Yercaud is a hill station located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu. So it is visited by more and more people from all parts of Tamil Nadu and other nearby states. Tourists from abroad also visit Yercaud. It is located at an elevation of 4970 ft above sea level. Yercaud Taluk covers an area of about 382.67 sq. Km, including the Reserve Forest. The rest of the region welcomes everyone with its cool climate, including the mainly small and rocky hills of the Eastern Ghats. Coffee plantations abound here.
Orange orchards are also abundant in the area. Other important products of the region are spices such as banana, guava, jaggery and pepper. Yercaud is one of the fascinadoras hill stations located in the Western Ghats and is a popular trekking destination. It is also home to a wide variety of wildlife such as Bison, Deer, Rabbits, Hares, Foxes, Mongoose, Squirrels, Partridges, Snakes, Bulbuls, Kites, Sparrows, Swallows and the Bird of Paradise.
Summer Festival celebrated in Yercaud in the month of May is a special attraction. This festival is marked by a 7-day exhibition of flowers, dog shows, boating races, and a village fair etc....
1. Yercaud Lake
It is a beautiful lake surrounded by gardens and beautiful trees. Boating on the cool waters of the lake is fascinating and refreshing. Situated in the heart of Yercaud, this place is famous for its shops and restaurants that offer the true taste of Tamil Nadu. Travelers will have an incredible experience of gaining insight into the food and cuisine of Tamil Nadu and enjoying the delicacies prepared with exquisite spices. This lake is one of the most visited places in Yercaud. Visitors will have the opportunity to click photos in a suitable environment.
Location: Salem - Yercaud Ghat Road, Yercaud.
Timing: Open 24 hours
2. Lady's Seat
Tourists can enjoy a panoramic view of the plains below and the Mettur Dam on the Cauvery River through a telescope attached to the Lady's Seat Watch Tower. The ladies seat is a rock formed in the shape of a seat, which makes it feel comfortable. Offering incredible views of the surrounding clouds, fog and greenery, this ladys' seat was once a favorite resort of British women living in Yercaud.
With the arrival of evening, the beauty of this rock becomes incredibly great. The ladies' seat offers the most beautiful views of the sunset in the evening. The entire hill stations are drenched with the majestic rays of the sun, and the rock offers a panoramic view of the healthy change of atmosphere. The Watch Tower near Ladies Rock is one of the must visit places in Yercaud. The Watch Tower is an ideal destination for visitors to Ladies Rock.
Location: Lady's Seat Road, Yercaud
Timing: 7am–7pm
3. Pagoda Point
It is located on the eastern side of Yercaud, about 5 km from Lake Yercaud. The local tribes built an arrangement of rocks in four piles that looked like a pyramid. This led to the place being called the Pyramid Point. The Pagoda Point, which is rich in scenic and scenic views of the hill station, offers the widest view of Yercaud and its fascinating essence. The panoramic views of Salem, the cool breeze and the mystical atmosphere of Pagoda Point keep the visitors captivated.
Location: Yercaud hills, Yercaud, India
Timing: Open 24 Hrs
4. Anna Park
The park is maintained by the Department of Horticulture and is located near the lake. It has a diverse collection of flora and fauna found around the Chevrolet Hills. The annual flower show is a summer attraction in the month of May every year. An additional attraction of the park is the special Japanese park where you can find bonsai collections of Japanese horticulture style.
It is an ideal place to visit during the picnic trips to the highest points in Tamil Nadu. While the swings and slides in Anna Park entice children, the beautiful atmosphere of the park attracts other visitors to spend some of their fun moments in the park.
Location: Ondikadai, Salem - Yercaud Ghat Road, Yercaud
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 9:30am–6pm
5. Killiyur Falls
The waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Yercaud. This 3000 feet high waterfall is located at a distance of 3 km from the Yercaud Lake. The monsoon is a good time to visit this waterfall as the water level at the bottom of the falls rises, giving it an attractive and interesting view of the falls. Make sure you take a dip in the water for an unforgettable experience.
