Yercaud

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Yercaud
ஏற்கா
town
Yercaud Lake
Yercaud
Coordinates: 11°46′46″N 78°12′12″E / 11.7794°N 78.2034°E / 11.7794; 78.2034Coordinates: 11°46′46″N 78°12′12″E / 11.7794°N 78.2034°E / 11.7794; 78.2034
Country India
State Tamil Nadu
District Salem
Area
 • Total 383 km2 (148 sq mi)
Elevation 1,515 m (4,970 ft)
Population (2001)
 • Total 36,863
 • Density 96/km2 (250/sq mi)
Languages
 • Official Tamil
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Vehicle registration TN-30
Tamil and English spoken

Yercaud is a hill station in Salem District, in Tamil Nadu, India. It located in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats; the Yercaud hill area is called the Shevaroy Hills. 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). It is so named owing to the abundance of trees categorised as a forest near the lake, the name signifying Lake Forest.[1] As a popular tourist destination, Yercaud is also called as Jewel of the South.[2] Yercaud is connected to city of Salem, Tamil Nadu through Highway of 28 km. The temperature never rises above 29 °C (84 °F) or goes below 13 °C (55 °F). Coffee and citrus fruits, most notably oranges, are grown in abundance apart from bananas, pears and jackfruit. Scenically, Yercaud is as enchanting and picturesque as the hill stations on the Western ghats and trekking here can be one of the most pleasurable ways to pass time.

The total extent of Yercaud Taluk is 382.67 km2, including Reserve Forest. The entire County is administered as a Township. Yercaud also has a Village council.

Etymology

The town's name is derived from the lake located at its center – in Tamil Yeri means lake and Kaadu means forest. It is also explained as Seven Forest.

History

Stone-age implements have been found from the ancient shrine located near Shevaroy Hills ( also known as Shevarayan Hills ), which is about 5 km from the Yercaud lake.[3] Ancient History is relatively unknown and never explored. The first human settlement in the hills came from Kanchipuram, during the Telugu Kings capture the Tamil Thondai country. Tamil refugees from the plains migrated to hills and settled here.[4]

Sir Thomas Muroe, erstwhile governor of Madras Presidency in 1842 found this place. David CockBurn, the Scottish collector of Salem district, between 1820 & 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.[5] 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.

Geography

The range Yercaud situated is Archaeon plutonic rocks of charnokite series, and the these have weathered into the rugged masses of hills. There are three routes up to the hills, the Shevaroys range is covered with green grasses, and has not any considerable growth of forests. Bamboos are grown up to an altitude of 3,000 feet (910 m), and on the higher levels some teak, blackwood and sandalwood are seen. There are about 9,000 acres (36 km2) planted with coffee in the hills.There is a huge planted population of Silver Oak {Grevillea robusta}trees that are part of the coffee cultivation estates..

Climate

Climate data for Yercaud
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 30
(86)		 32
(90)		 34
(93)		 35
(95)		 34
(93)		 31
(88)		 31
(88)		 30
(86)		 33
(91)		 32
(90)		 31
(88)		 30
(86)		 32
(90)
Average high °C (°F) 22
(72)		 23
(73)		 24
(75)		 28
(82)		 27
(81)		 23
(73)		 20
(68)		 22
(72)		 22
(72)		 22
(72)		 23
(73)		 21
(70)		 23.1
(73.6)
Average low °C (°F) 12
(54)		 13
(55)		 15
(59)		 16
(61)		 16
(61)		 15
(59)		 14
(57)		 14
(57)		 14
(57)		 13
(55)		 12
(54)		 11
(52)		 13.8
(56.8)
Record low °C (°F) 4
(39)		 5
(41)		 6
(43)		 9
(48)		 10
(50)		 8
(46)		 9
(48)		 8
(46)		 5
(41)		 4
(39)		 6
(43)		 6
(43)		 4
(39)
Precipitation mm (inches) 61
(2.4)		 69
(2.72)		 61
(2.4)		 53
(2.09)		 66
(2.6)		 175
(6.89)		 424
(16.69)		 434
(17.09)		 160
(6.3)		 33
(1.3)		 13
(0.51)		 28
(1.1)		 1,577
(62.09)
Source: wunderground.com[6]

The climate of Yercaud is moderate. Winters are fairly mild, starting in September and ending in December. 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.

