This month, AutoCar (March ’09) decided to ride across Tamil Nadu into the sleepy town of Yercaud nestled in the Shevaroy hills. Yercaud gets its name from the lake at the centre of this quaint hill-station. Join Yeri (lake) with’kaadu’ meaning forests and one can get an idea of where we went.
As always, AutoCar advises city riders to set out early. This 360km ride from Chennai to Yercuad is a long one albeit enjoyable. The road is part of National Highway 45 and then cuts onto the Sate Highway at Tindivanam. The splendid coconut groves en route will tempt you to stop awhile to soak in the sights. This is real motorcycle country and the well-tarred stretch from Utangiri to Salem, is flanked by fields laden with sunflowers – allowing you to enjoy your ride even more.
The feel-good mood improves as you arrive at a small road leading off to the right, about seven kilometers before Salem and then soon moves up the Shevaroy hills. The mercury also dips the higher you go – Yercaud, located at 4,920 feet above sea level is blissfully cool all year round.
Yercaud town itself is beautiful and the hills are rich in flora and fauna and the wildlife here ranges from big bison, deer, foxes and hares and also a varied range of birds. One must also visit the Shevaroy Temple, dedicated to the God Servarayan and the Goddess Kaveri – which, at 5,326 feet, above sea level is Yercaud’s highest point. There are also a few places nearby like the Pagoda Point and Ladies Seat where if you reach early and there isn’t too much mist, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of salem town on one side and the valley on the other. That done, you could also head don to Yercaud lake which is surrounded by its fair share of shops selling coffee, spices, cloth and the like.
So that’s it. Yercaud – small, simple and likeable. The roads are brilliant, traffic is by no means unbearable and the town itself is a great place to unwind.
So when you’ve locked in on that holiday weekend coming up, point your bike’s handlebars to Yercaud. You’ll be happy you did. After all, where else can you get good roads, splendid nature and affordable hotels all in one package?