Situated in the Servaroyan Hills in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, this waterfall is accessible only through rugged and rural areas. On the way to the falls, visitors can visit other places and enjoy tourism and boating activities.
Location: Killiyur Road, Pattipadi, Tamil Nadu 636601
Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM
6. Orchidarium
This Orchidarium showcases around 250 different species of orchids. some of these orchids has been declared as endangered by the Indian Horticulture Department.
The spectacular 'Insect Eating Pitcher’ plants and Neelakurinji plants that bloom once in twelve years are the pride of this orchid garden. The orchidarium also has many species of plants such as rose, sylvan and bamboo. Within this garden, many prominent figures in the South Indian film industry were attracted to shoot their documentaries and films.
Location: Ondikadai, Salem - Yercaud Ghat Road, Yercaud
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 9am–5pm
7. Karadiyur View Point
This is one of the best places to visit in Yercaud and a feast for nature lovers. The point is located at an elevation of 2,000 meters above the ground and offers best views at the sunset and sunrise. From here you can see the Mettur Dam and the majestic views of the valley.
Location: Nagloor Kolakoor Road, Karadiyoor, Elavadi, Tamil Nadu 636602
Timings: Open 24 hours
8. The Grange
The Grange is one of the oldest buildings in Yercaud, Tamil Nadu. It is believed to have been the summer resort of Robert Clive, general of the East India Company in the late 19th century. The Grange was built in 1820s by Cockburn for the purpose of staying there on his visits to this place.
The Grange is located close to several plantation areas and has its own restaurant and boutique shop. The resort is one of the popular destinations for the thrill and excitement of ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) rides. The lush green coffee, pepper and orange cultivation fields add to the aromatic charm of the resort. Situated at an altitude of 1500 m above sea level, Grange is a popular holiday resort that offers a wide range of adventure and exploration activities to local and global travelers.
Location: Cock Burn Road, Five Roads, Yercaud.
9.Tipperary View Point
Drive along Tipperary Road and explore the southern tip of Yercaud. Along the way, you can see lush green forests and paths that delight your eyes. Here you can see white shining ivory rocks, formed by meteorite deposits. There are graphite rocks all over the area, and these two colored rocks make an amazing difference.
Location: Tipperary Road, Tipperary Estate, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu 63660
Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
10. Kottachedu Teak Forest
The Kottachedu Teak Forest is one of the must visit tourist places in Yercaud. The teak forest, rich in flora and fauna, takes you back to the past, explaining how people lived before all modern developments took place.
The flora and fauna of the Kottachedu teak forest include deer, ants, rabbits, antelopes, mongooses, wild buffalo, rabbits and foxes. The forest is also rich in birds and animals; Swallows, kites, paradise fly catchers and sparrows can be easily spotted in the forest. Most of the forests and flowers of Kotachet teak are related to the Western Ghats of India.
Location: Kannumuthal, Tamil Nadu 636602
Timing: Open 24 Hrs.
11. Bears Cave
The cave is believed to have been created by bears, and according to early humans in the area, the cave served as a secret hideout and escape route for the powerful ruler Tipu Sultan. Located near the Norton's Bungalow and on the way to the Murugan Temple, the Bear Cave is one of the major tourist attractions of Yercaud. Although fallen rocks also hinder cave exploration, explorers can choose to remove the rocks and continue their exploration. 60 feet of the cave can be explored without a hitch.
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Location: Private coffee estate near the Norton Bungalow.
Timing: Open 24 Hrs
12. Silk Farm and Rose Garden
This tourist spot in Yercaud is a sight to behold that warms the mind. Located two kilometres off Yercaud. It is a family travel destination and one of the best honeymoon destinations in India where couples and families can learn more about the skills and techniques of silk making in India.
The skill of raising silkworms and producing silk from cocoons is one of the traditional arts of Yercaud and the silk farmers in the area have successfully incorporated this art and culture. Silk Farm also traces the history of the beginning of silk production in India with the acquisition of skills from the mainland of China.
