Like many places in India, Yercaud, a small town in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is steeped in rich history. The town lies at the foothills of the Shervaroy Hills and is perched at an elevation of 1515 meters (4970 feet) above sea level. Being high up in the hill makes Yercaud a ‘hill station’, a term designated by the colonial British that denotes a city that is higher in elevation is cooler than in the valleys. The British would often come to this hill station to escape the heat. For Yercaud, the surroundings are quite unique for its location, with large lakes, green pastures, and large cliffs that make the city absolutely beautiful. This city is quickly becoming a tourism hot spot, thanks to its old-world charm and abundant natural beauty. So, if you are thinking of visiting this former English colony, here are the best things to do in Yercaud, Tamil Nadu.
1. Escape to nature in Deer Park
Escape to the serene Deer Park in Yercaud, where you can admire the picturesque surroundings of Emerald Lake. Not only will you be greeted by graceful deer, but you’ll also get to see an array of charming creatures such as peacocks, guinea pigs, rabbits, and ducks. Let your little ones enjoy the swings within the garden area while you unwind. Additionally, a boat ride on the nearby lake is a must-do activity to make the most of your time here.
Deer Park
Address: Lady’s seat road, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu 636601
Opening hours: Mon: 9am - 5pm; Wed - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Tue)
2. Stunning views and serenity at Pagoda Point
Pagoda Point, located in the eastern part of the Yercaud Hills, is a must-visit destination for travelers. This spot boasts a viewpoint that provides a stunning panoramic view of the entire town of Salem. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of the twisting hairpin bends of Yercaud as they curve around the hills. The site is named after the mysterious piles of stones arranged in a pyramid shape that resembles a Pagoda.
The area also features a temple devoted to Lord Rama. The location’s natural beauty and scenery of the Eastern Ghats, with its greenery growing amid the rugged hills, are breathtaking. The sunrise and sunset views from this point are particularly lovely, and visitors can also enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of a lit-up Salem during late evenings.
Pagoda Point
Address: Yercaud Talai cholai, Salem, Tamil Nadu 636601
Opening hours: 5:30am - 6:30pm (daily)
3. Get some amazing views at Tipperary View Point
Tipperary View Point offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The views from the Tipperary View Point are probably some of the best in the area, with twinkling little city lights below in the evening and green rolling hills in the afternoons. The area is a popular scenic spot for tourists and locals alike, and many local landmarks can be seen from the here, including Salem and Elephant Tooth Rocks
Tipperary View Point
Address: Tipperary Road,, Tipperary Estate, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu 636601, India
Website: Tipperary View Point
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Enjoy the scenery from Lady's Seat
Lady’s Seat is another great place to check out if you ’re into taking in beautiful views of the surrounding area. The Lady’s Seat is located on top of a rocky mountain and the natural formation of rocks on top of the mountain makes it look like a seat, hence the name. The views here are stunning and there is a telescope for looking out, but just make sure to not look down, because the sight of the jagged rocks under you, might be a little nerve-wracking.
Lady's Seat
Address: Yercaud, Tamil Nadu 636601, India
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 7am - 7pm; Tue - Wed: 7am - 4:30pm
Price: Free
5. Marvel at the beauty of Kiliyur Falls
Fed by Yercaud Lake, the Kiliyur Falls plunges from a height of 91 meters (300 feet) into the Kiliyur Valley. It is located in the Servarayan hills, and you have to walk 200-odd steps to reach this falls. During the monsoon months, the waterfall overflows and that is supposedly the best time to visit as the water will be overflowing and the more powerful strength of the falls makes it quite a sight to behold.
Kiliyur Falls
Address: Killiyur Road, Pattipadi, Tamil Nadu 636601, India
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Spend a day at the Emerald Lake
When you’re visiting Yercaud, it’s unlikely that you’ll miss Emerald Lake. Also known as the Big Lake, it is essentially the centrepiece of the city, with several hotels, restaurants and shops located nearby. Surrounded by the lush hills, this human-made lake is a great place for hanging out on a warm summer day. Spend a day here cooling off in the water, or you can even take a boat ride around the lake and soak in the picturesque beauty.
Emerald Lake
Address: Emerald Lake, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, India
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Trek along 32-km Loop Road
After spending your afternoon at the lake why not explore Yercaud’s other local places of interest. The stretch of the road known as the 32-km Loop Road will take you through the hills of Yercaud and past the local farms and agricultural spots, so you can get a real view of what Yercaud is like for the locals. Travel through some local villages and indulge in local fare (the coffee is really good!) or simply take in the lush greenery that covers the path.
32-km Loop Road
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Spend a day at Eco Tourism Park
Eco-Tourism Park is located by the beautiful Yercaud lake. The park is a perfect destination for those looking to spend some time by the water. You can have a picnic here, go boating, spot animals and birds like deer, duck, and more, as well as explore some cool landmarks nearby, like Bear’s Cave and Norton Bungalow.
Eco Tourism Park
Address: Lady’s seat road, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu 636601, India
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 9am - 5pm (closed on Tue)
Price: Free
9. Visit Shevaroy Temple
Shevaroy Temple is the highest point in Yercaud, nestled at 5326 feet (1623 m) above sea-level. The place is very picturesque and frequented by visitors daily, but be aware that it is a temple and is important for the locals, so make sure to dress a little modestly while visiting. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Servarayan, who is believed to protect the people in all the villages of Yercaud. Entrance to the temple is free, but visitors may wish to make a donation if they choose and guides are available for tours around the grounds, as well.
Shevaroy Temple
Address: Yercaud, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu 636602, India
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free
10. Be at one with nature at Botanical Garden
The local Botanical Garden has been around since 1963 and is maintained by the Southern Circle of Botanical Survey of India. The space is absolutely massive with tons of flowers and shrubs, totaling over 4000 different species. You can quite literally spend your entire day here and still not get to see everything there is on the premises. Some plants and flowers blossom during different times of the year, so there’s always value in coming back and seeing what’s new and blooming.
Botanical Garden
Address: 30/68, Ondikadai, Salem - Yercaud Ghat Road, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu 636601, India
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
11. Taste and learn about coffee production at the Cauvery Peak Coffee Estate
Coffee and the history of Yercaud go hand in hand. Coffee and apples were brought to the region by the British, to see if they can be planted here, and after a while coffee planting became the hottest crop in Yercaud. Since 1820, coffee plantations have thrived here and Cauvery Peak Coffee Estate is one of the most popular. The first Indian coffee planter here was a Mr. MSP Rajes, whose descendants still manage the plantation. Learn about coffee production and of course, taste some deliciously fresh brewed coffee.
Cauvery Peak
Address: Cauvery Peak EstateYercaud, Tamil Nadu 636602
Website: Cauvery Peak
Opening hours: 8am - 3:30pm (daily)
12. Learn the process of making silk at Yercaud Rose Garden and Silk Farm
The process of making silk is an ancient art that has been for thousands of years. It has always been a major economic component of the area. With beautiful, inspiring art and intricate designs on a variety of products, learning the ancient art of silk-making at the Yercaud Rose Garden and Silk Farm, is a great way to spend a day in Yercaud.
Silk Farm and Rose Garden
Address: Yercaud, Tamil Nadu 636601, India
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Explore Yercaud
Yercaud is a beautiful place that is in its own way a very unique small part of India. The region is small and less densely populated than the major cities, with plenty of green spaces and natural beauty that surrounds the area. The city has become a recent popular tourist destination and now many people are heading to Yercaud to see for themselves what makes it so special.
History
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