Yercaud Trips - South India, Shervarayan Range

Home to thousands of green scientific species beside strange plants like the pitcher plant that a person from the plains is sure dying to see and learn about. It has a green house and a Orchidarium is also the home to the famous "Kurinji" flower. The speciality of this flower is that the tree blooms once in twelve years. I hope to let you know when the next favourable time will approach. As of now it will take a minimum of 6 years. National Orchidarium (2 Km from the lake) is India's third largest, ranking after the Orchidoriums of Calcutta and Shillong. The 20 year old center is delightful and has over 100 species of orchids, of which 30 are exclusive. Aneez ahmed ansari, manager of the botanical survey of India, Yercaud, says "vernonia Shevaroyan is available nowhere else in the world. The lady's slipper orchid paphiopedilum druryi is endangered, but grown here. They also have nepenthes khasiana, a pitcher plant that eats insects."

The botanical garden located 5 Km from Yercaud town run by the botanical survey of India showcases thousands of species of plants. A national Orchidarium, one of the only two national orchidoriums run by bsi (the other one being in Shillong, Megalaya) and a green house is also found in this garden. Kurinji flower, which blooms once in twelve years and is very famous along the western Ghats of south India, is found here. The 20 year old national Orchidarium has more than 100 species of orchids including rare varieties like the vernonia Shevaroyan and lady's slipper orchid etc. There is also a pitcher plant that eats insects and a peculiar rock known as 'bell rock' which makes a bell sound when you hit it with a stone. The garden is closed on weekends.

The Orchidarium at the beautifully maintained botanical gardens is a big favourite with gardening enthusiasts. The Kurinji flower which blooms every 12 years also grows here. Montfort school which was established in 1917 is worth a visit for its sprawling grounds, and the lovely chapel.