Ancient history of the Yercaud Hills is relatively unexplored and unknown. David Cockburn, Scottish collector of the Salem district between 1820 and 1829 was called as ‘Father of Yercaud’ as he contributed a lot to the development of the area and also introduced the cultivation of coffee, pears and apple. Many convent schools were opened by the Christian missionaries here.

Geography

A small and quiet hill station of Salem district in Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is quiet an attraction for tourists visiting the state. It is located in the Shevaroy range of Hills on the Eastern Ghats and the area is popularly known as Shevaroy Hills. Being situated at a high altitude of 1515 meters above sea level and with a pleasant temperature throughout the year ranging from 13⁰C to 29⁰C, Yercaud is called a Jewel of the South. Abundance of vegetation includes coffee, citrus fruits like oranges (most notably), bananas, pears and jackfruit are grown here. The enchanting hills of Yercaud are one of the beat regions for trekkers.

Travel and Tourism

Orchidarium – Botanical Survey of India

A large area of 18.4 hectares housing 3000 trees and 1800 shrubs is one of the major attractions of Yercaud and is a treat for plant lovers. Insectivore’s Pitcher plant is grown in abundance here. A rare tree Shevaroy Bombax was found on one of the private estates was brought here and multiplied in great number. The garden is closed on Saturday, Sunday and on National Holidays.

Big Lake or Emerald Lake

The main and foremost attraction of the area is Emerald or Big Lake and is located just as one enters Yercaud. The lake is surrounded by beautiful greenery, natural shoals and hills adding a feel of peace and serenity to the soul. Boating is a favorite pastime on the lake. While boating, one get to see ‘Deer Park’, ‘Leisure Park’ and ‘Tamil Nadu Hotel’. Oldest Natural Shoals could be seen around the lake and government is taking measures to preserve this natural and oldest beauty. The lake is fully groomed and is full of greenery during the month of May when the summer festival is organized.

Ladies’ Seat, Gent’s Seat and Children’s Seat

The beautiful panoramic view of the Western Ghats with the vehicles passing in and out of the trees for all the couples, youngsters is worth watching and visiting. There is a natural rock formation in the form of a seat where it is said that a White English lady used to sit and spent her evenings in the beautiful lush green area. The view is even more magnificent and exotic during night as one get to see the twinkling lights of the town and the stars. Nothing could be more spectacular and beautiful, if you get the full moon sight.

Kiliyur Waterfalls

At a 3k.m. drive from the Yercaud Lake, is a breath-taking view of the beautiful waterfall from a height of 300 feet. The surplus water from the Yercaud Lake and other reaches from the hills fall into this waterfall and the view from both the top and bottom are heart-stopping. The path has now been constructed into an easy trek point including the 250 steps steel and concrete staircase. But, one should not take small kids and old people and take full precautions while trekking. During dry season, it is completely dry which too provides a beautiful view of the valley.

Pagoda Point

Lies on the eastern side of the lake is a point having 4 piles of random stones giving a formation of a ‘pagoda’ or pyramid. Today, there is Rama Temple lying between theses pagodas.

Bear’s Cave

Situated near the Norton Bungalow on the way to Shervaroyan Temple. There is a huge cave formation near the bungalow that was once a house of bears. This is a private property and the owner has made into a beautiful tourist spot and visitors must also notice to keep the area spic and clean.

The Shervaroyan Temple

Shervaroyan is a flat topped hill with a plateau. View of Yercaud and the surrounding areas is magnificent from the top. The temple is itself is a deep dark cave and is dedicated to Lord Shervaroyan Goddess Kaveri representing Shervaroyan Hills and river Kaveri. There is an annual festival celebrated by the tribal of the hills attracting huge crowd and tourism.

Other Tourist Attractions Include

Lake Forest, Montfort School, Sacred Heart Convent, The Retreat, Sri Raja Rajeshwari temple, Silk Farm, Ornamental plants at green house, horticulture research station and many other small destinations.

Yercaud is popular among tourists because of the many things one can do here. It has also developed as a tourist center that has led to a lot of development around the region. One can enjoy boating at the lake here and enjoy the scenic beauty of the orchids, hills and other vegetation all around. For those who are young and adventurous at heart, they can enjoy dirt biking, which is available close to the lake. This place also has a provision where young children can enjoy and experience dirt biking. A must visit for families or when you are with friends. Trekking points are available around everywhere in the vicinity, so you can take a leisurely walk here. This is also a wonderful place to shop for natural oils, perfumes, rich coffee powder and skin care products that are really effective and pure.

Yercaud lies close to Chennai because of which it is easily accessible. One can easily get here from other cities in the region such as Trichy, Bangaloreand Coimbatore. There are good roads connecting to Yercaud via Salem.