Yercaud: A Biodiversity Journey Through the Shevaroy Hills

Perched in the expansive Shevaroy Hills in the northern part of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud in theEastern Ghats of southern India is a biodiversity hotspot and a treat for nature lovers. We decided on a road trip to Yercaud for our vacation,eager to explore its rich flora and fauna.

The journey to Yercaud was an adventure in itself. The narrow U-shaped roads winding throughthe hills added an element of excitement to our trip. As we ascended, the landscape transformed into a lush green paradise, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Yercaud is known for its exquisite greenery, with abundant flora and fauna. The region boasts trees like silver oaks, teak, red cedar, white cedar, sandalwood, and many spice trees. Notably, the Shevaroys bombax is unique to Yercaud and found nowhere else in the world. The hills are also home to over 60 species of lichens growing on the bark of silver oak trees and rocks.

Exploring the Town

As we entered the town, we encountered the main city bazaar lined around the big lake. Being an ardent fan of traditional and herbal products, I was excited to shop for fragrant spices, herbal oils, and creams. The nearby food stalls served mouth-watering fish fry from the freshwater lake. The big lake, also known as the Emerald Lake, is surrounded by hills and gardens, offering a serene environment.

The Orchidarium and Floral Wonders

Next, we visited the Yercaud Orchidarium, which houses a variety of orchids, some of them endangered. The orchidarium is a testament to the region’s commitment to preserving its unique flora. Yercaud is also known for Kurinji, a flower that blooms once every twelve years. Other flowering varieties include Lantana camara, Pentas, Passion flower, Bird of Paradise, Canna generalis, Red ginger lily, and Brugmansia versicolor.

Coffee Estate Adventure

The next day, we embarked on an off-roading jeep adventure to Tipperary Estate, a coffee plantation. The jeep took us through narrow unpaved roads, where we saw two types of coffee bean plantations—Arabica and Robusta—with intermittent black pepper plants growing on tall trees. The journey also took us to Bear Hills, from where we could get an awesome view of the Salem Valley, known for its iron ore mines.

Our jeep driver, who was also our guide for the day, handed us a large hammer and asked us to strike different rock boulders. It was astonishing to hear different metallic sounds owing to the percentage of iron content in the rocks.

Yercaud, with its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and unique experiences, offers a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Our trip was a memorable exploration of the Shevaroy Hills, leaving us with a deep appreciation for this hidden gem in southern India.

By- Huma Syed