mesmerising. A chain of unexplored, unknown spots are awaiting one in this hill town. Undoubtedly, a winter roaming at this spot will fill your heart and soul to the core.
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By Varghese
By Varghese
By Varghese