Yercaud is a beautiful hill station located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. It is a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the tranquility of nature. The hill station is nestled in the Shevaroy Hills and is known for its coffee plantations, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather. In this article, we will take a comprehensive tour guide to Yercaud Hill Station, covering everything from its history to the top places to visit.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of Yercaud
- How to Reach Yercaud
- Best Time to Visit Yercaud
- Top Places to Visit in Yercaud
- Yercaud Lake
- Lady’s Seat
- Pagoda Point
- Killiyur Falls
- Shevaroy Temple
- Bear’s Cave
- Things to Do in Yercaud
- Boating
- Trekking
- Rock Climbing
- Bird Watching
- Visit Coffee Plantations
- Where to Stay in Yercaud
- Conclusion
- FAQs
History of Yercaud
Yercaud has a rich history dating back to the British colonial era. The hill station was discovered by a British collector named David Cockburn in the 19th century. The name Yercaud is derived from the Tamil words “yeri” and “kaadu,” which mean “lake” and “forest,” respectively. Yercaud was initially developed as a coffee plantation town, and it quickly gained popularity as a summer retreat for British officials.
How to Reach Yercaud
Yercaud is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu and the neighboring states. The nearest airport to Yercaud is the Salem Airport, which is located around 50 km away. The nearest railway station is Salem Junction, which is well-connected to Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, and other major cities. From Salem, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Yercaud.
Best Time to Visit Yercaud
The best time to visit Yercaud is between October and June when the weather is pleasant and the hill station is in full bloom. The monsoon season between July and September should be avoided due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
Top Places to Visit in Yercaud
Yercaud Lake
Yercaud Lake is a beautiful man-made lake located in the heart of the hill station. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular spot for boating and picnics.
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Lady’s Seat
Lady’s Seat is a viewpoint located on a rock formation that overlooks the beautiful Yercaud hills. It is a popular spot to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Pagoda Point
Pagoda Point is another viewpoint located on the eastern side of Yercaud hills. It is named after the four piles of stones that resemble a pagoda.
Killiyur Falls
Killiyur Falls is a scenic waterfall located in the Servaroyan Hills, around 3 km from Yercaud. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular spot for picnics and trekking.
Shevaroy Temple
Shevaroy Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shevaroyan, located at the highest point of Yercaud hills. The temple offers breathtaking views of the hill station and is a popular spot for devotees and tourists alike.
Bear’s Cave
Bear’s Cave is a natural cave formation located near the Norton Bungalow. The cave is believed to have been home to bears in ancient times and is now a popular spot for adventure enthusiasts.
Things to Do in Yerca
- Boating at Yercaud Lake Yercaud Lake is an artificial lake created in the early 19th century. Boating is one of the most popular activities to do here. One can take a pedal or rowboat and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake.
- Trekking in Yercaud For adventure enthusiasts, trekking is a must-do activity in Yercaud. There are various trekking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, that one can explore. Trekking to Shevaroy Hills is one of the popular options.
- Visit the Grange The Grange is a colonial mansion built in the 19th century by the British. It is now converted into a hotel and is a great place to stay in Yercaud. One can also visit the hotel and explore the history and architecture of the mansion.
- Explore the Local Markets Yercaud has a vibrant local market where one can shop for souvenirs, spices, and homemade chocolates. The market also has street food vendors serving delicious local delicacies.
- Attend the Summer Festival The Yercaud Summer Festival is a popular annual event that takes place in May. The festival includes various cultural programs, flower shows, and a dog show. It is a great way to experience the local culture and traditions.
- Visit Silk Farm Yercaud is known for its silk production, and one can visit the silk farm to witness the process of silk production, from cocoon to weaving. One can also buy silk products from the farm.
- Relax and Unwind Yercaud is a perfect destination to unwind and relax amidst nature. One can simply sit back, enjoy the scenic beauty of the hills, and indulge in some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
FAQs:
- What is the best time to visit Yercaud? The best time to visit Yercaud is from October to June when the weather is pleasant and conducive for outdoor activities.
- How can I reach Yercaud? Yercaud is well-connected by road and can be easily reached by bus or car. The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, which is about 190 km away.
- Are there any adventure activities in Yercaud? Yes, Yercaud offers various adventure activities such as trekking, boating, and rock climbing.
- Can I find vegetarian food options in Yercaud? Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian food options available in Yercaud, including local South Indian cuisine.
- What are the popular places to stay in Yercaud? Some popular places to stay in Yercaud are The Grange, GRT Nature Trails, Sterling Yercaud, and Grand Palace Hotel and Spa.