Flora and fauna

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. The Yercaud hills have many faunal and floral similarities to the Western Ghats. Coffee and citrus fruits, most notably oranges, are grown in abundance, as well as bananas, pears and jackfruit.

The local wildlife includes bison, deer, ant-eater, rabbits, hares, foxes, mongoose, squirrels, partridges, snakes, bulbuls, kites, sparrows, swallows and paradise flycatchers.

Economy

Tourism

Yercaud Lake Panorama

The major industry is tourism, eco tourism with resorts amid high trees and green coffee

  • 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.

  • The Grange: The Grange is one of the oldest buildings in Yercaud, built in 1820's by the then District] who first introduced coffee from Arabia and apples and other fruits from South Africa between 1820 and 1829. It is believed to have been the summer resort of Robert Clive, general of the East India Company in the late 19th century.
  • Pagoda Point: Another vantage view point; once adorned with stone built pagodas, it is now home to a large temple.
  • Silk Farm and Rose Garden: Situated very close to Lady's Seat, Silkworms are reared here. Located 2 km from Yercaud town, tourists can see the cultivation of mulberries, growing of silk worms, and methods of silk-spinning. The rose garden has a collection of varieties of roses. There is a nursery in this garden which sells plants.
  • Trekking in Yercaud: Yercaud has developed into a major trekking destination in the region. Many treks are organized here. Chennai Trekking Club organizes treks in Yercaud.
  • Fairholme Bungalow: Fairholme Bungalow is one of the old heritage colonial bungalows on Tipperary road. A Miss Pope sold it to the present owners, who converted it into a heritage hotel. It is furnished with antique furniture and fireplaces.
  • Heaven's Ledge: A Scenic west-facing cliff situated in Gowri Estate in Yercaud.It has been converted into a campsite to encourage sustainable tourism. It is 15 km away from the main town area.
  • Karadiyur View point : A wonderful Site seeing placed in yercaud about 12 km from the center of the town in a village Karadiyur.DD
  • Sri Lalitha Thripura Sundari Amman Temple: Situated at Nagalur 7 km from yercaud town. It is very important temple.

Agriculture

The other major source of income is agriculture, with coffee as the major crop. Coffee was first cultivated on the "Grange Estate" in 1820, when coffee plants were brought from Africa to Yercaud by Mr. M.D. Cockburn. Jackfruit, oranges, guava and spices such as black pepper and cardamom are other crops raised on the coffee estate. Sandalwood, teak and silver oak are abundant as well.

Demographies

Yercaud has population app. 40,000 people during the 2001 census period. Scheduled Tribal population of Yercaud is 24,449 people.[7] The majority of the population is Tribal people in Yercadu. The indigenous inhabitants of Yercaud is known as Malayalis (Hill men) or Vellalas. They are not aboriginal tribes, but migrated from Kanchipuram 500 years ago during the Muslim Dominations over Arcot region.[8]

The language spoken in Yercaud is Tamil and English.

The total density of the population is 102 people per km2. The increase of population at the rate of 20% and Yercaud being a Rural township it lacks any urban population. The literacy rate in Yercaud is 62% out of the total population.[7]

Festivals

Season Months
Peak Season March–June
Low Season Feb–March; July–September
Second Season October–February
[9]

Summer Festival is held during the middle of May, when the annual festival of Lord Servarayan, presiding deity of the Shevaroy Hills, takes place. There is a 7-day exhibition of flower shows, dog shows, boating races and a village fair.

Transportation

Yercaud is situated in Salem district, Tamil Nadu. The nearest city or town is Salem, 36 km away. Salem is located 355 km from Chennai, 195 km from Coimbatore and 236 km from Bangalore. The nearest airports are Salem Airport at a distance of 38 km, Trichy at a distance of 165 km and Coimbatore at a distance of 195 km. The nearest railway station is Salem – 38 km. If you would like to travel from Chennai by train, you can board the Yercaud Express.

