Yercaud, a perfect weekend getaway for nature lovers
If you are someone who loves the chilly weather and the forest canopy, then Yercaud in Tamil Nadu is the perfect place for your next trip. From Salem, it is just 36 kilo metres to reach Yercaud. The drive up the winding roads, which has 20 hairpin bends to cross, is a very fascinating one. You can also see a good number of fruit stalls on the way up the hill.
Yercaud town got its name from the Yercaud Lake located at its center. In Tamil, Yeri means lake and Kaadu means forest. Sir Thomas Munroe, erstwhile governor of Madras Presidency developed this place in 1842. David Cockburn, the Scottish collector of Salem district, between 1820 and 1829, who was fondly called the ‘Father of Yercaud’ as it was he who helped in the development of the resources of the Shevaroy and for introducing the cultivation of coffee, pears and apple.
Situated 4700 feet above the sea level, Yercaud is the perfect gateway for those who love a peaceful and chilly weekend. Here are some of the major tourist spots in Yercaud, which you can cover in 2 days’ time. The best time to visit Yercaud is from October to June.
The Servaroyan hill and temple
Located at the highest point of Yercaud, Servaroyan Temple is one of the best places to visit here. Built by the ancient tribes of Yercaud, the Servaroyan Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kaveri, and it offers a very good view of the Mettur Dam and the surrounding areas. It is believed that one can travel up to the origins of Cauvery river through the cave temple here. Stone-age implements have been found from this ancient shrine.
Yercaud Lake
Yercaud lake is just 5 kilometres away from the Shevaroy Hills and is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the hillstation. It provides stunning, panoramic views of the hills and lush green lawns and it also offers a wide range of activities, including boating. The eateries on the sides of the lake, offers some ethnic, real taste of Tamil Nadu.
Deer Park
The Deer park near the lake is a must visit place when you are in Yercaud especially if you are travelling with children. There are many activities like basketball, baseball, cricket, football and other exciting games for children here. The park which closes at 5 pm, is ideal for photography enthusiasts, nature and animal lovers.
Anna Park
Anna Park is located adjacent to the Yercaud Lake, which features a wide collection of natural plants and species that are found in the Eastern Ghats. The park offers a separate play area for children and is also the place where the Summer Festival is conducted every year during the month of May.
Botanical Garden/Orchidarium
Orchidarium features varieties of exotic and rare orchids and showcases around 250 different species of orchids; some of which has been declared as endangered by the Indian Horticulture Department. The spectacular ‘Insect Eating Pitcher’ plants and the ‘Neelakurinji’ plant those blooms once in twelve years are the pride of this orchid garden. Orchidarium also features several species of Rose, Sylvan and Bamboo plants.
Rose Garden
The Rose garden in Yercaud features different varieties of roses. The garden, maintained by Department of Horticulture, is a must-visit place in Yercaud. The roses on display are also available for sale.
Silk Farm
The Seri-Tourism center “Silk World” at the Silk farm in Yercaud offers all activities of Sericulture viz., Mulberry Cultivation, Silkworm Rearing, Silk Reeling, Silk Twisting and Silk Weaving. The silk farm depicts the history of silk producing in India with procuring the skills from the mainland of China.
Lady’s Seat
The Lady’s Seat is towards the west side of Yercaud and it offers panoramic views. Lady’s seat is a rock that was formed in the shape of seat, which provides incredible views of the surrounding areas. Lady’s Seat overlooks the serpentine ghat road and provides a breath taking view. The watchtower here offers panoramic view of the plains below and Mettur Dam on the Cauvery river, through the Telescope mounted at the watch tower.
Gent’s Seat and Children’s Seat
Gent’s Seat is a popular place to watch the sunset, offering views of the verdant valley whereas the Children’s Seat offers great views from the peek. It is a good place to spend time with family and friends. The place is very safe for children and is one of the best seats here.
Photo Courtesy: Ramesh Bhuvan
The next day can start with a drive on the 32-Km Loop Road to reach the Semmaduvu Sunrise Point. This Yercaud – Cauvery Peak Road through the thick bamboo forests and coffee plantations, offers the best views.
Pagoda Point
Pagoda Point offers panoramic view of Salem. The local tribes had built an arrangement of rocks in four Piles that look like a pyramid. This made the place to be also called as Pyramid Point.
Kottachedu
This is one of the never-to-miss places in Yercaud, which has a teak forest and also houses a variety of flora and fauna. You can spot deer, rabbits, squirrels, bison and foxes in this area.
Norton’s Bungalow and Bear’s Cave
Yercaud was the summer retreat to British officers in the past and one of those officers, Norton, built this beautiful European Bungalow in Yercaud, which is now a popular place of interest here. Entry to the property needs prior permission.
Located close to the Norton’s Bungalow, is the Bear’s Cave, which is believed to be created by the bears and the cave also served as a secret hideout and escape route to the mighty ruler Tipu Sultan.
Kiliyur waterfall
The 300 ft high Kiliyur waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Yercaud. Located in the Servaroyan hill range, the waterfalls can be reached only after a good trek. The falls is almost 3 kilometres away from the town and you have to trek for almost a kilometre to reach the foot of the falls. It is advisable to wear proper walking shoes to trek to the falls.
Accommodation
Yercaud has plenty of accommodation options. Some of the accommodation options are:
Summer House Resort Yercaud
Green Trail Yercaud by GRT Hotels
Wow Bison Woods
Grand Palace hotel and Spa
Sterling Yercaud- Resorts and Spa
The Brook- Reosrts and Spa
La Four Seasons
Kottai Ayurveda Resorts
Anjali Nivas Cottage
Yellow Lake Resorts & Spa
Summer House
Heavens Ledge- Campsite Yercaud
Green Gateway Camps, Yercaud
How to reach
The closest international airport is the Coimbatore Airport, which is located at a distance of 185 km. The nearest rail head is Salem Junction, which is 31 km from Yercaud. There are regular bus services between Salem and Yercaud.