On the other hand, the colorful Rose Garden in Yercaud will amaze your visit to Yercaud. The variety of queen of flowers, their fragrant delight and the breathtaking views of the garden are a perfect delight for the visitors. This garden is one of the most beautiful places for experts and those who are interested in horticulture.
Location: Yercaud, Tamilnadu, India
Timing: All days of the week: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
13. Deer Park
The park is a beautiful picnic spot where travellers can enjoy the enchanting views of the hills, while kids can explore different activities such as basketball, baseball, cricket, football and other related games. The park has lush green playgrounds wherein the visitors can enjoy pleasant views of the valley and can get engulfed within the beauty of nature.
Surrounded by nature, this place is one of the photographers' paradises. Whether someone is a good photographer or not, it will inspire them to immerse themselves in the magnificent photography of the park.
Situated at a distance of 227 km from Bangalore, Yercaud is a popular destination for wildlife and photography enthusiasts in Bangalore. Evenings are the best times to visit these places. Lady’s Rock and the Yercaud Lake are the nearby places that can be easily reached from the park.
This park is a must visit place for all nature lovers and animal lovers as well as those who have children in their family especially children who are passionate about animals.
Location: Lady's Seat Road, Yercaud
Timing: Monday to Sunday :9am–5pm
14. Shevaroy Hills
Shevaroy Hills are a popular tourist spot in the region. Yercaud is located at an elevation of 1620 m near Salem District in Tamil Nadu. Proud of majestic views of lush green meadows, tall trees, dense forests and mighty hills, these hills were formerly known as the Servarayan Hills, which later became known as the Shevaroy.
Spread over an area of 400 square kilometers with plateaus and hills, the Chevrolet Hills are the highest peak in the southern part of the Eastern Ghats and is also known as the Solykaradu Peak. The area is known for its extensive coffee plantations and estates, which attract a large number of tourists to the area. You can enjoy trekking and hiking with friends and take a variety of photos of yourself here.
15. The Servaroyan Temple
The Servaroyan Temple is one of the best places to visit in Yercaud. Located at the highest point of this hill station. The Servaroyan Temple, built by the ancient tribes of Yercaud, is dedicated to Goddess Cauvery. It is the most beautiful place of serenity, devotion and interest that instantly fills your heart with fascinating structures of historical and religious significance.
The temple is located at the highest point of the Servaroian Mountains and offers a beautiful view of the Mettur Dam. The mist and fog are a boon to the area and they enhance the beauty of the temple and its surroundings. Explorers must trek to reach Yercaud to uncover the mysteries of the hills. The path to this Servaroyan temple is amazing and very attractive.
Location: Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, 636602
Timing: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
16. Norton’s Bungalow
The bungalow is a private property that doesn’t offer access without prior permission. Before visiting this historic bungalow, it would be a good idea to make sure that you have the necessary permission to visit the site.
For a long time, Yercaud served as a summer resort for British officers and commanders living in India. Year after year, they visit this place to enjoy a beautiful holiday that beats the scorching heat of the Indian summer. One of those officers, Norton, a powerful criminal lawyer in Chennai, built a beautiful European bungalow, now a popular site in Yercaud.
Location: Tipperary Road, (Behind Montfort School), Yercaud.
How to Reach
By Bus: Frequent Bus Services are available from Salem Junction and Salem Bus Terminus to Yercaud. Few Bus Services from Salem pass through and halt at Cauvery Peak, Valavanthi, Nagalur, Vellakkadai, Swinton Bridge to supplement the non availability of Town Bus Services within Yercaud.
By Train: Salem Junction is the nearest Rail Head . All south, North bound trains pass through Salem and Halts here. Salem Rail Junction is well connected to Trivandrum, Cochin and Mangalore too.
By Taxi: Private taxis are available for hire.
By Air: Salem [38Km], Tiruchirapalli [165Km] and Coimbatore [195Km] are the nearest Airports.