Once you reach Salem, head to the Salem New bus stand. There are plenty of buses to Yercaud from here.

If you are driving to Yercaud, you must enter Salem in the by-pass road, drive towards 5 roads, take the Sarada College road and take a left at the Hasthampatty traffic signal. There are twenty hair-pin bends, some of them very narrow, so great caution is advised.

Accommodation

There are many hotels to stay in Yercaud, starting from ultra luxury to conservative budgeted ones. During peak season, it is advisable to make confirmed bookings prior to visiting this place.

Administration and Politics

The Shevaroys as per the local inhabitants consisted of Selanadu (Area south and east of the Shevaroyan Temple) Muttanadu (Land in and around the shevaroyan Temple) and Moganadu (area North of the Temple). In 1842, after the death of the Pattakarar (Tribal Chief) of the Shevaroys there was trouble between the various Malaiyalis. This struggle for succession finally resulted in the British bringing this area under their rule in 1842. The Grange Yercaud was built in the 1820s by M.D. Cockburn & after the Indian Mutiny in 1857, fearing trouble, The Grange, Yercaud was fortified & ramparts built to accommodate gun placements & canons were installed. An underground cellar to store food for over 6 months in the event of a siege was also built & stocked. All Europeans in the area were to assemble at the Grange in the event of an uprising.

Yercaud was a Sub-Taluk up to 14 October 1997. It became a Taluk on 15 October 1997. There are 67 Revenue villages which have been grouped into nine Tariffs for the sake of administration, and each Tariff has one village administrative officer. Yercaud Taluk is divided into three Firkas viz., Yercaud, Vellakkadai and Puthur.

Now, Yercaud has an assembly constituency (Scheduled Tribal Area) is part of Salem (Lok Sabha constituency).[10]

Education

  • Bhawani Memorial School[11] in Yercaud is supported by the registered Charity Bhawani Anantaraman Memorial Foundation.[12]
  • Montfort Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School is a residential institution with a glorious history dating back to 1 June 1917.
  • Nazareth Girls' Higher Secondary School, Yercaud

Gallery

  • Kiliyur waterfall near Yercaud

  • Rainbow near Pagoda point

  • View of Salem city at night

  • A quiet road in Yercaud

  • Yercaud Nature – Blue Sky,Yercaud

  • Yercaud Town view,Yercaud

  • Yercaud scenery

  • Yercaud Nature,Yercaud

  • Botanical Gardens, Yercaud

  • Sunset in, Yercaud

  • Yercaud View from Lady's Seat

  • Cloudy Yercaud, Yercaud

See also

Gokak

References

  1. ↑ Manual of the administration of the Madras presidency By Madras (India : Presidency)
  2. ↑ "Tamil Nadu Tourism : Homepage". Tamilnadutourism.org. Retrieved 2013-10-25. 
  3. ↑ "The Sunday Tribune – Spectrum – Travel". The Tribune. India. Retrieved 2 May 2012. 
  4. ↑ Southern India: its history, people, commerce, and industrial resources By Somerset Playne, J. W. Bond, Arnold Wright
  5. ↑ The magic mountains: hill stations and the British raj By Dane Keith Kennedy
  6. ↑ "Historical Weather for Delhi, India". Weather Underground. Retrieved 27 November 2008. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Microsoft Word – SHB001" (PDF). Retrieved 2 May 2012. 
  8. ↑ Gazetteer of South India By W. Francis
  9. ↑ "Google Image Result for http://www.placenspace.com/images/vancefox.jpg". Images.google.ca. Retrieved 2 May 2012. 
  10. ↑ "List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies". Tamil Nadu. Election Commission of India. Retrieved 9 October 2008. 
  11. ↑ "Bhawani Matriculation School". Bhawanischool.org. Retrieved 2013-10-25. 
  12. ↑ "Bhawani Anantaraman Memorial Foundation". Bamf.uottawa.ca. Retrieved 2013-10-25. 

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