Yercaud

Yercaud is easily India’s cheapest hill station destination. Make that lest expensive for so rich is Yercaud in its natural charm and its potential for bountiful discovery that to label it cheap would be truly insulting. It’s sometimes referred to as the poor man’s Ooty would be nearer the mark.
Yercaud is how the Brits got around the tongue – twister Yercaud Tamil for lake-forest. This little hill station lies in the Shevaroy hills, part of the eastern Ghats. Unlike the more lush western Ghats are generally dry and feature short and rocky hills and Yercaud is thus a wonderful aberration. Spread over just 383 sq km Yercaud is small enough not to tire you. And yet spread out in mysterious little ways to give you a sense of serenity. Less crowded than Ooty or Kodaikanal. Yercaud is where you go to when you simply to recollect along with the poet emotions in tranquility amidst sunflowers, dahlias and roses.

The main attraction is the Big Lake where much of the action takes place. But this being laid back Yercaud the action is decidedly low-key and restful. Like boating. You can hire 2 or 4 seater pedal boats and 4 seater rowboat. Near the lake is Anna Park with a well groomed garden. It’s crowed in may, when a weeklong summer festival takes place.

Big Lake, Small Boat

The main attraction is the Big Lake where much of the action takes place. But this being laid back Yercaud the action is decidedly low-key and restful. Like boating. You can hire 2 or 4 seater pedal boats and 4 seater rowboat. Near the lake is Anna Park with a well groomed garden. It’s crowed in may, when a weeklong summer festival takes place. But if you or your kids fancy flower shows. Dog fairs that’s a good time to go. Also cheek out the Small Lake, fed by seven wells, situated close to town. Shevaroy Temple And Bear’s Cave

Situated atop Servaroyan hill, the Shevaroy Temple is the highest point in Yercaud 5326 ft above sea level. The temple is dedicated to the local deity Servaran and his consort Kaveriamma. Local tribals celebrate their annual festival here each may. On the way to the temple near the Norton Bungalow ( one of the oldest in Yercaud ) is Bear’s Cave, believed to have been the entrance to an escape tunnel of a long gone raja. Today the cave is covered over with vegetation and rocks. Though it is on private property, the public can still visit it.

Killiyur Falls

This 300 ft high waterfall is situated amidst picturesque surrounding. The water comes via a stream all the way from the big lake.

Botanical Garden

The botanical garden is home to hundreds of plants including rarities like the pitcher plant. You will also find specimens of the famous Kurinji flower which blooms ones in kolkata and shillong. It house over a hundred species of orchids of which about 30 are exclusive. In fact it has an orchid or threefound nowhere else in the world. Plant-lovers Mustn’t give this a miss.

Fun For The Kids

Hotel Shevaroys has the Magic Mountain amusement park with games and joyrides for the kids. It’s open to all for a fee.

Where To Stay

Hotel Shevaroys

Phone No – 04281 – 222383 / 6.

Tariff – Rs 425 – 1225.

Sterling Days Inn Resort

Phone No – 04281 – 222700 / 706 / 708.

Tariff – Rs 1400 – 2150.

Green Fort Inn

Phone No – 04281 – 222767.

Tariff – Rs 600.

Hotel Shoba

Phone No – 04281 – 222409.

Tariff – Rs 250 – 600.

This beautiful hill station of Tamil Nadu has various interesting places for tourism purposes. Some of them are given here:

Yercaud Lake
This lake is centrally located and attracts large number of visitors. It is a cool clean sheet of water surrounded by well-decorated gardens and woods. Here, one can experience a charming boating in the chill water of the Yercaud Lake. It is an enchanting and refreshing experience.

Anna Park of Yercaud
This is a beautifully decorated garden near the Yercaud Lake. It is a dreamland of fragrance and colour with buzzing bees busily seeking honey in the flowers.

Lady`s Seat of Yercaud
This is situated on the winding Ghat road and is a spectacular viewpoint. From here, one can enjoy the panoramic view of the plains down the mountain. One can enjoy a breath taking and dizzy experience by looking down the steep gorge. During the night, Salem city looks like a far-off dream with the twinkling lights, which is an unforgettable spectacle. One can have the picturesque view of the valley below through a telescope from the Lady`s seat.

The Kulliar Falls of Yercaud
This is situated at 3000 ft high. This waterfall is situated among the sylvan surroundings. One can spend hours seeing the beautiful sight without any boredom.

Bear Cave of Yercaud
It is built of two huge boulders and is situated near Nation Bungalow, the oldest bungalow here.

Servaroyan Temple of Yercaud
This temple is situated at the top of the Shevaroys. This is said to be the third highest peak in the range. As no regular transport services are available to reach this place, one is needed to arrange special guide and vehicle to go there. The annual festival here is observed in the month of May and the entire hill tribes around come together to celebrate it.

Temples of Yercaud
The two renowned temples of Yercaud are the Servaroyan temple and Sri Rajarajeswari temple. The devotees from different parts of the state come here.

Churches of Yercaud
The Sacred Heart Church, the Retreat Church, St.Joseph`s Church, Holy Trinity Church, C.S.G. Church and Lutheran Church are the important churches of Yercaud. All these are worth visiting.

Mosque of Yercaud
The Yercaud Mosque attracts lots of people, especially on Fridays and during any religious celebration.

Other places of interest in Yercaud
Some other interesting places of Yercaud include the Ornamental Plants & Tree House, Orchard cum nursery of rose plants etc. Silk farm, Horticultural Research Station, Orchidorium, Mettur View, Cauvery Peak and Salem View are among other attractions of Yercaud.

Summer festival during middle of May attracts lots of tourists in Yercaud. The Pagoda Point, Prospect Point and Arthur`s Seat are the other interesting viewpoints to look in Yercaud.

Yercaud is known for Coffee Plantations and Orange Groves. The lofty hills of extraordinary scenic beauty is endowed with a salubrious climate. Yercaud Taluk is divided into 3 Firkas viz., Yercaud, Vellakkadai and Puthur. The highest point in Yercaud Taluk is Shevaroy Temple which is situated at a height of 5326'. Hence, Yercaud hill area is called "Shevaroyan Hills".

There is a long road going around the middle part of the Taluk connecting Nagalur, Semmanatham, Cauvery Peak, Vellakkadai, Manjakuttai villages and it is 35 kms in length. There is also a bus route from Salem to Yercaud via Ayothiyapattanam, Kuppanur and Kottachedu. State Transport Corporation, Salem and two private operations serve the travelling public. There are many villages connected by bus in Yercaud Taluk.

The main crop of this Taluk is Coffee. At first, Coffee was cultivated in "Grange Estate" in the year 1820. Coffee plant was brought from Africa to Yercaud. Jack Fruit, Berry, Orange, Guava and Spices like Pepper and Cardamom are the other crops raised in Coffee Estate. Sandalwood, Teak and Silver Oak are abundant.